Sophie, Countess of Wessex's wedding dress inspired Kate Middleton in this way

Sophie, Countess of Wessex married the Queen’s son, Prince Edward, on 19 June 1999 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. The couple had been dating for six years before this and the wedding took place just months after they announced their engagement. Since then, they have had two children together, Lady Louise, 15, and James, Viscount Severn, 11. For her wedding, the Countess wore a stunning designer dress which has since appeared to inspire the wedding dress of another who married into the family, Kate Middleton, 37.

What was her dress like?

Sophie opted for a simple dress created by the London-based designer, Samantha Shaw.

The classic dress featured a ivory silk and organza coat-style dress which has crepe and tulle.

The dress was hand-dyed and had a fitted bodice which nipped in at the waist and featured a deep V-neck.

The stunning gown also had long sleeves which flared out into fluted cuffs.

Sophie’s dress continued into a slightly flared skirt which flowed into a long train.

How did this inspire Kate?

Sophie’s elegant gown may have inspired another royal since and traits of it can be spotted on Kate Middleton’s wedding dress.

The Duchess of Cambridge married into the Royal Family at a ceremony at Westminster Abbey in April 2011.

At her wedding to Prince William, 36, Kate opted for an Alexander McQueen which had a lot of similarities to Sophie’s dress.

The dress had a similar fitted bodice which pulled in at the waist and also featured long sleeves, although Kate’s were lace.

Kate’s dress featured lace panelling at the top which also had a V-neck which also showed how she could have been inspired by the Countess.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s dress also had a large train, which was believed to be nearly nine feet long.

At her wedding, Sophie wore a unique tiara which was commissioned by the Queen. 

Her choice of look is believed to have revealed the committed role she would have in the Royal Family going forward.

Sophie is also thought to have influenced royals including Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, 37, through her other fashion choices.