It is imperative for the British Royal Family to follow a set of traditions and customs passed down for centuries, including their wardrobe choices. This is because the Royals are subject to a dress code. Browse our ranking of the most stunning royal gowns.
Princess Diana
During her visit to Hong Kong in 1989, Princess Diana turned heads in a striking outfit - a white silk gown adorned with pearls and sequins, masterfully crafted by Catherine Walker. The accompanying bolero , typical of the fashion during that era, earned the gown the nickname "the Elvis dress" from the media. Despite its divisive appeal, we applaud the fearless fashion choice made by our favorite Royal rebel. In fact, even the designer herself, in 2012, reminisced on how the dress radiated and sparkled around the Princess.
Princess Anne
In a vintage-inspired ensemble, Princess Anne, the Queen’s daughter, dons a ruffled floral dress reminiscent of the 1970s. Sporting a chic chignon and donning elegant white evening gloves, the Princess exudes a bohemian aura at a gathering in London's Dorchester Hotel.
A skilled equestrian in her younger years, Princess Anne achieved success in the sport by earning silver and gold medals at the European Eventing Championships. Remarkably, she broke barriers as the initial member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic games.
Princess Diana
The elegant one-shoulder gown adorned with silver beading was crafted specifically for Princess Diana by Japanese designer Hachi. This photo captures the Princess at the National Gallery in Washington D.C. back in 1985.
As one of Diana's original fashion choices, the one-shoulder gown became a recurring favourite in her collection. Featured in a showcase of her garments, the dress was eventually purchased for $60,000 at an auction.
Princess Diana
Behold another wild creation from the 1980s, this time accompanied by a dazzling tiara. It is none other than Princess Diana in 1986, gracing a royal wedding at the Crown Prince Palace in Saudi Arabia. Designed by Catherine Walker, this satin gown highlights the puffy shoulders and long sleeves popular in the era.
For formal evening events, tiaras are exclusively worn by married royal women. Princess Diana, who had her own family tiara, was also granted permission to utilize the Royal family's precious jewels.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana was known for taking fashion risks and constantly donned exciting new looks, such as the gold lamé evening gown by Bruce Oldfield that she wore to the 1985 premiere of A View to Kill, the latest James Bond film.
At just 24 years old, Diana was clearly a fan of the 1980s fashion scene. Her ensemble included shoulder pads, pleats, and gold lamé, topped off with a trendy '80s hairstyle.
Princess Margaret
The White House serves as the backdrop for this exceptional vintage photo, showcasing Princess Margaret, the Queen's younger sister, beautifully dressed in pink with a coordinating jacket and holding onto her evening gloves. In this snapshot, she is accompanied by her husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, and joined by President Lyndon Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson.
It is customary for royal women to refrain from wearing sleeveless attire, in accordance with royal etiquette and its emphasis on modesty. Nevertheless, they have the freedom to adorn themselves with as many jewels as they desire.
Duchess Meghan
Meghan Markle, also known as the Duchess of Sussex, caused quite a stir as a member of the British Royal Family. The former American actress eventually decided to depart the UK due to immense pressure and scrutiny. Nevertheless, just like her mother-in-law, Markle continues to boldly push the boundaries of royal fashion.
The Duchess makes a striking appearance in a Safiyaa gown during her visit to Fiji as part of her royal tour. As is tradition, British royals often honor their host country through their attire when traveling to other nations. With its vivid shade of blue, this elegant dress serves as a subtle nod to Fiji's national flag.
Princess Margaret
The love life of Princess Margaret was marked by tumultuous events. Despite her wish to marry Peter Townsend, a man significantly older than her and with a high position in the royal household, their relationship was met with opposition from both the Church and the State. In the end, she married Anthony Amrstrong-Jones in 1960.
In this 1974 photograph, Margaret and her husband are seen attending a ballet performance in New York City. The Princess is dressed elegantly in a white embroidered outfit, complete with a cape.
Meghan Markle
The month of September marked the closing of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal duties. One of their last official events was a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey, which was attended by the couple along with other prominent royals. For the occasion, Meghan wore a breathtaking custom-made dress by Emilia Wickstead in a stunning shade of green.
Women of royal status are required to don hats, especially on formal occasions such as attending religious services. The headpiece Meghan selected is the Veil Explosion Teardrop Hat by William Chambers, while her bag is the Demi Emerald Green Satin Tote by Gabriela Hearst.
Princess Diana
Noted for her impressive stature, Princess Diana exuded elegance in every outfit she donned. In 1993, she was captured wearing an eye-catching emerald green Catherine Walker dress at a state banquet hosted at the Dorchester Hotel. As with all members of the royal family, modesty and modesty are the guiding principles when it comes to dressing.
