The British Royal Family is subject to a set of traditions that date back centuries, and this includes the clothes they wear. That’s right, the royals really have a dress code. Check out our ranking of the most exquisite royal attire.
Princess Diana in Catherine Walker
Princess Diana wore this Catherine Walker gown made of white silk, pearls, and sequins in 1989 while she was in Hong Kong. The press at the time dubbed the gown “the Elvis dress” because of the matching bolero (oh, the ’80s), and while this look isn’t to everyone’s taste, we think it’s a bold outfit by our favorite Royal rebel. Designer Catherine Walker recalled in 2012, “She shone in the dress and the dress shone around her in a shimmering column of glistening pearls.”
Princess Diana In Catherine Walker
Princess Anne in Floral Ruffles
Princess Anne, the only child of the Queen, is pictured here sporting a vintage-inspired ruffled floral dress and white evening gloves. With the exception of her trademark chignon, the Princess seems nearly bohemian as she attends a function at London’s Dorchester Hotel. In her early years, Princess Anne enjoyed success as an equestrian, taking home two silver and one gold medal from the European Eventing Championships. Anne made history by being the first member of the British royal family to participate in an Olympic event.
Princess Anne In Floral Ruffles
Princess Diana in Hachi
Princess Diana had a magnificent one-shoulder, white silk, silver beaded dress designed just for her by Japanese fashion designer Hachi. The Princess is seen in this picture visiting the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. in 1985. Diana originally donned one-shoulder dresses in this dress, and she later made the style one of her go-to looks. A collection of Diana’s clothing included this outfit, which was later auctioned off for $60,000.
Princess Diana In Hachi
Princess Diana in Catherine Walker
Another outrageous design from the 1980s is shown here, this time worn with a huge, sparkly tiara. Princess Diana is seen here in 1986 at the Crown Prince Palace in Saudi Arabia, where she is attending a royal wedding. This satin Catherine Walker dress had long sleeves and puffed shoulders in a 1980s design. Tiaras are only acceptable on royal women after they are married and only during formal evening events. Diana had access to the royal family’s jewelry and had her own personal tiara.
Princess Diana In Catherine Walker
Princess Diana in Bruce Oldfield
Princess Diana took genuine fashion chances. The mother of Princes William and Harry was constantly sporting a fresh new look, including this evening gown in gold lamé by Bruce Oldfield. The Princess wore this dress appropriately for the 1985 world premiere of the most recent James Bond film, A View to Kill. Diana was only 24 years old at the time and was obviously a fan of 1980s style. padded shoulders? Check. Pleats? Check. Lamé in gold? Check. Of course, with an appropriate 1980s hairstyle.
Princess Diana In Bruce Oldfield
Princess Margaret in Pink
Here’s another iconic old shot, but this time it features Princess Margaret, the Queen’s younger sister. Margaret is pictured in the White House clutching her evening gloves and wearing a pink jacket. She is joined by President Lyndon Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, as well as her husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones. Because they must maintain modesty, royal women typically don’t wear sleeveless gowns, according to royal protocol. They may, however, accessorize as much as they like!
Princess Margaret In Pink
Duchess Meghan in Safiyaa
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is a contentious member of the British Royal Family. In the end, the American actress decided to leave the UK due to intense pressure and scrutiny. But Markle pushes the limits of royal fashion, just like her mother-in-law. On a royal visit to Fiji, the Duchess is seen here wearing a Safiyaa gown. British royals frequently honor the country they are visiting through their attire when traveling abroad. This striking blue garment pays homage to the flag of Fiji.
Duchess Meghan In Safiyaa
Princess Margaret in White
Princess Margaret’s love life was turbulent. She desired to wed Peter Townsend, a high-ranking member of the royal household who was 15 years older than her. However, the Church and the State opposed the union, so she wed Anthony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. In this photo from 1974, Margaret is accompanied by her husband as they see the ballet in New York City. The Princess chose a stylish white dress with cape and embroidery for the event.
