Random Royal Appreciation: Sophie in the West Indies

Queen Elizabeth is sending her family far and wide to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee while she and the Duke of Edinburgh stay in the United Kingdom. The Earl and Countess of Wessex have kicked it all off with their ongoing tour of the West Indies, where Sophie has debuted a distinctly Caribbean take on her usual wardrobe.

I won't go so far as to say every outfit Sophie has worn so far has been a hit, but overall I'm loving her easy and breezy take on her typical style. Sleeveless or looser cuts with her hair up is perfect for the climate, and she's even brought out some fun prints which seem extra appropriate here.

I could do without the black flower off a little girl's party dress for the state dinner they attended in Barbados, but the dress itself is great for her. It's just one of several notable repeats during the trip: we've seen her hat from William and Catherine's wedding, her hat from Garter Day, her dress from Albert and Charlene's wedding, and this dress from Albert's coronation.

The tour began on February 21st and lasts until March 7th. The Wessexes have hit St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago as far as these pictures go; the tour will take them to Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda before they head home. This last bit is overlapping with Prince Harry's first overseas tour - all of that when we next pick up with the Touring Windsors.

How do you think Sophie's doing so far?

Photos: British Monarchy/Press Association/UK in Barbados/Trinidad and Tobago News