Princess Diana was known for her signature move of clutching her handbag to her chest upon exiting cars, preventing paparazzi from capturing any unfavorable or inappropriate images. Truly iconic!
Meghan Markle
Adorned in a mesmerizing Roland Mouret dress of navy sequins, Meghan Markle graces the Cirque du Soleil event with her presence. The Duchess of Sussex elegantly styles her look with a chic bun, dewy makeup, Stuart Weitzman heels, and a chic Givenchy clutch.
According to royal expert Myka Meier, female members of the royal family typically carry their purses in their left hand so that their right hand is available for handshakes and waving to the public.
Princess Diana
It was no secret that Princess Diana and designer Catherine Walker were close, with the latter having crafted more than 1,000 outfits for the Royal. In this photo, Diana is captured attending a ballet performance in London, clad in an understated yet refined pink and white sheath dress. The look is elevated by subtle details like cufflinks and a complementing pink clutch.
While it is customary for female members of the royal family to wear gloves in public, Diana was famously known for her distaste for this practice and instead preferred to touch people's skin directly. This made her beloved by the public, and known as “The People’s Princess.”
Kate Middleton
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are big fans of New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead. Duchess Catherine was spotted wearing her signature yellow coat dress, while also owning multiple colors of Wickstead's "the Kate" dress. Can you blame her?
Will and Kate graced Bhutan with their presence in 2016 as part of their royal tour, and in this particular image, Kate is seen sporting nude L.K. Bennett courts, the L.K. Bennett Natalie clutch, and Brora's Gold Charm earrings.
Princess Anne
The role of Princess Anne on The Crown is portrayed by Erin Doherty, bringing newfound admiration to the character. An amazing throwback snapshot from 1973 captures the Princess elegantly posing on the grand staircase at Buckingham Palace, dressed in a pink polka-dot gown.
With a life full of vibrancy and adventure, the Princess Royal's experiences have included an incident of attempted kidnapping in 1974, which she boldly faced with poise. More insights into her life can be found in the 2018 documentary Queen of the World.
Queen Elizabeth
Take a trip down memory lane to 1953 and admire Queen Elizabeth's stunning coronation attire. The opulent gown was created by Norman Hartnell, a renowned British designer who collaborated extensively with the Royal Family. It consisted of white duchess satin and silk, adorned with an abundance of sparkling beads and pearls.
Moreover, the gown was adorned with floral embroidery as a symbol of the commonwealth nations. As is common among female royals, the Queen has been known to recycle her outfits and has donned this particular dress multiple times since her coronation.
Princess Anne
Devotees of The Crown may have taken note of Erin Doherty's attire in the series, which bore a striking resemblance to a 1970s floral dress. The Princess Royal herself wore this flower-adorned frock, featuring a high neckline and puffed sleeves, to a movie premiere in London in 1973, joined by her husband.
It has been noted by Doherty that on set, obtaining Anne's signature hairdo can require a considerable amount of time, up to two hours. The Princess herself remarked in an interview that it only takes her 10 or 15 minutes.
Duchess Kate
On a visit to India in 2016, Duchess Catherine of Cambridge turned heads in a regal blue gown created by Jenny Packham. Known for championing up-and-coming British fashion talents, Middleton's sartorial decisions are closely followed and documented on numerous fashion blogs.
Hand-beaded in India, this Jenny Packham gown pays homage to the host country and is complemented by a matching cape and custom bag in the same color and fabric.
Princess Margaret
Just like her previous appearances, Princess Margaret made a striking impression at the Hollywood Palladium in 1965. The sister of Queen Elizabeth, who was known for her lavish outfits, did not disappoint during her visit to America.
Accompanied by Lord Snowdon, she arrived and confidently displayed a gorgeous ensemble in shades of blue to the paparazzi. Adorned with a sparkly tiara, the cameras couldn't stop flashing all night.
The Queen Mother
Not only has Queen Elizabeth II wowed onlookers with her stunning red carpet appearances and numerous event appearances over the years, but her mother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, was also known for her ability to steal the show with her elegant gowns, beautiful crowns, and graceful presence. At her 80th birthday party in 1980, the Queen Mother arrived in a breathtaking white chiffon dress, adorned with a tiara and necklace.
Princess Anne
The renowned Royal Opera House is aptly named, as it frequently showcases the crème de la crème of the British royal family and presents awe-inspiring operatic tales. At a 1980 event, Princess Anne caused quite a stir in a stunning white dress with exquisite embroidery, capturing the attention of all guests and making it difficult to focus on the performance.
