Behind the glamour and elegance of royal fashion lies a strict set of unwritten rules – and one surprising colour ban enforced by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal women, including the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex, have always avoided wearing a particular shade during official engagements. This wasn't mere coincidence but a deliberate style directive from Her Majesty herself.
The Forbidden Colour
Sources reveal that the Queen prohibited female royals from wearing beige to public events. This neutral tone, often considered a wardrobe staple, was deemed too dull for royal duties by the monarch.
"Her Majesty believed beige faded into the background," explains a former palace aide. "She wanted the royal family to stand out, especially when meeting the public."
Royal Style Philosophy
The Queen's approach to royal dressing focused on visibility and symbolism:
- Bright colours ensured visibility in crowds
- Block colours photographed better
- Every outfit sent a deliberate message
This philosophy explains why we rarely saw Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle in neutral tones during their royal engagements.
The Queen's Own Wardrobe
Elizabeth II famously embraced vibrant hues throughout her reign, with her signature looks including:
- Electric blue
- Emerald green
- Fuchsia pink
- Canary yellow
These bold choices weren't just personal preference but part of her strategy to remain visible in any crowd.
Modern Royal Style
While the rule technically ended with the Queen's passing, the new generation of royals appears to have adopted similar principles. Recent appearances by Kate and Sophie show a continued preference for colour over neutrals.
As one fashion expert notes: "The royal women have learned the power of colour – it's become part of their brand."
