Long Before Meghan Markle Became a Duchess, Another Stylish Actress Joined the Royal Family

Updated on 7/22/2019 at 9:25 AM

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 Winkleman at the V&A Summer Party in June 2019

Sophie chose a glamorous green evening gown with a cape for the V&A Summer Party.

Sophie Winkleman at a Performance of Cinderella at the Royal Albert Hall in June 2019

A chic mint green and cream dress with a split hem was Sophie's choice for a trip to the Royal Albert Hall.

Sophie Winkleman at the Wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston in May 2019

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!

Sophie Winkleman at the Aspinal of London Presentation During London Fashion Week in February 2019

Supporting the British fashion industry, Sophie fit right in wearing her folksy midi dress.

Sophie Winkleman at the English National Opera in January 2019

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 Winkleman at the V&A Summer Party in June 2018

Sophie chose a pretty forest green minidress for a night out in London.

Sophie Winkleman at Trooping the Colour in June 2018

For a very important royal event, Sophie chose a pale pink asymmetric suit by Catherine Walker, with a hat by Siggi Hats.

Sophie Winkleman at Hello Magazine's 30th Anniversary Party in May 2018

A pretty red tea dress was an apt choice for this magazine party.

Sophie Winkleman at the Wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in October 2018

Sophie turned to royal favorite Catherine Walker for her mint green ensemble for Princess Eugenie's wedding.

Sophie Winkleman at Wimbledon in July 2017

For a day watching tennis with her husband, Sophie chose a fresh floral dress with a gathered hem.

Sophie Winkleman at Trooping the Colour in June 2017

For another Trooping the Colour ceremony, Sophie picked a chic cropped white jacket over a textured dress.

Sophie Winkleman at the National Service of Thanksgiving in June 2016

Sophie stood out in a coral coat as she attended celebrations leading up to the Queen's 90th birthday.

Sophie Winkleman at the British Polo Day USA in May 2015

A simple white shift and a wide-brimmed hat kept off the California sun as Sophie attended a polo match.

Sophie Winkleman at the Chanel Pre-Oscars Dinner in February 2015

Sophie looked glamorous in a red satin gown as a guest of Chanel leading up to the Oscars.

Sophie Winkleman at a Pre-Oscars Event in February 2015

Showing off her love of capes, Sophie put a twist on her beloved LBD for another award season party.

Sophie Winkleman at a Drinks Reception at Kensington Palace in June 2014

Looking pretty in a floral maxi dress, Sophie looked right at home at Kensington Palace.

Sophie Winkleman at Trooping the Colour in June 2014

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 Winkleman at an AFI Event in June 2013

Sophie chose a lace-trimmed LBD for an event honoring Mel Brooks.

Sophie Winkleman at the BritWeek Festival in April 2013

Sophie was chic in a simple deep blue Grecian maxi dress at a BritWeek event in LA.

Sophie Winkleman at the Empire Magazine US Launch Party in October 2012

Looking every inch the lady, Sophie chose a modest lace dress for another LA party.

Sophie Winkleman at the British Consulate Olympics Opening Ceremonies Reception in July 2012

Showing off a classic wrap dress in a bold color, Sophie definitely had royal style nailed.

Sophie Winkleman at the Masterpiece Midsummer Party in July 2012

Another blue maxi was Sophie's choice for a London charity party.

Sophie Winkleman at the Cartier Queen's Cup Polo Day in June 2012

A '60s-inspired shift dress was Sophie's choice for a trip to the Polo in the UK.

Sophie Winkleman at the Diamond Jubilee Reception in June 2012

As the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, royals had plenty of opportunities to wear hats, heels, and formalwear.

Sophie Winkleman at the Opening Night of Billy Elliot in April 2012

Sophie sported another LBD, this time with tights and closed-toe shoes, for a visit to the theater in 2012.

Sophie Winkleman at the Chanel Pre-Oscars Dinner in February 2012

Sophie was super chic in an elegant LBD as she attended a Chanel dinner.

Sophie Winkleman at the Great British Film Reception in February 2012

Sophie opted for a simple shape but a striking print when she wore this monochrome dress in 2012.

Sophie Winkleman at the BAFTA Los Angeles Award Season Tea Party in January 2012

Sophie experimented with a colorblock satin tea dress as she supported her fellow actors during award season.

Sophie Winkleman at the Giorgio Armani and Vanity Fair Private Dinner in October 2011

Sporting a chic plunging blazer and split-hem trousers, Sophie made a statement at a fashion event in LA.

Sophie Winkleman at the BAFTA Los Angeles TV Tea Party in September 2011

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 Winkleman at the Masterpiece Midsummer Party in June 2011

Sophie slipped into a silver shift dress and matching sandals for a charity event.

Sophie Winkleman at Prince Philip's 90th Birthday Celebration in June 2011

Sophie arrived with her father-in-law for this royal event, which of course called for a smart dress and a big hat.

Sophie Winkleman at the Global Creative Forum Evening of Entertainment in October 2010

Sophie chose another simple white dress for an outing in California.

Sophie Winkleman at the Wedding of Lohralee Stutz and William Astor in September 2009

Looking pretty in polka dots, Sophie and her husband were among the guests at a society wedding.

Sophie Winkleman on Her Wedding Day in September 2009

On her wedding day, Sophie chose a silk gown with beads and embellishment by Russian designer Anna-Roza Bistroff.

Sophie Winkleman at an NBC Event in May 2009

Sophie looked stunning in a white wiggle dress for a TV event.

Sophie Winkleman at the Premiere of We Are Together in March 2008

Sophie wore a leather moto jacket with jeans and riding boots for this casual occasion.

Sophie Winkleman at the Premiere of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in December 2005

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.