Kate Middleton
The Duchess of Cambridge, a devout admirer of Alexander McQueen's designs, donned a royal blue taffeta gown from the British fashion house for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. Despite criticism from the media, we applaud her bold choice in fashion. To complete her look, Kate accessorized with pearl earrings, a necklace previously owned by the Queen Mother, the Cambridge Lovers' Knot tiara, and a royal family order of the Queen.
Princess Diana
Back in 1988 during a visit to Paris, the former wife of Prince Charles turned heads at a dinner hosted by the British Ambassador in a striking one-shouldered evening gown by Catherine Walker featuring a black and red pattern.
Queen Elizabeth
While the British royal family boasts many individuals who are celebrated for their exceptional gowns and style choices at any given function, there is no one who can rival the Queen's prowess in this aspect.
Elizabeth II holds an iconic status, thanks to her majestic crowns, luxurious gowns, and graceful wave to her adoring citizens. This portrait, taken in 1987 to commemorate the Queen's 40th wedding anniversary with Prince Philip, showcases her in a charming white dress embellished with playful polka dots.
Princess Margaret
It was business as usual in 1990 when the Queen's sister showed up at the London Palladium to mark her mother's 90th birthday. Margaret looked stunning in an ice-blue dress, complemented by blue earrings and necklace to match.
Camilla
Continuing the trend, she accompanied Prince Charles to a dinner hosted by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands during their short visit to Amsterdam in 2013. To add a touch of sophistication, Camilla adorned a tiara.
Duchess Catherine
Kate Middleton, a popular member of the royal family, has made her mark by wearing several gorgeous gowns from this list. Whether it be after her marriage to Prince William, or even before that, the Duchess of Cambridge has consistently stood out at every event she attends. Her excellent fashion sense was on display during her visit to Sweden and Norway with William in 2018. She looked stunning at a formal state dinner in a lovely blush pink gown designed by Alexander McQueen.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana flaunted yet another ravishing red dress at a 1989 banquet held at London's Claridges. The whole outfit, from the glittering gown to the iconic Spencer tiara, exuded elegance and confidence, as she warmly greeted fellow attendees. The designer behind this striking look was Bruce Oldfield.
Meghan Markle
In 2018, another Paparazzi-worthy gown was unveiled by Meghan Markle, as she changed into it during her wedding day to attend the reception with Prince Harry. The Duchess opted for a custom-made white dress by Stella McCartney, as she desired to feel at ease and be able to dance with her new husband all night long. With its high neckline, the gown was not only a standout piece, but it also empowered Meghan to truly let loose and enjoy the festivities with her Prince.
Princess Diana
Despite her brief foray into shorter dresses, Princess Diana ultimately preferred the elegance of full length evening gowns. This photograph, captured in 1996 at a Chicago gala dinner, showcases her choice of a vibrant purple Gianni Versace column dress. To complement the outfit, Diana adorned herself with sapphire jewelry and a pearl choker, and even matched her shoes and clutch to the same shade of purple.
Meghan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex has been making headlines for her fashion choices, and her latest appearance did not disappoint. She was seen in a fashion-forward ensemble while engaging with young leaders linked to the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. Her outfit choice, the Glenda dress by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, adds yet another label to her already impressive collection of luxury British fashion brands. Joining the likes of Kate Middleton and Michelle Obama, Meghan proves once again that she keeps good fashion company.
Duchess Catherine
Back in 2011, Duchess Catherine of Cambridge made a memorable appearance in a pale purple Alexander McQueen dress. The event in question was the BAFTA Brits to Watch in LA, part of her royal visit to the USA and Canada. It's worth noting that Middleton opted for neutral nails, adhering to the strict rule that female royals can only wear blush, nude, or clear polish. She completed the look with a Jimmy Choo Ubai clutch and Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitter sandals.
Princess Margaret
"Isn't this photo breathtaking? It features Princess Margaret in 1951, dressed in a one-shouldered cream gown adorned with gold embellishments, created by iconic fashion designer Christian Dior. She completes the look with a stunning jeweled necklace and earrings. In Netflix's The Crown, Margaret is portrayed by Vanessa Kirby in seasons one and two, and later by Helena Bonham Carter in season three."
Princess Diana
Despite her initial shyness as a member of the Royal Family, Diana won the hearts of the public with her compassionate nature and irresistible charm. This exquisite chiffon gown perfectly captured her endearing persona, with its dreamy pleats befitting a true princess.
Queen Elizabeth
Being a member of the British Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth must always ensure that she avoids any fashion mishaps. As a precautionary measure, the Queen has a clever trick up her sleeve to prevent her skirt or dress from awkwardly flying up in any situation. She has pennyweights, discreetly sewn into the hemlines of her attire, ensuring that no pesky gusts of wind can spoil her impeccable appearance.
