Sophie, Countess of Wessex’s funeral outfit featured a subtle tribute to the Queen
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was filled with tributes to her life and 70-year reign. From guests in pearl jewellery to her famous headscarf placed on one of her favourite horses, small details were everywhere. And one even more subtle tribute came in the form of Sophie, Countess of Wessex’s dress.
Sophie, 57, joined her husband Prince Edward and senior members of the Royal Family for the state funeral service at Westminster Abbey on Monday and then the committal at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle later the same day.
The mother-of-two opted for a black Italian wool and silk satin coat for the sombre occasion, as is customary in times of mourning. She wore her hair in a low chignon, to allow space for her Jane Taylor London hat and pearl and diamond drop earrings to stand out.
Pearls have long been associated with ‘mourning jewellery’ and the tradition in the Royal Family dates back to Queen Victoria’s reign. But it was the intricate features in Sophie’s coat dress that showed even more thoughtful attention to detail.
Read more: The significance behind Kate's pearl necklace at the Queen's funeral
The elegant mid-length coat dress, crafted by designer Suzannah London, featured a mandarin collar and three-quarter-length sleeves, and was embroidered with an intricate floral design.
But the British designer revealed that the floral embroidery was actually a touching tribute to the Queen.
Posting behind-the-scenes photos to Instagram, the brand revealed that the coat was embroidered with the Queen's favourite flowers, including significant blooms from her wedding bouquet from her 1947 nuptials to Prince Phillip.
Read more: Meghan honours Queen at her funeral with earrings gifted by late monarch
The brand said it was an “absolute honour and privilege” to create the design, which featured Lily of the Valley, the Queen’s favourite flower.
Suzannah London worked with Jenny King Embroidery to create the bespoke piece.
Read more: Why the Royal Family wears pearls in times of mourning
“An absolute honour and privilege to be given this opportunity to be a small part of modern history yesterday,” Suzannah London wrote on Instagram.
“Thank you to our dedicated team and all at @jennykingembroidery to enable the making of this beautiful coat dress design for HRH Countess of Wessex [sic].”
“Many beautiful panels of Italian wool and silk satin were embroidered as a tribute with Lily of the Valley - Her Majesty’s favourite flowers, intertwined with florals from her wedding bouquet.”
Tributes to the Queen’s wedding bouquet, which featured rosemary, English oak, and myrtle, were also present in the wreath atop the Queen’s coffin, per King Charles III 's request.
Watch: Countess of Wessex praised for keeping her family 'strong' during Queen Elizabeth's funeral
