While many celebrities may take the opportunity of a ski holiday to show off their latest designer purchases and glamorous style, stylists have revealed how the Earl and Countess of Wessex have proved they have little concern for the ‘garish’ trend.
Prince Edward, 57, Sophie Wessex, 52, and their two children Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James Viscounts Severn, 14, arrived in style, with their private jet landing at the resort of St Moritz yesterday.
And the family wasted no time hitting the slopes in the ultra-luxurious town, which is known for it’s glamorous clientele, glitzy restaurants and expensive shopping scene.
A half-term jaunt to the exclusive resort has become a family tradition for the Wessexes, who are all experienced skiers.
In 2016 they were spotted arriving at St. Moritz in a £46million private jet, and in 2020 on a £49million Gulfstream G650, which costs in the region of £24,000 to charter for a two-hour flight.
Those who grace the resort are often seen in luxurious fur coats, trendy outfits and this season’s designer pieces.
However far from strutting onto the slopes in the latest gear, the family instead often opt for a collection of older, outdated and ill-fitting, ski outfits.
Stylists told FEMAIL the Wessexes’ choice of outfits was far more practical than fashion conscious, and that the family had ‘broken the rules of the glamorous resort’ by avoiding ‘horribly garish’ gear.
Fashion expert Miranda Holder said: ‘The Earl and Countess of Wessex are clearly in the glamorous St Moritz for one reason and one reason only, and that is to ski!
While A-listers and European royalty alike may take the opportunity of a ski holiday to show off their latest designer purchases and glamorous style, the Wessexes have proved they have little concern for the trend (pictured, Prince Edward wearing a ski jacket he has owned for almost a decade)
‘While others may view the holiday as a catwalk-like opportunity to flaunt the latest skiwear, which by nature can often be horribly garish and ostentatious, our Royals have worn their old faithfuls which are more than serviceable for the job in hand.’
She continued: ‘The Earl and Countess of Wessex have simply applied the mantra ‘buy less, buy better’ and made an investment in classic garments which although aren’t in line with the latest trend, yet are perfectly appropriate and probably very comfortable!’
Meanwhile Miranda also suggested the family were attempting to keep a low-profile with their discreet choice of ski jacket and salopette.
She said: ‘There’s an element here perhaps of not wanting to stand out from the crowd.
Meanwhile Miranda also suggested the family were attempting to keep a low-profile with their discreet choice of ski jacket and salopette (pictured James and Sophie)
‘Some of the more outlandish ski outfits are certainly attention-grabbing and I imagine that our Royals just want to blend in and enjoy a family holiday.’
Meanwhile she added: ‘Regarding Prince Edward in a cricket jumper – no this isn’t the accepted usual attire, but I think it’s rather wonderful that he breaks the fashion rules here.
‘The only rule in my book is if you feel good, wear it – and this obviously fits the bill!’
Meanwhile Rochelle White continued: ‘I feel that they are quite comfortable within themselves to wear their current ski outfits. I don’t feel like they want to stand out or even keep up with ‘the Jones’.
‘I think they just want to have a quiet ski holiday, not draw attention to themselves and enjoy the slopes.
Lady Louise, 18, looked confident as she hit the slopes on a family trip with her parents, wrapping up in a navy ski jacket for an afternoon on the slopes in St Moritz, pictured left. Pictured right, her mother Sophie during the trip
‘I don’t think they are too worried about keeping up to date with fashion/ski trends, even though it is one of the most exclusive resorts.
‘I think when it comes to skiwear, some people keep the same things for years and only get new items when something is worn out or on it’s way out.
‘Sticking to their own items could also be a comfort thing, like a home away from home kinda feeling.’
Meanwhile, Prince Edward donned a red Colmar ski jacket – an old favourite worth around £400 which he has had since 2014 – before adding a pair of sunglasses under his helmet to protect from the glare.
Prince Edward donned a red Colmar ski jacket from the Italian brand over his striped sweatshirt for a day on the slopes, left. Sophie was seen on the ski lift with a female companion as she prepared for her run down the slope, right
Wrapped up against the winter chill, the family were virtually unrecognisable in their helmets and goggles as they enjoyed for their holiday. Pictured left, Lady Louise, and right, Sophie
The Queen’s youngest son wore the coat from the Italian brand over his striped cricket jumper for his outing at the glitzy resort.
The Earl has worn the same identical outfit for the last eight of his annual ski trips with his family, appearing uninterested in upgrading his gear or accessories.
He opted for the same grey helmet he has worn since 2014, as well as the same Uvex orange tinted goggles.
Meanwhile Sophie also opted to rewear ski gear from previous trips, opting for a black coat and contrasting white Sweaty Betty trousers with a red stripe down the side of the leg.
Wrapped up against the winter chill, the family (pictured) were virtually unrecognisable in their helmets and goggles as they enjoyed for their holida
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex (pictured in white trousers) and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, (in the red jacket on the left) wasted no time hitting the slopes with their son James Viscount Severn, 14, and daughter Lady Louise, 18, who appeared a confident skier
Following in the footsteps of her parents, Lady Louise, opted to repeat her ski outfit, wearing the same navy jacket and fitted black trousers she first wore in 2020.
Rather than investing in helmets for their children, the couple also opted to rent from a local shop.
Wrapped up against the winter chill, the family were virtually unrecognisable in their helmets and goggles as they enjoyed for their holiday.
The royal children, often praised for their exemplary manners and comportment, looked as comfortable as their parents on the snow.
The royals have worn the outfits on repeated ski trips in the past, including their last holiday to the resort in 2020 (left and right in 2020)
St Moritz is something of a celebrity haunt for die-hard skiers, frequented by the likes of John Travolta, Liz Hurley and Ivana Trump, as well as a string of royals.
It is known as the birthplace of winter sports, it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and the Alpine World Ski Championships has been held there four times.
The event attracted investment of more than £400 million. St Moritz now has one of the world’s most advanced lift networks, envied snowmaking capacity and excellent leisure facilities, including a spa and tennis centre and a casino attached to the Kempinski five-star hotel.
St Moritz is something of a celebrity haunt for die-hard skiers, frequented by the likes of John Travolta, Liz Hurley and Ivana Trump, as well as a string of royals
Those who grace the resort are often seen in luxurious fur coats, trendy outfits and this season’s designer pieces (pictured, St Moritz)
Princess Beatrice and Edo visited the resort in 2020 ahead of the wedding of close friend Dasha Zhukova to billionaire shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos.
Meanwhile others to grace the slopes of the ski area include Monaco royal Pierre Casiraghi, grandson to Grace Kelly and art dealer Vito Schnabel from New York.
While fulfilling royal duties back in the UK, Sophie famously does her own hair, sometimes drives herself to official engagements, and even makes her own pre-engagement notes without the traditional help of a lady-in-waiting.
The former businesswoman also enjoys a close and hands-on relationship with her two children, Louise and James, who are known for being impeccably well behaved.
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