Kate Middleton
In 2013, Kate and Will were photographed at the Royal Society in London for the Tusk Trust Awards. This was their first public appearance after welcoming their son, George. Kate donned a bespoke, shimmering gold gown featuring a bateau neckline, an empire waist adorned with a brooch, and a keyhole back design. Her elegant ensemble was complemented by a pair of glittery Jimmy Choo Vamp court shoes and a splendid set of diamond jewelry.
Queen Elizabeth
Have you ever noticed how Queen Elizabeth frequently wears vibrant hues? It's not just because she enjoys a splash of color (though she does). You see, the Queen must be visible when she's out and about, because what's the point of her public appearances otherwise? It's also a safety precaution, ensuring that she can always be easily identified.
During a state visit to Washington D.C. in 1976, the Queen dons a stunning yellow gown in this photograph.
Queen Elizabeth
The vintage snapshots of royals in magnificent, intricate ballgowns are simply enchanting. This particular photo captures the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth in 1952, radiantly showcasing a tulle gown with metallic lace embellishments. Along with one of her iconic crowns and an array of luxurious jewels, she exudes regal elegance. As for royal attire, Queen Elizabeth typically favors skirts and dresses over pants, which is to be expected at her age. This sartorial choice also has an impact on the traditional dress code for other members of the royal family, including Duchesses Kate and Meghan, who often grace royal functions in charming dresses.
Kate Middleton
The arrival of Kate Middleton sparked the creation of "The Kate Effect" by fashion journalists. This phenomenon described the rapid depletion of stocks whenever the Duchess made a public appearance in a certain attire. For instance, Issa, a British designer, experienced a surge in demand and eventually closed due to the overwhelming strain, after Kate's engagement announcement dress, a silk-jersey blue wrap dress, sold out in 43 countries.
Princess Diana
While Princess Diana's fashion sense often included shoulder pads and shorter hemlines, she also had a flair for floaty and classically feminine dresses. This was exemplified during her 1983 visit to Australia, where she donned a beautiful full-length pink silk dress. The media fell in love with her look and dubbed her "pretty in pink," a title that suited her perfectly. Completing her outfit were her iconic sapphire accessories, such as her famous ring, necklace, earrings, and bracelet.
Meghan Markle
Meghan, the captivating Duchess of Sussex, has caused quite a stir in the British press on numerous occasions. This latest photo from the 2018 Fashion Awards has sparked its own media frenzy as Meghan appears to be defying royal protocol with her dark manicure. As it turns out, the Queen prefers only neutral or subtle pink nail polish colors. In addition, some have criticized Meghan for constantly cradling her bump during this event and throughout her pregnancy. But let's not forget to appreciate her breathtaking one-shouldered Givenchy gown.
Princess Diana
The renowned British designer Bruce Oldfield played a pivotal role in elevating Diana, Princess of Wales to the status of a fashion legend in the 1980s, affectionately known as "Dynasty Di." Despite his humble beginnings in an orphanage, Oldfield nostalgically recalls his dance with Diana at a Barnardos charity fashion show and ball, which supports vulnerable children in the UK. This unforgettable event took place in 1988 and featured Diana donning an unforgettable silver pleated lame gown, radiating the elegance and allure of a Hollywood star. Oldfield fondly remembers the palpable excitement as everyone yearned to be near the captivating fashion icon.
Princess Diana
Throughout his career, British fashion designer Belville Sassoon has had the honor of creating magnificent gowns for numerous renowned figures, including Princess Diana, Princess Margaret, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. Diana, in particular, wore this exquisite blue lace ballgown to an event at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1981. This also happened to be the day after she publicly announced her pregnancy with Prince William. Remarkably, Belville vividly remembers the request made by Diana's mother for them to create the perfect going-away outfit for her daughter's engagement.
Kate Middleton
In 2017, Kate Middleton opted for an Alexander McQueen dress in a sophisticated, long-sleeved style for her sister's wedding. The custom-made piece was designed by Sarah Burton, with whom Kate shares a close friendship. Kate completed her look with Gianvito Rossi suede pumps in the shade "praline," a Jane Taylor hat, and Kiki McDonough morganite and diamond earrings. The neutral color scheme allowed Kate to keep a low profile at the family event.
Meghan Markle
With its abundance of elegant details, the dress donned by Meghan Markle while touring Australia and New Zealand quickly became a hot topic among fashion bloggers. This particular white tulle gown, featuring tweed laser cut bird motifs, is a masterpiece from Oscar de la Renta's Pre-Fall 2018 collection. How exhilarating!
Don't overlook Meghan's understated hair and makeup in this particular snapshot. Royal protocol dictates that women opt for a more simplistic and natural look, avoiding any daring makeup styles. After all, the spotlight is on the dress!
