I love how she is not afraid to try new things and she makes beautiful choices,” designer Suzannah Crabb of royal favorite Suzannah London tells PEOPLE

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, rang in her 60th birthday by posing for an official portrait in a white Proenza Schouler coat paired with a brown turtleneck and wide-leg bright green pants. The elegant yet modern look paired with a bold splash of color–a welcome departure from the conservative power suits she wore in her early royal days–showed just how far Duchess Sophie’s style has come over the years.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh posed for a new portrait for her 60th birthday, and photographer Christina Ebenezer is sharing an unseen picture.

It’s a milestone birthday for Duchess Sophie, who officially rang in the special day on January 20 with a little more pomp and circumstance than usual, courtesy of an official new portrait and plans for a major birthday celebration at their Berkshire home Bagshot Park.

In a series of candid photographs by Christina Ebenezer, the Duchess of Edinburgh chose a wardrobe of re-wears that hint at her new era of royal life