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Royal Style Watch: From Duchess Meghan’s gold bodycon to Princess Kate’s flippy frock

From old to gold, discover the best royal looks from the Princess of Wales and more

Tania Leslau
Fashion features writer
Updated: May 30, 2023
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Colour! Contrast! Couture! All themes that beautifully tie royal looks together this past week. The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex championed golden girl aesthetics in striking yellow tones, while the Duchess of Edinburgh opted for cool blue for more than one outfit change.

Her daughter Lady Louise Windsor borrowed a piece or two from her mother’s archive (as all daughters do), while Princess Eugenie continued to make a case for maternitywear in florals.

Scroll on to see these dreamy looks for yourself…

The Princess of Wales

WATCH: Princess Kate looks sporty and chic on surprise visit

The Princess of Wales made a poignant trip to Bath on Tuesday in light of Mental Health Awareness month, bringing the sunshine in one of the boldest ensembles we've ever seen her wear.  

Brightening up Bath, the wife of Prince William was immaculately dressed for the occasion as she stepped out in a marigold-yellow blazer and crisp white cigarette pants.  Princess Kate's eclectic ensemble comprised of a cream ribbed top tucked into her silhouette-skimming trousers, which she made casual with her much-loved £120 Veja trainers.

Princess Kate wearing her favourite summer shoe style - two tone
The princess wore her favourite summer shoe style - two tone

On Thursday afternoon, the Princess of Wales stepped out to visit the home of charity Anna Freud. The mother-of-three has marked Mental Health Awareness Week with visits to two charities this week. Anna Freud is a charity which uses scientific research to provide young people with the support they need at a time when they needed. 

The royal turned out a true Marilyn Monroe moment as she braved the wind in a day dress which she owns in more than one colour, and for good reason. Her forest green Suzannah London frock featured short sleeves, a subtle portrait neckline, short sleeves, button-down detailing and an elegant frontal split.

She paired the throw-on garment with some nude and black ballet pumps by one of her favourite dress designers Alessandra Rich.

Kate Middleton wearing pink suit and pearl earrings© Shutterstock
Kate has been patron of the Foundling Museum since 2019

On Thursday, Princess Catherine's sartorial status once again reigned supreme as she took to the streets of London, paying a visit to her patronage, the Foundling Museum, to continue her mission to highlight the importance of relationships in early childhood. 

It seems the royal has caught on to Barbie fever ahead of the highly anticipated film's release this summer, as she rocked a candy pink power suit from Alexander McQueen and matching silk blouse for her mid-week outing.

The wife of Prince William slipped into pearly satin heels, elevating her bubblegum-hued ensemble with a statement buckled belt adorned with oversized pearls.

The Duchess of Sussex

prince harry and meghan markle gold dress
Meghan and Prince Harry attended the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards together

Style runs through her veins, so the Duchess of Sussex’s dazzling appearance on Tuesday was far from a shock. Stepping out in New York to attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards where she was named as one of the honourees, Duchess Meghan gleamed as she took her place in the spotlight.

Meghan looked so glamorous as she arrived in a slinky, and strapless, gold midi dress by Johanna Ortiz, from a past season, that featured a scallop design and an exposed zipper in the back, as well as discreet cut-out detailing on the torso

The gorgeous look was paired with Bronze Metallic Lizard-Print Lock High-Heel Sandals by Tom Ford, ($1350) and she accessorized with a Carolina Herrara Metropolitan Insignia’ Small Box Bag in Yellow ($1420).  Meghan styled her raven locks in curls over one shoulder, and her radiant beauty shone through as she kept her make-up neutral and classic, with a bronzed glow and a nude lip.

 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent an hour with local youth group AHA! Santa Barbara© Matt Sayles for The Archewell Foundation
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent an hour with local youth group AHA! Santa Barbara

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were beaming in new photos shared on the Archewell website in light recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to a Santa Barbara-based youth group, engaging in a discussion around the pressures of social media, and how it impacts mental wellbeing. 