Princess Margaret In White
Meghan Markle in Emilia Wickstead
In September 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared in public for the last time as royalty. Together with the Queen and other senior royals, the couple attended a multifaith service at Westminster Abbey. Especially for formal events like visiting church, female royals are supposed to don hats, and Meghan looked lovely in this green, custom Emilia Wickstead gown. Meghan is carrying a Gabriela Hearst Demi Emerald Green Satin Handbag and a William Chambers Veil Exploding Teardrop Cap as her accessories.
Meghan Markle In Emilia Wickstead
Princess Diana in Catherine Walker
In September 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared in public for the last time as royalty. Together with the Queen and other senior royals, the couple attended a multifaith service at Westminster Abbey. Especially for formal events like visiting church, female royals are supposed to don hats, and Meghan looked lovely in this green, custom Emilia Wickstead gown. Meghan is carrying a Gabriela Hearst Demi Emerald Green Satin Handbag and a William Chambers Veil Exploding Teardrop Cap as her accessories.
Princess Diana In Catherine Walker
Meghan Markle in Roland Mouret
Meghan Markle is pictured here wearing a gorgeous navy sequin Roland Mouret dress. The Duchess of Sussex donned the dress with a stylish hairdo and glowing makeup while seeing a Cirque du Soleil performance. For this outfit, Markle accessorized with a gorgeous Givenchy clutch and Stuart Weitzman heels. Myka Meier, a royal scholar, notes that female royals always carry their purses in their left hand. This indicates that they can shake people’s hands and wave at people with just their right hand.
Meghan Markle In Roland Mouret
Princess Diana in Catherine Walker
Designer Catherine Walker, who created more than 1,000 different outfits for the Royal family, was close with Princess Diana. Diana is pictured in a pink and white sheath dress as she watches a ballet performance in London. The attire is understated yet sophisticated, with chic accents like pink handbag and cufflinks. Diana reportedly objected to wearing gloves while she was out and about and preferred to contact people skin to skin. She gained popularity as a result and earned the title “The People’s Princess.”
Princess Diana In Catherine Walker
Kate Middleton in Emilia Wickstead
Here, Duchess Catherine is seen donning a yellow coat dress by Emilia Wickstead of New Zealand. Middleton actually has “the Kate,” a dress by Emilia Wickstead, in at least three different hues. Obviously, you would as well. For the second phase of their 2016 royal tour, Will and Kate were traveling to Bhutan when this photo was taken. Kate paired naked L.K. with this ensemble. Bennett Courts, the L.K. Brora’s Gold Charm earrings with a Bennet Natalie clutch.
Kate Middleton In Emilia Wickstead
Princess Anne in Polka Dots
Princess Anne, who is portrayed by Erin Doherty on The Crown, is growing in popularity as a result of the role. The Princess poses in a pink polka-dot gown on the grand staircase of Buckingham Palace in this amazing old photo from 1973. The Princess Royal has lived a fascinating life, which includes being the target of an attempted kidnapping in 1974. The 2018 doc Queen of the World has further information on her.
Princess Anne In Polka Dots
Queen Elizabeth in Norman Hartnell
Let’s reminisce about Queen Elizabeth’s stunning coronation gown from 1953. Norman Hartnell, a British fashion designer well-known for his work with the Royal Family, created this magnificent dress. Thousands of beads and pearls were used to embellish the outfit, which was constructed of white duchess satin and silk. In order to symbolize the nationalities of the commonwealth, flowers were also stitched on the garment. The Queen, like many other female royals, does wear her clothing again, and she did so following her coronation.
Queen Elizabeth In Norman Hartnell
Princess Anne in Floral Print
The Crown viewers may have seen Erin Doherty in the series sporting a look somewhat resembling this 1970s flowery dress. In 1973, the Princess Royal wore this floral dress with a high neck and balloon sleeves to a movie premiere in London that she and her husband both attended. According to Doherty, getting Anne’s distinctive hairstyle on set can take up to two hours. It just takes her ten or fifteen minutes, according to the Princess herself in an interview.
