Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, continues her official visit in Japan and was spotted in one of her most-worn fashion favourites – her white Ralph Lauren jacket. The ‘wear-it-anywhere’ jacket is a staple of the Duchess’ public engagements, as it works seamlessly with a range of looks.

It's also no secret that Sophie favours a long sleeve midi dress, and she paired her jacket with a Weekend by Max Mara green silk number (sold out) for a trip to Koyasan; ‘a temple town which is one of the most spiritually significant sites in Japan’. When it came to her shoes, Sophie leaned on another favourite repeat wear – the Castañer espadrille wedges both she and the Princess of Wales have been spotted in on multiple occasions.

However, Sophie swapped her espadrilles for bare feet while receiving a tour of some of the town’s sacred sights. She stood without her shoes alongside her husband, Prince Edward (who had also eschewed his shoes for a pair of socks) to respect local custom.

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‘Their Royal Highnesses were shown around sacred sites by children from Koyasan, who are learning English through an innovative British Council programme that helps this historic town welcome international visitors while preserving its traditions,’ explained the Royal Family in an instagram post. ‘For over 1,200 years Koyasan has flourished as an active monastic site that serves as the centre of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.’

During their Japan trip so far, the royal couple have also been introduced to members of the Japanese royal family, meeting Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino. On the first day of their visit (19 September), there was another familiar face we hadn’t expected her to be introduced to – a life-sized Hello Kitty. Most people will recognise the character who has appeared in and on everything from cartoons to pencil cases and is originally from Japan.

london, united kingdom september 16: (embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 24 hours after create date and time) catherine, princess of wales and sophie, duchess of edinburgh attend katharine, duchess of kents requiem mass service at westminster cathedral on september 16, 2025 in london, england. katharine, duchess of kent was married to prince edward, duke of kent, a first cousin of queen elizabeth ii. she died on september 4 at the age of 92 at kensington palace surrounded by her family. having converted to catholicism in 1994, her funeral takes place at westminster cathedral and is the first catholic funeral to be held for a member of the royal family in modern british history. her royal highness will be laid to rest at the royal burial ground at frogmore, windsor. (photo by max mumby/indigo/getty images)
Max Mumby/Indigo
The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh at the funeral service of Katharine, Duchess of Kent.

It’s been a busy month for the Royal Family, from the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, to the US state visit. The latter saw The King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales welcome President Trump and First Lady Melania to the UK with a number of events and engagements, including a state banquet at Windsor Castle.