While fashion likely wasn't on Meghan's agenda as she joined her husband for the poignant discussion, the mother-of-two certainly delivered in the style stakes as she nailed the perfect balance between businesswear and Cali-girl chic. 

Duchess Meghan, 41, kept things simple in a fitted black bodycon dress adorned with clear buttons. Her long-sleeved midi dress fell to her knees as she slipped into a pair of pointed-toe heels in ballet-slipper pink. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attended the Not Forgotten Association Annual Garden Party at Buckingham Palace© Getty
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attended the Not Forgotten Association Annual Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

When it comes to style, the Duchess of Edinburgh is a creature of habit. Don’t get us wrong, this is far from a bad thing. As a result, we’ve become oh so familiar with the royal’s wardrobe and favourite brands, meaning when she debuts a recycled look for a royal event, we know just where to find it. 

On Tuesday, Duchess Sophie attended The Not Forgotten Association Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, relying once again on her go-to brand Suzannah London. The royal recycled one of her beloved coat dresses from the luxury label, which is aptly called the ‘Sophie.’ 

Sophie’s ‘Sophie’ featured a French blue hue, three-quarter-length sleeves, a fit and flare silhouette, a belted waistline, a shawl neckline and a silk finish. The elegant number which retails at approximately £3,000, was paired with Strathberry’s ‘East/West Mini Leather Crossbody Bag in Seagrass with Bottle Green Interior,’ which added an extra £455 to the outfit’s price tag.

Duchess Sophie formerly wore her stylish leather jacket back in 2017© Getty
Duchess Sophie formerly wore her stylish leather jacket back in 2017

The Duchess of Edinburgh (formerly Countess of Wessex and Forfar) nailed the art of elevated dressing this week when she attended a glamorous event in London for the Chartered Management Institute Women's Annual Conference. 

The wife of Prince Edward, 58, looked fabulous in a fit-and-flare striped dress from Victoria Beckham's eponymous fashion label. Duchess Sophie layered her candy cane print dress with a runway-worthy Prada jacket . Sophie's vintage Prada jacket featured a collarless cut, structured shoulders elevated with leather epaulettes and a svelte tailored fit that highlighted her feminine silhouette.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was recieved by the President and First Lady of Iraq© PA
The Duchess of Edinburgh was received by the President and First Lady of Iraq

The Duchess of Edinburgh this week to meet with the President and First Lady of Iraq, engaging in important discussions on Iraq’s National Action Plan for women's peace security. 

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duchess (formerly the Countess of Wessex) continues to champion the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence during her trip abroad. The mother-of-two has already spent two days in Baghdad, where she heard about the challenges facing Iraqi women and girls, and the ongoing work to protect and promote their rights. 

In light of her poignant trip, the wife of Prince Edward made sure her unrivalled wardrobe travelled with her. Duchess Sophie looked effortlessly elegant for her meeting with President Abdul Latif Rashid on Tuesday, stepping out in a stunning lemon-yellow wool dress adorned with a pretty button-down skirt. The 58-year-old royal wore the 'Yahvi' dress from one of the Princess of Wales' favourite brands, Beulah. 

The Duchess is visiting Iraq in support of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda© PA
The Duchess is visiting Iraq in support of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

More photographs have been shared from the Duchess of Edinburgh's secret trip overseas to Iraq. Duchess Sophie visited the Kurdistan Region of Iraq this week upon the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. In light of her poignant trip, the wife of Prince Edward made sure her unrivalled wardrobe travelled with her. 

In moving photographs shared on the Royal Family's website, the 58-year-old Duchess assembled an immaculate white dress to meet with Yazidi survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. 

Sophie's romantic tiered dress featured angelic puffed sleeves and a flattering maxi skirt crafted from lightweight crepe.

Lady Louise Windsor

Lady Louise competes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show© Getty
Lady Louise competes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Just one week after wowing royal fans at King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation, Lady Louise Windsor put on yet another stylish appearance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

The 19-year-old student, who is in her first year of studies at the University of St. Andrews, rose to the occasion in a smart, equine-inspired ensemble as she took part in a carriage driving procession while her parents the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh proudly looked on. While the day was no doubt a bittersweet occasion for Lady Louise following her grandfather Prince Philip's passing, the young royal was in high spirits, beaming at the crowds as she made her way around the racecourse.