Princess Anne In Floral Print
Duchess Kate in Jenny Packham
In 2016, Duchess Catherine of Cambridge wore this royal blue Jenny Packham gown while on a royal trip of India. Middleton is commended for encouraging emerging British designers, and a variety of fashion blogs follow her every step in terms of style. To honor the host nation, this Jenny Packham gown was hand beaded in India. Together with the stunning gown, a handcrafted purse in the same color and materials was also included.
Duchess Kate In Jenny Packham
Princess Margaret in Blue
Princess Margaret was historically renowned for showing up to various events wearing the most glitzy, extravagant gowns, as was already said. This was also the case in 1965. The sister of Queen Elizabeth was present at a special function at Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles while she was in the country. When she arrived with Lord Snowdon, she flaunted her gorgeous blue dress and coat for the photographers. Cameras flashed all night long as a lovely tiara completed the look.
Princess Margaret In Blue
The Queen Mother in White Chiffon
Not just Queen Elizabeth II has been able to attend several events and dazzle red carpets in the most iconic of dresses over the years. With her numerous costumes, crowns, and overall grace, her mother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, was known for frequently threatening to eclipse her daughter. The Queen Mother attended her own 80th birthday party in 1980 wearing a white chiffon evening gown and accessorized with a tiara and jewellery.
The Queen Mother In White Chiffon
Princess Anne in White
The Royal Opera House is not a name given to it by accident. This magnificent location frequently accommodates the best that the British royal family has to offer and will perform some of the most exquisite operatic tales ever performed. Princess Anne wore this stunning white dress with an embroidered overlay to an occasion at the London location in 1980. It goes without saying that with all eyes on Anne, guests found it difficult to focus on the performance.
Princess Anne In White
Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen
The designer of this fancy prom dress, British fashion label Alexander McQueen, is a major fan of Duchess Catherine. Kate wore a magnificent tiara with this blue taffeta dress to a state dinner at Buckingham Palace. Although Kate received negative reviews for her dress, we still respect her sense of style. The Cambridge Lovers’ Knot tiara, the Queen’s royal family order, and the Queen Mother’s pearl necklace served as the dress’s accessories.
Kate Middleton In Alexander McQueen
Princess Diana in Catherine Walker
Princess Diana already has a disproportionately large number of classic royal outfits on our list, as you can see. Another excellent illustration is provided below, however this one shines out due to its obviously much louder color. This daring Catherine Walker evening gown, with a black and red design and only one shoulder, was worn by the late ex-wife of Prince Charles in 1988. During her visit to Paris, Diana wore this outfit at a dinner hosted by the British Ambassador.
Princess Diana In Catherine Walker
Queen Elizabeth in White
Nobody does it better than the Queen herself, despite the fact that several members of the British royal family are renowned for their magnificent costumes and how they dress for any given event. Whether it’s her crowns, her outfits, or the customary wave she extends to her people, Elizabeth II has an iconic quality. On the occasion of the Queen and Prince Philip’s 40th wedding anniversary, this portrait was taken in 1987. She was dressed in a white dress with dots on it.
Queen Elizabeth In White
Princess Margaret in Icy-Blue
Princess Margaret never ceased to dazzle photographers and other guests with her stunning gowns in a variety of hues and styles, even later in life. When the sister of the Queen visited her mother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s, 90th birthday celebration at the London Palladium in 1990, nothing had changed. Margaret donned an ice-blue dress with matching blue jewelry—blue earrings and a necklace.
Princess Margaret In Icy Blue
Camilla in Black and White
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, usually shows up to events looking like a true royal figure, despite the fact that she and the royal family may have a complicated connection and her history is full of turns and turns. When she traveled to Amsterdam in 2013 to join her husband Prince Charles for a dinner hosted by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, nothing changed. With a tiara, Camilla gave the garment a flawless, elegant finish.
Camilla In Black And White
Duchess Catherine in Alexander McQueen
Kate Middleton is another member of the royal family who has donned many of the most exquisite outfits on this list. The Duchess of Cambridge has made a conscious effort to stand out from the rest of the family at whatever function she attends, both after she wed Prince William and even before. This held true throughout Kate and William’s 2018 royal tour of Sweden and Norway. Kate wore a stunning Alexander McQueen blush pink gown to this special state dinner.
