Although she’s not an A-list royal, Flora Vesterberg (née Ogilvy) is definitely part of the elite family circle.
Flora is the granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, known as Alexandra Ogilvy after her marriage, first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth.
And although she keeps a low social profile, Flora still manages to steal the spotlight when she shows up at one or two exclusive gatherings.
That’s because she’s made a name for herself thanks to an impeccable sense of style, often involving sought-after British labels such as Self-Portrait, Emilia Wickstead and The Deck.
Flora Ogilvy and Timothy Vesterberg at the blessing of their marriage at St James’s Piccadilly in 2021
A Windsor family tree showing how Flora Ogilvy is related to the late Queen Elizabeth II
Whether gracing the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Color or attending high-profile events, she exudes elegance.
A notable example was Flora’s royal wedding dress, designed by Phillipa Lepley.
The couple originally married in a private ceremony at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, in 2020, adhering to Covid restrictions.
Exactly a year later, they hosted a more public marriage blessing at St James’s Piccadilly, which was attended by a host of royals.
The bride wore an ivory dress with an A-line silhouette and delicate floral embroidery.
Lepley, a leading British couture designer, said: “We took a lot of inspiration from the Ogilvy tiara, combined with my own passion for flowers, to create an embroidery design of magnolia, jasmine, starfish and orchids.
‘The flowers, hand-embroidered on sheer tulle and embellished with double-cut beads, pearls and sequins, grew organically over the dress and long sleeves.
“As a special personal touch for Flora, she asked for a sweet pea to be embroidered on the wrist of her sleeve.”
“Flora looked incredible in the final timeless look.”
The design was inspired by the sparkling tiara that Flora would wear, originally belonging to her grandmother, Princess Alexandra.
The Ogilvy tiara was formed in the 1960s from various pearl and diamond hair ornaments that already existed in Alexandra’s collection.
Floral motifs and pearls were woven into the embroidery that adorned Flora’s wedding dress and veil.
Princess Alexandra wears the Ogilvy tiara while attending a banquet at the Guildhall alongside her husband, Angus Ogilvy.
Several adaptations were necessary over several months, Lepley explained:
“Each custom dress begins with toile detailing to shape the corset and determine the precise silhouette and style lines before drawing the embroidery design.”
‘I have a great passion for celebrating the female form through our signature corsetry.
“I adore the corseted silhouette we created for Flora, which defines her shape perfectly with a flowy Italian silk satin base, the softest petticoats to create a soft flare in the skirt, and a striking V-neckline.”
The designer concluded: ‘It was a pleasure and honor to work closely with Flora on this incredibly feminine custom-made gown and hand-embroidered silk veil. It is always a pleasure to work alongside someone equally detailed.”
The bride’s timeless look was complemented by a small bouquet of white stephanotis and orchids.
Flora’s royal lineage was also taken into account when selecting her initial wedding attire.
She chose an ivory Emilia Wickstead dress, with a square neckline, emulating a design Worn by her great-grandmother, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent.
Flora’s father, James, is the son of Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvy.
Flora and her younger brother, Alexander, grew up in a 1780s farmhouse on the east coast of Scotland.
Floral attended Rugby School, where she studied English, French and Fine Art at A level, before graduating with a degree in Art History at the University of Bristol.
This was followed by a master’s degree from the Courtauld Institute of Art.
Flora Vesterberg wore two versions of Self-Portrait’s off-the-shoulder midi dress in 2023
Flora prefers Emilia Wickstead dresses because they make her feel “empowered”
The art historian oozes glamor in a tuxedo dress from The Deck during an event at the National Portrait Gallery. She later wore the dress on a private visit to the V&A.
Today she describes herself as an art historian and broadcaster and has lectured at the Sotheby’s Art Institute.
Flora is also an ambassador for the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Young Patrons’ Circle and co-chair of the Art History Link-Up Young Patrons’ Committee, demonstrating her commitment to education.
She’s also an expert in the style department, as she’s proven time and time again.
Flora has dressed a wide variety of British brands, from fashion designers to high-end designers.
She tends to favor Emilia Wickstead for important events, explaining to Vogue: “I often wear Emilia Wickstead pieces to give lectures at Sotheby’s Art Institute because they empower me.”
Attending a private tour of the V&A exhibition, Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto, last month, she opted for a tuxedo dress from The Deck, Savile Row’s first B Corp and the street’s only store dedicated to women .
The fitted monochromatic design incorporated a double-breasted front and silk satin peak lapels, creating a stunning aesthetic.
Flora kept her accessories to a minimum, choosing semi-sheer tights, pumps, and a Jennifer Chamandi velvet clutch.
The coveted suits from The Deck have been worn by countless celebrities, including Carrie Johnson, Elizabeth Hurley and Olivia Williams, during the red carpet premiere of The Crown.
Days later, Autorretrato photographed Flora in a beautiful sky blue dress at a wedding.
Self-Portrait, founded in 2013 by Han Chong in London, is a favorite of Princess Beatrice and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Made from textured fabric, Flora’s charming dress featured an open neckline and a full mid-length skirt.
She styled her dress with a Lock & Co headpiece and her trusty Jennifer Chamandi clutch.
Flora is a fan of the Self-Portrait brand, as is Catherine, Princess of Wales,
The royal wears a Phillipa Lepley lace dress at the 32nd Cartier Racing Awards at The Dorchester
Flora looked particularly elegant in a ME+EM dress during her visit to Boston in 2023.
While the royal owns her fair share of designer labels, she occasionally dabbles in more affordable outfits.
For another glamorous event, the 2024 National Portrait Gala, she chose a distinctive dress from the British high street.
Coming from Phase Eight, the fishtail silhouette was adorned with floral embroidery, semi-sheer sleeves and a V-back.
The sleek aesthetic was on par with Flora’s signature style.