Back when Meghan Markle was still best known to us as Rachel Zane, the British royal family had already welcomed a successful actress into their court. In 2009, Lord Frederick Windsor (son of Queen Elizabeth II's cousin Prince Michael of Kent) married Sophie Winkleman, an actress who's appeared in everything from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to Red Dwarf. She's perhaps best known to British audiences as Big Suze in Channel 4's cult comedy Peep Show, while American fans may know her as Zoey, Walden's British girlfriend in later seasons of Two and a Half Men.
Unlike Meghan, Sophie's not a full-time working royal, so she's continued to act since her marriage (though she took a break to welcome two daughters: Maud, 5, and Isabella, 3). For that reason, she's developed a unique wardrobe that's an intriguing mix of royally appropriate coats, hats, and dresses that work for occasions like Trooping the Colour and royal weddings, mixed with more adventurous gowns and LBDs that are suitable for her appearances at industry events and glittering galas. She is not afraid to experiment with texture and color and has sported everything from chic tea dresses (paging Kate Middleton) to caped evening gowns. Even Prince Harry appears to be a fan! Ahead, take a look back at her fashion evolution, from budding actress to leading lady . . . Lady Frederick Windsor, that is.
Sophie chose a glamorous green evening gown with a cape for the V&A Summer Party.
A chic mint green and cream dress with a split hem was Sophie's choice for a trip to the Royal Albert Hall.
Sophie was seen walking to her sister-in-law's wedding alongside Prince Harry, who seemed very taken with her feather-embellished pale blue coat dress!
Supporting the British fashion industry, Sophie fit right in wearing her folksy midi dress.
Sophie wore a surprisingly edgy outfit for a trip to the opera, teaming knee-high leather boots with skinny pants and an off-the-shoulder top.
Sophie chose a pretty forest green minidress for a night out in London.
For a very important royal event, Sophie chose a pale pink asymmetric suit by Catherine Walker, with a hat by Siggi Hats.
A pretty red tea dress was an apt choice for this magazine party.
Sophie turned to royal favorite Catherine Walker for her mint green ensemble for Princess Eugenie's wedding.
For a day watching tennis with her husband, Sophie chose a fresh floral dress with a gathered hem.
For another Trooping the Colour ceremony, Sophie picked a chic cropped white jacket over a textured dress.
Sophie stood out in a coral coat as she attended celebrations leading up to the Queen's 90th birthday.
A simple white shift and a wide-brimmed hat kept off the California sun as Sophie attended a polo match.
Sophie looked glamorous in a red satin gown as a guest of Chanel leading up to the Oscars.
Showing off her love of capes, Sophie put a twist on her beloved LBD for another award season party.
Looking pretty in a floral maxi dress, Sophie looked right at home at Kensington Palace.
In a blue Catherine Walker coat dress, Sophie was spotted alongside her sister-in-law Lady Gabriella Windsor on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Sophie chose a lace-trimmed LBD for an event honoring Mel Brooks.
Sophie was chic in a simple deep blue Grecian maxi dress at a BritWeek event in LA.
Looking every inch the lady, Sophie chose a modest lace dress for another LA party.
Showing off a classic wrap dress in a bold color, Sophie definitely had royal style nailed.
Another blue maxi was Sophie's choice for a London charity party.
A '60s-inspired shift dress was Sophie's choice for a trip to the Polo in the UK.
As the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, royals had plenty of opportunities to wear hats, heels, and formalwear.
Sophie sported another LBD, this time with tights and closed-toe shoes, for a visit to the theater in 2012.
Sophie was super chic in an elegant LBD as she attended a Chanel dinner.
Sophie opted for a simple shape but a striking print when she wore this monochrome dress in 2012.
Sophie experimented with a colorblock satin tea dress as she supported her fellow actors during award season.
Sporting a chic plunging blazer and split-hem trousers, Sophie made a statement at a fashion event in LA.
Showing off something of a statement look, Sophie chose a white midlength dress to mingle with other actors in LA at an event hosted by BAFTA.
Sophie slipped into a silver shift dress and matching sandals for a charity event.
Sophie arrived with her father-in-law for this royal event, which of course called for a smart dress and a big hat.
Sophie chose another simple white dress for an outing in California.
Looking pretty in polka dots, Sophie and her husband were among the guests at a society wedding.
On her wedding day, Sophie chose a silk gown with beads and embellishment by Russian designer Anna-Roza Bistroff.
Sophie looked stunning in a white wiggle dress for a TV event.
Sophie wore a leather moto jacket with jeans and riding boots for this casual occasion.
Sophie played the older Susan in the first Chronicles of Narnia, and for the premiere, she was suitably festive in a sequin and silk tiered dress.