Forget Brat summer, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s ‘Brit Summer’ is the one we really, really want

What's better than enjoying the scent of fresh flowers in the summer sunshine - and in a floral tea-dress no less? The Duchess of Edinburgh showed us how it's done when she attended the Hampton Court Garden Festival to explore the displays.

Royal Ascot is a staple of the royals' annual calendar, and The Duchess attended multiple days at the races this year. This time, she packed a punch in a bold dress with vibrant pink accents and a modern floral print. (It appears to be a custom version of the Suzannah London 'Trixie' silk dress, in case you were wondering).

Who doesn't love a summer tipple? The Duchess encouraged Prince William to drink up during a trip to a country fair, where locally made alcohol including cider was available for sampling. Don't mind if we do.

On the first day of Royal Ascot, Sophie spent time laughing and joking around with her friend Fiona Howden. The day was The Duchess' 26th wedding anniversary, so she was also joined by Prince Edward - and her white dress gave a nod to the occasion.

Sophie chose a billowing maxi dress with a watercolour-style floral print - and the pièce de résistance was a bunch of sunflowers. Plus, her Zimmermann dress is currently on sale...

'Ice cream colours were everywhere in the spring/summer collections, from gorgeous pistachios to butter yellows and cotton candy pinks,’ says shopping editor Alison Lynch. And Sophie and Kate presented the perfect 'strawberries and cream' combination at the Order of the Garter this year.

In a scene which could have been straight out of a classic novel, the Duchess rode in a horse-drawn cart wearing a straw hat tied with a ribbon. The ride took place during her visit to this year's Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Sophie was invited to the Central School of Ballet where she toured The Countess of Wessex Studios, named in honour of her former title. She met with staff and dancers as they prepared for the summer show - but swapped ballet slippers for a pair of espadrille wedges.

Take this as your sign to explore a farm this summer wearing your best tweed jacket. Sophie did just that at the the Royal Cornwall Showground and was able to get up close and personal with some of the animals.

Could there be anything more British than a day out with broadcaster and gardening aficionado Alan Titchmarsh? Sophie joined the presenter at the Royal Windsor Flower Show.

Nothing says summer quite like that first lick of ice cream. Take a leaf out of Sophie's book and enjoy a soft serve with oversized sunnies - it's a Brit Summer, after all.