The royal family has a huge influence in the world today, with the most significant royalty-effect observed in daily fashion trends.
When it comes to rocking the most in-vogue fashion piece, the Royalties always take the lead. This trend has continued for decades, from Queen Elizabeth’s youthful years to Princess Diana’s groundbreaking wardrobe.
Even in recent years, with a little evolution and diversity introduced in the modern-day, liberated society, the royals still take the lead. Many have come to look up to the latest additions, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, as well as their kids as fashion demigods.
This seeming trend for rocking the most glorious outfits points to the fact that these high-class figures do not just keep up with evolving fashion trends; they set the trends.
That settled, below is a list of ten times the British royals have taken the world of fashion by surprise with their iconic styles.
1. QUEEN ELIZABETH II STUNNED IN BLUE TO WELCOME JACKIE KENNEDY
As far back as the ‘60s, the royal family already dominated the fashion industry, and Queen Elizabeth unarguably ruled that empire. One memorable fashion moment glimpsed from the sacred royal album was the Queen’s glamorous appearance as she welcomed John Kennedy and his wife to London in 1961.
For the occasion, the British monarch donned a dark blue flowing ball gown, paired with a pair of white gloves. Even without her glistening crown, the Queen was the most stunning woman in the room.
2. QUEEN ELIZABETH AT PRINCE CHARLES’ INVESTITURE
Gracing the royal investiture of her son, Prince Charles of Wales in 1969 alongside Princess Margaret and the Queen mother, Queen Elizabeth II proved her fashion prowess. She rocked a stylish monochromatic combination of blue button-down gown and a matching hat.
Her bag and shoes came in lighter shades of blue, earning her the thumbs up for flawless coordination.
3. PRINCESS DIANA AT HER ENGAGEMENT
Right from her earliest moments identifying with the royal family, the late Princess Diana of Wales proved herself as a fashion goddess. She showed off her fashion prowess during her 1981 engagement to Prince Charles.
Princess Diana gave the world a glimpse into the future in her dark blue skirt suit, reminiscent of the modern-day shawl jacket. She easily passed as royalty in the suit designed by Harrods as she posed for her engagement portrait alongside Prince Charles.
4. PRINCESS DIANA GRACED THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
Famous for her eye-popping, controversial outfits, Princess Diana set another trend in 1981. During her visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the late Princess of Wales donned one of the earliest off-shoulder formal gowns in Royal history.
She was the cynosure of all eyes as she graced the “Splendours of Gonzagas” exhibition gala in the historic white gown. Bellville Sassoon took the credit for the trend-setting design.
5. KATE MIDDLETON THRILLED IN AN ALL-RED ENSEMBLE AT A GALA
She opted for a monochrome look as she graced a gala in London in an all-red ensemble by Jenny Packham. She topped the outfit with a matching floral hat by the same designer.
Kate Middleton’s marriage into the royal family in 2011 eased some of the die-hard fashion principles of the royal household, introducing a new dawn in fashion. In 2011, shortly after joining the royals, Kate Middleton proved herself a fashionista.
6. KATE MIDDLETON ADOPTS A FORMAL LOOK AT A TRUST EVENT
In 2016, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, gave the world one of her most iconic styles since attaining royalty. Many were thrilled to see the Duchess step out in a corporate combination of a custom-white shirt with black embellishments tucked into a black pencil skirt.
Middleton turned heads at the 1851 Trust event in her nautical-themed ensemble designed by Alexander McQueen.
7. PRINCESSES BEATRICE AND EUGENE GRACE THE ROYAL ASCOT
The seemingly inseparable sisters, Princess Beatrice, and princess Eugene have experienced their fair shares of fashion limelight. Most notably, their tastes in headwears have become legendary, setting them among some of the most fashionable royals.
The princesses turned heads with their joint appearance at the 2017 Royal Ascot, in knee-length gowns. While Beatrice wore a light-colored attire, Eugine donned a black dress sporting polka dots.
8. MEGHAN MARKLE AT THE YOUR COMMONWEALTH YOUTH CHALLENGE
Another fashion icon married into the royal family is the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. Having a Hollywood background before becoming a royal, Markle easily passes for the most fashionable member of the royal family.
She proved herself to be a style goddess when she appeared in a simple yellow dress alongside her husband, Prince Harry, in 2018. The duo attended a reception in honor of Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge at Marlborough House. No one ever combined the color yellow better.
9. MEGHAN MARKLE AT THE ROYAL TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND
Meghan has a way of making the simplest outfits into a runway piece. During her tour of New Zealand, the duchess wore a navy blue short-sleeved gown. The ruffled midi gown sported double-breasted buttons, with an extended fabric behind.
Interestingly, the Duchess rocked the same outfit earlier on, during her first public appearance with Prince Harry. The dress sold out within days of Meghan’s public appearance, giving the world the first taste of the “Meghan effect.”
10. PRINCE GEORGE MET BARACK OBAMA IN STYLE
There’s something appealing about seeing the royals dressed casually or a notch away from the traditional looks. And no one does it better than Prince George of Cambridge. Little wonder the George-effect has become legendary.
The 7-year-old deviated from his traditional shorts and polos when he sported a My 1st Years blue gingham bathrobe while meeting President Barack Obama. Remarkably, the robe sold out barely 7 minutes after pictures from the memorable moment hit the media.
It’s incredible how even the youngest royals have become iconic trendsetters in the world of fashion.