Duchess Catherine In Alexander McQueen
Princess Diana in Bruce Oldfield
Princess Diana wore a red dress at the following event in 1989, showing off the color once more. She arrived at a banquet held at Claridges in London wearing a red gown that shone from head to toe. She is greeted by another guest while sporting the traditional Spencer tiara. Bruce Oldfield created the magnificent garment, and as you can see, Diana looked stunningly confident in it, as she always did.
Princess Diana In Bruce Oldfield
Meghan Markle in Stella McCartney
Meghan Markle once again stunned photographers in a stunning gown in 2018, when she changed mid-marriage so she could attend the reception with Prince Harry. Meghan changed into this custom-made white gown, created by Stella McCartney, in order to feel a little more at ease for the festivities. The bride felt emboldened to dance the night away with Harry because of the high neckline, which made her stand out from the throng.
Meghan Markle In Stella McCartney
Princess Diana in Versace
Although though Princess Diana briefly tried wearing short dresses, she continued to choose a full-length evening gown. Diana can be seen in this 1996 photo attending a gala dinner in Chicago. She accented her vivid purple Gianni Versace column dress with a pearl choker and sapphire jewels. As her marriage to Prince Charles came to an end, Diana changed her title to Diana, Princess of Wales. Her shoes and clutch were the same hue of purple.
Princess Diana In Versace
Meghan Markle in Preen
Meghan Markle is seen here sporting yet another stylish outfit, this time when meeting with young people from the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. The Glenda is a distinctive rust-colored, asymmetrical, pleated garment created by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi. Kate Middleton and Michelle Obama both wear clothing from this upscale British fashion brand that is sold online. We were aware that Meghan hung around with stylish people. The Duchess of Sussex reuses her outfits and accessories, and she is doing so right now with these Edge of Ember Wave stud earrings.
Meghan Markle In Preen
Duchess Catherine in Alexander McQueen
Duchess Catherine of Cambridge wore this flowing, light purple gown by Alexander McQueen in 2011. While on a royal tour to the United States and Canada, Middleton was in Los Angeles for the BAFTA Brits to Watch event. Although female royals are only permitted to wear blush, nude, or clear nail paint, Middleton had neutral nails in this photo. Kate paired the Jimmy Choo Ubai clutch and Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitter sandals with this Grecian-inspired ensemble.
Duchess Catherine In Alexander McQueen2
Princess Margaret in Christian Dior
Isn’t this image gorgeous? In this image, Princess Margaret is seen posing for a birthday portrait by British photographer Cecil Beaton in 1951. The designer of this stunning one-shoulder, cream dress with gold embellishments was none other than Christian Dior. Margaret has added jewelry to the dress in the form of earrings and a necklace. Vanessa Kirby played The Princess in seasons one and two of The Crown, and Helena Bonham Carter did so in season three.
Princess Margaret In Christian Dior
Princess Diana in Catherine Walker
Princess Diana was known to adore Catherine Walker creations, and in this picture, she is sporting another. Together with her husband, Prince Charles, the Princess of Wales attended the Cannes Film Festival wearing this light blue dress. Diana, a member of the Royal Family, was at first fairly reserved, but her goodness and charisma helped her gain popularity among the general population. Diana looked just adorable in this beautiful chiffon gown, with its princess-worthy pleats.
Princess Diana In Catherine Walker
Queen Elizabeth in Seafoam Green
Elizabeth, a member of the British Royal Family, cannot take any chances with her appearance. The Royal has a clever way to prevent any situation when her skirt or dress can embarrassingly blow up because of this. The Queen’s clothing has pennyweights, an antique British weight, sewed into the hemlines to ensure that niggling breezes won’t destroy her look. The Queen attended a royal feast in Morocco while donning this stunning gown. We adore the fashionable seafoam color and big balloon sleeves.