The youngster rocked a smart navy blazer with a horse print scarf knotted around her neck. Very elegant– and apt for the occasion! She added a coordinating blue trilby with pheasant feather embellishment and sported soft, natural makeup including a bright pink lip.

Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie dress her bump in a pretty floral dress from Cefinn London© Instagram
Princess Eugenie dressed her bump in a pretty floral number from Cefinn London

Princess Eugenie is due to give birth to her second child any day now, but the royal is still fulfilling her royal duties, having visited a school to learn about their Voices of Welcome project just last week. In an Instagram post shared by The Anti Slavery Collective on Monday, the heavily pregnant royal looked radiant as ever as she smiled alongside students and teachers from The Archbishop's School in Canterbury. 

Princess Eugenie looked lovely for the occasion, dressing her blossoming baby bump in a floral print maxi dress from Cefinn Studio. The elegant smocked 'Isla' gown featured a romantic ruffled bodice and frilled tiers on the skirt. 

Princess Beatrice

princess beatrice in hill house white dress with matching jacket© Getty
Princess Beatrice just made a serious case for Hill House dresses

Princess Beatrice has really elevated her style of late and her wardrobe choices are fast becoming just as sought after as the Princess of Wales' iconic looks.

On Thursday, the 34-year-old royal put in a glamorous appearance at The Hill House Home UK launch dinner, held at The National Gallery in London. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's eldest daughter looked lovely in the Hill House design dubbed 'The Daphne'. The flirty number, crafted from cotton poplin, features smocking on the back, a slightly scooped neckline, and a flowy circle skirt.

The gorgeous 'Red Shell Vine Stripe' print Princess Eugenie's sister is wearing is actually a collaboration with artist Leïla Dubus. The wallpaper-inspired design features hidden gems: jewels, shells, flowers, and charms.

Princess Charlene of Monaco

Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix in 2023© Getty
Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco who is wearing rainbow stripes

Princess Charlene always looks so stylish and as she made a public appearance on Sunday, royal watchers were quick to compliment her on her gorgeous outfit.  The mother-of-two joined her husband, Prince Albert, at Monaco's Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen drove to victory. 

Applauding as she watched him lift his trophy, the princess looked beautiful in a long, black sleeveless dress featuring an incredible detail. The dress had subtle stripes in the hues of the rainbow which opened out towards the hem to reveal wider shocks of colour. 

In contrast to her highlighted look at King Charles' coronation earlier this month, Charlene's hair was dark brown, cut in a flattering short style and she kept her makeup light.

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco attend the Gala Dinner for the F1 Grand Prix Of Monaco© Getty Images
Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco attend the Gala Dinner for the F1 Grand Prix Of Monaco

After a gripping race day at the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco dressed to impress as they attended the Gala Dinner on Sunday evening.  

Princess Charlene, who has had various health problems in recent years, looked glowing and gorgeous as she entered the Gala Dinner wearing a monochrome Valentino one-sleeved gown which she teamed with a pair of sky-high Hermes black suede sandals.

 Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden

princess victoria of sweden in pink suitb © Getty
The Swedish royal looked so stylish in the pink Zara suit

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden looked so pretty in pink as she stepped out on Friday in a tailored trouser suit - and royal fans couldn't believe it was from Zara. 

The Swedish royal looked absolutely stunning during her visit to the West Sweden Chamber of Commerce in Gothenburg, wearing a bubblegum pink blazer and matching trousers, which she teamed with a silk blouse in a lighter pink shade. 

Accessorising to perfection, Princess Victoria styled the look with a pair of Gianvito Rossi suede beige pumps, along with a YSL satchel handbag. The mother-of-two tied her hair back in a sleek bun, which showcased her stunning butterfly drop earrings that completed the look. 

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