The Duchess of Edinburgh may have made a subtle dig at Meghan Markle during her birthday photoshoot.
Photographer Christina Ebenezer has shared a previously unseen photograph from Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s 60th birthday portrait session, offering a candid glimpse of the royal.
The image, posted to Instagram on the duchess’s birthday, captures an intimate moment from the January photoshoot at Bagshot Park, where Sophie lives with her husband Prince Edward.
The portrait session, which featured multiple outfit changes, was conducted in a relaxed atmosphere at the duchess’s home.
Duchess of Edinburgh’s ‘subtle dig at Meghan Markle’ during birthday photoshoot
Christina Ebenezer / Getty
In the newly released image, Sophie appeared to be stifling a laugh whilst leaning in a doorway, wearing a burgundy jumper from Reiss paired with brown patterned Victoria Beckham trousers.
The trousers, which retail for £573, may have been a subtle dig at Meghan Markle amid the Duchess of Sussex’s reported feud with the fashion designer.
The feud dates back to the Sussexes’ 2018 wedding when the Beckhams were invited to the ceremony, but not the evening reception.
David Beckham has since been photographed several times with King Charles and Prince William, and the footballer and his wife were even invited to a State Banquet last November.
A photographer has released an unseen picture of Sophie
Christina Ebenezer
The Duchess of Edinburgh completed her look with gold statement earrings, creating a third distinct outfit from the portrait session.
“We had a very relaxed day taking these at her home — her and the team created a very welcoming atmosphere,” Ebenezer wrote on social media.
The collaboration came about after Sophie admired Ebenezer’s portraits of actors Letitia Wright and Michaela Coel at the National Portrait Gallery.
The duchess specifically sought out Ebenezer’s distinctive style of photography, with an interest in supporting an emerging female photographer.
This official photograph of the Duchess of Edinburgh was released ahead of her 60th birthday celebrations
Christina Ebenezer
“After admiring two portraits I photographed of Letitia Wright Michaela Coel at the National Portrait Gallery, The Duchess wanted to collaborate and be captured in a different light for this new chapter of life,” Ebenezer explained.
Ebenezer, who was born in Nigeria and is now based in London, has earned significant recognition in her field.
She has been celebrated as a British Fashion Council New Wave Creative and named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Arts & Culture Leaders.
Her portraits of Wright and Coel were unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in partnership with Chanel in January 2024.
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The photographer reflected on the royal commission, writing that “God’s favour on my life has been nothing short of a testimony.”
The official birthday portraits, released by King Charles and Queen Camilla’s office, showed Sophie in two additional outfits – a black top with a white pleated skirt, and a white coat over a brown turtleneck.
The Palace noted Sophie’s renewed commitment to gender equality work as she enters her seventh decade.
The duchess, who serves as patron of over 70 charities, focuses on advocating for women and girls affected by conflict, eliminating avoidable blindness, and supporting people with disabilities.