Queen Elizabeth In Seafoam Green
Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham
This photo was shot in 2013 while Kate and Will were in London for the Tusk Trust Awards at the Royal Society. The couple had gone out for the first time since the birth of their son, George, on that particular night. Custom-made for Kate, this exquisite pale gold sequined dress had a bateau neckline, an empire waist with a brooch, and a keyhole in the back. The Duchess of Cambridge accessorized with identical diamond earrings and a bracelet as well as her sparkling Jimmy Choo Vamp court shoes.
Kate Middleton In Jenny Packham
Queen Elizabeth in Yellow
Have you ever noticed how Queen Elizabeth favors wearing vibrant colors frequently, if not always? It’s not simply that she enjoys a pop of color, though (though she really does). The Queen must be noticed while she is out and about, or else there is no use in her going out at all. Also, it’s sort of a safety precaution so that she can constantly be seen. The Queen appears in this image from 1976 wearing a stunning yellow gown during a state visit to Washington, D.C.
Queen Elizabeth In Yellow
Queen Elizabeth in Tulle
We adore these old photographs of royals clad in exquisite, intricate ballgowns. In this 1952 image, a freshly crowned Queen Elizabeth is seen posing in a tulle gown with gold lace accents. Of course, she is also donning one of her crowns as well as a pricey jewelry set. In general, Queen Elizabeth favors dresses and skirts over pants. Given her advanced age, perhaps this comes as no surprise, but it does have an effect on royal clothing codes. Kate and Meghan follow suit by attending royal functions mostly in gowns.
Queen Elizabeth In Tulle
Kate Middleton in Issa
Fashion writers rapidly coined the phrase “The Kate Effect” to explain how anything Kate Middleton wore in public swiftly sold out after her appearance. After Kate wore this silk-jersey blue wrap dress to announce her engagement, British designer Issa sold out in 43 countries. Issa was actually severely overwhelmed by the demand because, up until that moment, it had just been a niche brand. Regrettably, the pressure forced them to close.
Kate Middleton In Issa
Princess Diana in Pink Silk
Princess Diana looked stunning in flowy, more classically feminine gowns, even if she enjoyed wearing shoulder pads and shorter hems. She is shown here visiting Australia for business in 1983. Unsurprisingly, the Princess was described as “beautiful in pink” because of this pink, silk, full-length outfit. Yeah, obviously! Diana completed this look with her signature sapphire ring, matching necklace, earrings, and bracelet, as she frequently did.
Princess Diana In Pink Silk
Meghan Markle in Givenchy
The wonderful Mrs. Markle has frequently sparked a media frenzy in Britain, and this attire also stirred up a commotion. In this absurd photo from the 2018 Fashion Awards, Meghan defies royal decorum. The Queen prefers neutral or subdued pink nail lacquer, while Meghan is sporting a black manicure. Imagine! The fact that Meghan was cuddling her growing baby during this ceremony and during her pregnancy further infuriated some critics. Guys, look at that Givenchy gown with one shoulder instead!
Meghan Markle In Givenchy
Princess Diana in Bruce Oldfield
Diana, Princess of Wales was transformed into “Dynasty Di,” a glamorous 1980s fashion symbol, with the help of British fashion designer Bruce Oldfield. Oldfield, who was up in an orphanage, recalls dancing with Diana at a charity fashion show and gala for Barnardos, a British organization that helps disadvantaged children. Diana wore a stunning silver pleated lame dress for that occasion in 1988, and she appeared like a true Hollywood star. Oldfield recalls: “Everyone just wanted to get up and be close […] It didn’t get better than that.”
Princess Diana In Bruce Oldfield
Princess Diana in Belville Sassoon
For Princess Diana, British fashion designer Belville Sassoon created more than 70 dresses. In fact, he remembers that “when she got engaged, her mother brought her in to us and asked us to make the going-away outfit.” Belville has also made clothes for Princess Margaret, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. Diana was seen in 1981 visiting an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum wearing this blue lace ballgown. The following day, she made Prince William’s pregnancy public.
