The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are making a four-day official visit to Japan from September 19 to 22, 2025. On Friday, September 19, 2025, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh for tea at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. On this occasion, the Duchess of Edinburgh wore the 'Maude' blue multi-printed pleated silk twill shirtdress by Gabriela Hearst.
Gabriela Hearst Maude Pleated Midi Shirtdress
I think I will simply skip her appearances ... such a lovely person but in my eyes, her sartorial choices are really poor. Shirt dress after shirt dress, which is nice for all those who love shirt dresses and nice for many occasions, but here it is too casual, not elegant enough. Same applies for: print after print ... inadequate for meeting the Imperial family.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Very inadequate.
DeleteMy guess is that the collar on a shirt dress balances out her figure. But yes, there are other options as well.
DeleteDear 18:53, I disagree that this dress is too casual. It’s a USD3000+ dress in silk with custom artwork on the lower part. It is silk and conservative which is apt for a Japanese visit, in a colour which is really fantastic for Sophie, and it is also in keeping with the wearer’s own fashion preferences which is a very important criteria for whatever we wear except when in regulated uniform. I find it wonderfully elegant and not at all casual.
DeleteThat is a very deep curtsy from Duchess of Edinburgh. I'm not complaining though. And her dress is lovely - the flowers pair very nicely with the blue of he dress. I wish we had more details on the Empress' outfit, I particularly would have loved to see the interesting design of the sleeves of that jacket. She looks lovely too.
ReplyDeleteT
Curtsy for the Emperor but no curtsy for the Empress!
DeleteBeautiful outfit on Empress Masako. The long coat is the best part.
ReplyDeleteSophie's dress is nice too. I like that shade of blue. The fabric print with the boughs and white blossoms looks fittingly Japanese.
- Anon 9:13
I agree, a lovely choice by the Duchess. MR
DeleteKaiserin Masako sieht so erfreut und jung aus, die Jacke ist einzigartig schön. Herzogin Sophie trifft mit diesem Kleid ein mal mehr den Punkt. Kostbare Seide eine Farbe die nicht schöner für sie sein könnte. Das Muster harmonisch und alles weitere machen sie mit Ausstrahlung und sicher freundlichen Gesprächen. Alles wunderbar ; ) - Dorothe -
ReplyDeleteSophie’s dress is a beautiful color,and the design is thoughtful. But the length takes away from that. It looks like an evening gown. I don’t think Sophie travels with a hairdresser,hence the muddled have up half down. Disappointing when she’s on the world stage representing the King and the UK!
ReplyDeleteEmpress Masako on the other hand,looks so well put together in comparison. Beautiful tailored coat suit. Her hair nicely styled . She really is such an elegant and graceful lady. Sophie could do with taking a few notes!
Lowri.
I don’t see what you see Lowri … I think her hair is very neat and there’s no problem with such a beautiful, warm person representing our country abroad! I love that she doesn’t spend the extra money on travelling with a hairdresser, which is a bit of a crazy idea really … paying for someone to travel overseas to brush your hair? … he he just bring your own hairbrush! Sophie dresses with thoughtfulness, and above all, turns up with genuine interest in her hosts and causes. We are very proud! I love this stunning blue silk painted dress!
DeleteEmpress Masako very elegant as always. Dss Sophies dress is nice but not stylish enough for this occasion.
ReplyDeletecss
Sophie’s dress is a good color for her, and floral pattern reminds me of cherry blossoms.
ReplyDelete-Royal Watcher
The Empress looks beautiful in this longer style jacket, love this look. Her under dress looks equally good, great length. Sophie looks wonderful in this color blue. I love the sleeves of this dress, the skirt has nice movement. The Duke looks great. They are both marvelous representatives of the Monarchy. I am very much a fan of the work they both do, mostly under the radar with little to no fanfare. Edward reminds me so much of his father here. Sophie very respectful of the Empress, a graceful deep curtsy. This will be great to monitor and see what the royal couple do and visit.
ReplyDelete皇后陛下のシャンパンカラーの真珠のイヤリングが素敵です。
ReplyDeleteソフィー妃のパフスリーブはギャザーを使わずに立体的に仕立てられていますね。
花の模様からも日本的な雰囲気を感じます。
この懇談には愛子さまも加わったそうですが、彼女はどんなドレスだったのでしょうね。
Sophie's dress is lovely--the fabric brings to mind Japanese patterns. The color is beautiful too. Empress Masako looks so very elegant--what a beautiful suit. I would love to see greater details of Masako's outfit. The first picture is so touching--Masako looks so happy and excited to receive the Edinburghs. I recall how for years she suffered so greatly that she rarely left Japan or met other royals. It is so marvelous to see her blossom and regain her self-worth or confidence--becoming an admirable Empress of Japan.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Duchess Sophie's dress is made of a beautiful fabric in a beautiful color and print. However as usual it is too long and the sleeves should be replaced by thighter ones. Her hair should be done by a hairstylist. Too casual for a meeting with the emperor and empress. I think her shoes must be rather old. Slingback shoes are fashion, but they have another shape than those she is wearing here. The front part of the shoe is too long.
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