The past year has seen the women of the British Royal Family deliver a masterclass in style, navigating a demanding schedule of public duties with elegance and increasing confidence. From glittering state occasions to intimate daytime engagements, their fashion choices have told a story of evolution, personal tribute, and quiet authority.
The Princess of Wales: Embracing a Regal Future
The Princess of Wales has cemented her style status this year with a series of flawless appearances. Her aesthetic continues to mature towards a more traditionally regal silhouette, subtly reinforcing her future role as Queen. However, Kate has also demonstrated a newfound willingness to take fashion risks.
A bold example was her chartreuse trouser suit by Victoria Beckham, worn to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. This confidence extended to historic jewellery, most notably when she debuted Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet tiara for a state banquet honouring the German president. Paired with a sequin caped Jenny Packham gown, the choice was both striking and deeply symbolic.
For the banquet welcoming Donald and Melania Trump, she selected a couture silk crepe gown and hand-embroidered lace coat by Phillipa Lepley, accessorised with the Lover's Knot tiara—a look widely praised as one of her most accomplished. Kate also paid subtle homage to Diana, Princess of Wales, at Trooping the Colour, wearing an aquamarine Catherine Walker coat dress that echoed an outfit Diana wore in the 1990s.
Quiet Luxury & Festive Glamour: Sophie, Meghan and Zara
The Duchess of Edinburgh has become a poster-woman for 'quiet luxury', favouring refined knitwear, sharp tailoring, and considered floral prints. Her approachable style caused a sell-out when she wore a cornflower blue Aspiga dress to an afternoon tea in Windsor. For formal events like Trooping the Colour, she turned to trusted designers like Beulah, opting for an emerald green dress with signature puff sleeves.
Across the Atlantic, Meghan Markle delivered a festive style masterclass while promoting her 'As Ever' Christmas special. Highlights included a sleek asymmetric halterneck gown by Galvan and a khaki satin co-ord from Argent, often accessorised with sentimental pieces like Princess Diana's Cartier watch.
Zara Tindall blended her equestrian polish with modern glamour to great effect. She was a standout at Royal Ascot, notably in a striking monochrome Laura Green ensemble. Known for midi lengths, she surprised by opting for a playful Rebecca Vallance mini dress for evening events, showcasing her fun-loving side.
Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie: Refined and Streamlined
Princess Beatrice's year was defined by classic prints and modern tailoring. She made a striking impression at Royal Ascot in a pink gingham tweed co-ord by Beulah and demonstrated sustainable fashion by rewearing a Rebecca Vallance black dress to the Matrix Awards in New York.
Princess Eugenie has noticeably refined her personal style, moving towards a more confident and streamlined aesthetic. She ended Royal Ascot on a high note in a figure-skimming red Whistles dress and embraced summer dressing in elegant pieces from Self-Portrait and Michael Kors, blending high-street finds with designer labels seamlessly.
Queen Camilla: A Signature Style Solidified
Since her accession, Queen Camilla has fully come into her own sartorially. Her signature look artfully blends classic British tailoring with luxurious finishing touches, from Chanel heels to statement Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery. For the VE Day anniversary service, she chose a pristine white Anna Valentine coat dress with modern black blanket stitching. She also revisited past favourites, rewearing a pastel pink Anna Valentine coat dress first seen at the Sussex wedding during her tour of Canada.
Overall, the year has proven that royal fashion is far more than just beautiful clothes. It is a powerful tool for diplomacy, personal expression, and connecting with the public, with each woman crafting a distinct and impactful wardrobe narrative.