Princess Diana In Belville Sassoon
Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen
2017 saw Kate Middleton attend her sister’s wedding in a beautiful long-sleeved nude Alexander McQueen gown. Sarah Burton, the McQueen designer with whom Kate has a close relationship, produced this dress especially for the event. Kate wore a hat by Jane Taylor, Gianvito Rossi suede shoes in “praline,” morganite and diamond drop earrings by Kiki McDonough, and a hat. This understated color scheme is ideal for a family member’s wedding because it prevents Kate from standing out.
Kate Middleton In Alexander McQueen2
Meghan Markle in Oscar de la Renta
The stunning outfit Meghan Markle wore while she was in Australia and New Zealand had the fashion websites buzzing. The white tulle gown has tweed laser-cut bird designs and is from Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Fall 2018 line. So exciting! Take note of Meghan’s in-picture natural and understated makeup and hairstyle. In addition to keeping their cosmetics natural and “neat,” royal women are advised to avoid wearing bold hairstyles. All eyes are on the dress!
Meghan Markle In Oscar De La Renta
Princess Diana in Victor Edelstein
Diana wore this off-the-shoulder midnight blue velvet dress by Victor Edelstein, often known as the “Travolta dress,” when she visited the White House in 1985 to have dinner with President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy. Diana, who was a major fan of Grease and John Travolta, amusingly requested that he be included. Diana created a memorable pop-culture moment as she spun around the dance floor with her childhood sweetheart. The outfit was auctioned off for $347,000.
Princess Diana In Victor Edelstein
Meghan Markle in Safiyya
Though it’s been argued that Kate Middleton dressed like her mother-in-law, Princess Diana, it’s possible to argue that Meghan Markle resembles the bold fashionista more. While Meghan is more daring and is unconcerned with royal formality, Kate favors British designers and dresses in colors and shapes closer to Diana’s. In this picture, Markle wears a vivid red capelet-shouldered column dress by Safiyya and looks simply lovely. She complements Prince Harry’s military attire, which is an added benefit.
Meghan Markle In Safiyya
Princess Diana in Christina Stambolian
Who could forget this legendary outfit created by Christina Stambolian, a Greek designer? Vanity Fair hosted a dinner at the Serpentine Gallery, and the rumor is that Diana planned to attend wearing a Valentino gown. Diana changed her mind at the last minute and decided to wear Stambolian instead after Valentino issued a press release about the garment, earning the nickname “the revenge dress.” The Telegraph shared, “This is a dress that shows Diana, Princess of Wales fully in command of a sense of her own value.”
Princess Diana In Christina Stambolian
Princess Margaret in Pink Tulle
Here is Princess Margaret in yet another gorgeous birthday photograph. The Princess’ remarkable beauty is well captured in this photo, which was shot in celebration of her 19th birthday. Margaret is depicted wearing a blue butterfly-embroidered full-skirted tulle dress. She added numerous pearl necklaces as accessories. It appears that The Crown decided to reproduce this outfit, and it was one of their most expensive creations. Of course, their amazing outfits won them three Emmys, so we’re sure it was worthwhile!
Princess Margaret In Pink Tulle
Duchess Catherine in Jenny Packham
As is customary for British royals, Duchess Catherine of Cambridge is a supporter of British fashion designers. The Duchess, often known as Catherine or Kate, frequently wears Jenny Packham outfits when she goes out. This dress has intricate design and is blush metallic. One of Kate’s first public appearances following her widely broadcast 2011 royal wedding. Etiquette experts advise royals to look “memorably excellent” when dressed to honor people who are waiting for them.
Duchess Catherine In Jenny Packham
Queen Elizabeth in Norman Hartnell
The US President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie Kennedy, may be seen with Queen Elizabeth II (also known as The Queen) and her husband, Prince Philip, in this amazing shot from 1961. That picture contains a lot of history, I tell you! The Queen wore a blue Norman Hartnell ballgown and white gloves for this particular event. While the First Lady’s outfit was a straight-cut, icy blue ensemble, she also wore blue with white gloves. The Queen wore a lot of sapphire jewelry.
Queen Elizabeth In Norman Hartnell