Dressed in head-to-toe haute couture, ever since Audrey Hepburn's early morning stroll down Fifth Avenue the little black dress has become the ultimate wardrobe essential. A classic and timeless concept, it's hardly surprising that our favourite royal ladies have each stepped out in stunning LBDs for diplomatic engagements and red carpet events. From plush velvet gowns to lace-adorned styles and mesh panelled midis, we're taking a look at the most beautiful black dresses worn by the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duchess of Sussex, Queen Letizia and more.
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The Duchess of Cambridge
Looking every inch the Hollywood starlet, Duchess Kate walked the red carpet in a Diane von Furstenberg lace gown ahead of the Royal Variety Performance in 2014. Styling her hair in a chic chignon, she accessorised with hooped diamond earrings and a matching black clutch.
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Embarking on a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand alongside Prince William, the royal made sure to pack this sophisticated cocktail dress from one of her favourite brands – Jenny Packham. Proving that less is more, Kate's satin midi featured hand-stitched crystal beading on one shoulder.
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Kate nailed desk-to-daywear dressing in this simple silhouette from high street brand Oasis. Fitted with a black polo neck and cinched in at the waist with a statement buckled belt, the Duchess completed her ensemble with black tights and heels.
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The Duchess of Sussex
We're still not over the Duchess of Sussex's Oscar de la Renta gown! Heading to the Australian Geographic Society Awards in 2018, Meghan paired her delicate appliqué dress with black slingback stilettos and silver jewellery – stunning.
Turning heads at The Fashion Awards in 2018, Meghan dressed her baby bump in a plush velvet gown from Givenchy. Looking as radiant as ever, she wore her brunette hair in a sleek, low chignon and opted for natural and dewy makeup.
Pictured alongside Prince Harry at The Lion King premiere, Duchess Meghan decided upon a black satin midi by Jason Wu. Adorned with a sheer neck and sleeves, the royal accessorised her stylish fit and flare with a Gucci clutch, Aquazzura pumps and diamond earrings from Nikos Koulis.
Marking her first solo engagement at the Royal Academy of Art, Meghan stepped out in a long-sleeved black dress by Givenchy, which featured a thigh-high slit and fitted bodice. Teamed with coordinating heels and a clutch, Meghan added a touch of sparkle to her outfit with a pair of diamond earrings.
Lady Kitty Spencer
Pictured in Rome, Lady Kitty Spencer wowed in a sheer black dress at the Bvlgari Barocco fashion show. Priced at £4,700, Princess Diana's niece accessorised her Dolce & Gabbana gown with a stunning sapphire necklace and matching earrings from Bvlgari.
Lady Kitty wore this exquisite backless black dress to the launch of Claridge's Hotel's Christmas Tree in 2019. How cool is the gown's white cuff detail? And those heels are pretty fabulous too!
Queen Letizia of Spain
Queen Letizia headed to an In Memoriam concert at the National Auditorium in 2019. Looking as lovely as ever, she stepped out in the 'Dionia' pleated midi dress from one of her favourite labels, Hugo Boss.
Letizia certainly made a statement in this leather kimono-style dress by & Other Stories.
The Countess of Wessex
We're obsessed with the Countess of Wessex's lace bodycon dress. She wore it to attend a gala fundraising dinner alongside Prince Edward in 2014.
Lady Amelia Windsor
Lady Amelia's one-shouldered midi is so glamorous! Attending the Harper's Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards in 2018, the stylish royal polished off her look with metallic heels, a crystal-studded clutch and gold jewellery.