NEED TO KNOW
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Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, stepped out in a forest green suit by Victoria Beckham during a Jan. 28 visit to the University of Surrey
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The appearance came days after public attention intensified around tensions within the Beckham family
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The Beckhams maintain close ties to the royal family, including David Beckham’s recent knighthood
A senior working member of the British royal family made a pointed fashion statement this week — stepping out in a look by Victoria Beckham amid fresh public scrutiny surrounding the Beckham family.
On Jan. 28, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh wore a forest green suit from Beckham’s fashion label during an official visit to the University of Surrey. The tailored ensemble was paired with an orchid silk blouse, a coordinating green handbag and tan suede pumps.
Sophie attended the engagement alongside Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, highlighting the university’s multidisciplinary work across medicine and engineering. But the outfit choice — made just days after tensions within the Beckham family spilled into public view — did not go unnoticed.
Royal wardrobes are rarely accidental, with working royals keenly aware that clothing can quietly convey meaning. Sophie’s appearance in a Victoria Beckham design landed at a delicate moment for the former Spice Girl and her family, who maintain longstanding ties to the monarchy.
Victoria’s husband, David Beckham, is an ambassador for The King’s Foundation and was formally knighted as Sir David Beckham by King Charles at Windsor Castle in November 2025 for services to sport and charity.
Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh at the University of Surrey on Jan. 28, 2026.
Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty
Sophie’s sartorial nod came a week after the Beckhams’ eldest son, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, shared an extensive personal statement on Instagram, alleging longstanding tensions with his parents and claiming he felt unsupported in his marriage to Nicola Peltz Beckham.
Sources previously told PEOPLE that David and Victoria were stunned and saddened by Brooklyn’s remarks but remain hopeful for reconciliation. “They would take him back in a minute,” one insider said.
Whether Sophie’s Victoria Beckham suit was intended as a gesture of solidarity or simply a polished workwear choice, the timing made it an unmistakable moment. The Duchess of Edinburgh, 61, is a key working royal whose engagements span the U.K. and abroad — and whose fashion choices are closely watched.
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend Vogue World: Hollywood on Oct. 26, 2025 in Los Angeles; David Beckham and Victoria Beckham attend the “Victoria Beckham” Premiere on Oct. 8, 2025 in London
Stefanie Keenan/Getty; Gareth Cattermole/Getty
Whether or not Sophie’s Victoria Beckham suit statement was a deliberate tribute, it was an unmissable nod during a turbulent time. The Duchess of Edinburgh, who is married to King Charles’ youngest brother, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, is a key working member of the royal family whose engagements take her across the U.K. and around the world.
She isn’t the only royal with Victoria Beckham designs in her wardrobe. Kate Middleton has worn several pieces from the label, most recently stepping out in an olive green Beckham suit during an October 2025 visit to Oxford promoting her Centre for Early Childhood.
Kate Middleton visits the charity Home-Start Oxford on Oct. 9, 2025.
KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty
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Princess Kate sported the outfit on the same day that Victoria’s docuseries Victoria Beckham premiered on Netflix, with the style statement interpreted as a show of support for her.
Read the original article on People