12 royal fashion rules Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie, Queen Camilla must follow | Royal | News

The Royal Family prides itself on its traditions and etiquette, so it is no shock that members of the monarchy are expected to uphold strict fashion protocol. From women’s hats to precise skirt length, the likes of Princess Kate must adhere to the expectations.

Queen Elizabeth II homed in on many traditions and kept a watchful eye, especially on the younger royals. The late monarch who died at the age of 96, back in 2022, favoured bright colours and encouraged her relatives to follow suit.

Since her death that shocked the world, both Queen Consort Camilla and Duchess Sophie have continued her legacy and decided to brighten their ensembles. The pair have stepped out on many occasions in dazzling designs making them stand out from the crowd.

Despite some rules appearing fairly obvious – like no racy outfits to portray a sexy image, there are some fairly peculiar ones. Handbags are a common accessory used by royals during their outings.

According to royal expert Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette, royals must hold their clutch bags in their left hand, so their right hand is free to wave and meet and greet. Despite stepping down from being a working member of the Firm, the Meghan Markle continues to do it when out in public.

It is important that the royals favour bright colours so they can be quickly identified in large crowds.

This was one of Queen Elizabeth’s golden rules which Princess Kate seems to be often adopting. When they are on State visits it is known that they like to incorporate colors of the country they are visiting or represent the event that are attending, like Wimbledon Tennis.

A popular dress that is flying off the shelves that Her Royal Highness could be spotted in, is the Midi Shirt Dress by Boden, which you can buy here. It is £125 and boasts sophisticated stand-out shades.

Women are expected to wear dresses and skirts when carrying out engagements. Queen Elizabeth II often took a huge dislike towards suits and co-ords.

However, Meghan, 43, was rebellious when it came to her style in the spotlight as a royal. The American was fond of straight-legged co-ords. One of her most iconic looks was the Givenchy blazer and trouser set.

If you want to add some Markle sparkle to your wardrobe and get the designer look for a fraction of the price, we have found a stunning Black Tailored Single Breasted Jacket for £52 which you can grab here.

Jeans are never permitted to be worn at important events or engagements after the late Queen felt it would make royals appear too casual.

However, they can be worn in certain situations, such as when walking dogs or attending events where they are appropriate, for example, a polo match.

Princes Kate prefers a high-waisted skinny fit or a straight leg – which is a huge trend this winter season. If you want to get her look, then LEVI has you covered which you can grab online now, if you click here. The 315 Shaping Bootcut Jeans are £80.

It may come as a shock that despite the likes of Kate and Prince William’s daughter Charlotte being a Princess at the tender age of 9 years old, she is not permitted to wear a tiara during public engagements.

Traditionally, in the Royal Family, women who were married, and those who were aged 18 and above if had not tied the knot.

Diana, the Princess of Wales, was one of the few women marrying into the Royal Family, not to have to borrow a tiara from the Queen.

Royal Family members are told not to wear bright colours on their nails. They are carefully chosen shades on shorter, squoval-shaped nails.

Over the years it has been noted that they favour these tones as they appear clean. Meanwhile, it means that it will match their fashion statements and not cause a clash. 

One brand that is reportedly favoured by the likes of Princess Kate and Meghan Markle is Essie’s Sheer Pink. LOOKFANTASTIC has an incredible deal on a pack of three which saves you a whopping 30%. You can buy it now if you click here.

Royals must always place their handbag or briefcase in their left hand and never hold more than one accessory at a time. 

Due to the demands of public engagements, they must always have one free hand. Holding the accessory on the left means they are free to wave, shake hands, and greet the public.

Meghan Markle is a huge Carolina Herrera fan and donned the Doma Insignia satchel bag. Amazon has an almost identical version for just £89 if you click here.

The Royal Family has many rules surrounding the length of garments which include women’s dresses and skirts. It has been said that Queen Elizabeth II said that outwear should be knee-length or no more than a few inches above it.

One of Princess Kate’s favourite designers is Alexander McQueen – the fashion house even designed her wedding gown. If you want a fashion statement that looks almost identical to those that Kate wears, then Karen Millen has got you covered.

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It is essential the reigning monarch approve the wedding dress of a royal bride or the person who is marrying into the Royal Family. 

Although it has been said that the head former head state never reportedly disapproved of a wedding dress. 

For example, the late Queen approved of Princess Kate’s Alexander McQueen gown in 2011 and Meghan Markle’s dress for her wedding to Prince Harry. 

The late Queen Elizabeth would carfeully select her handbag as she would often use it to send messages to her staff when out on public engagments.

It has been reported that she would signal to her ladies-in-waiting that she wanted someone to interrupt a conversation by switching her handbag from one arm to the other – as it is always meant to be kept on the left.

If she placed her bag on the table during dinner, it was a signal to end the proceedings.

Cleavage is not part of the Royal Family’s dress code and the late Queen allegedly frowned upon it.

However, in the past, some royals have been daring with their ensembles and teased a slightly lowered neckline.

If you would like a dress that oozes sophistication and offers a slightly dropped neckline, then the Auburn Black Halter Skater Midi Dress from Club London would get royal approval. You can buy it now for £75 if you click here.

Hat’s and fascinators are an essential all year round when it comes to public engagements. The royals must wear headpieces for a number of reasons.

Women in the English monarchy are required to wear hats for formal events as it aligns with formality and tradition and is part of the culture.

If you are after one to add to your winter wardrobe for an event like the races, then Karen Millen is the answer.

The beautiful Pearl Detail Mesh Fascinator is in the sale for £77 which you can buy now here. 

Black is traditionally only worn by the Royal Family during mourning or if they are paying their respects.

This tradition became the norm after the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. Queen Victoria wore black every day for the rest of her life. 

The Ever Pretty V-Neck High Slit Empire Waist Floor-Length Evening Dress would be the perfect look if you are attending a festive event or gala this winter.

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