When the British royals make a public appearance, nothing is left to chance. There are also strict rules for their choice of clothes and styling – especially for the ladies. For example, Princess Kate (41) and Queen Camilla (75) are not allowed to show too much skin. Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) in particular attached great importance to fashion etiquette. Things seem to have eased up a bit since her death. For example, Kate attended Easter Mass with red polish on her fingernails, although previously only inconspicuous manicures were allowed. Will there be any other regulations of the royal dress code? After all, some of them seem to have fallen out of time…
The Queen would rather have sold one of her beloved corgis than go to a date without nude tights. So far, Kate has also strictly adhered to the top fashion rule. In contrast to her controversial sister-in-law Duchess Meghan (41), who actually dared to step bare-legged in front of the photographers at the engagement announcement.
The royal women can be a little bolder on their heads and sometimes resort to more unusual models. The sisters Princess Beatrice (34) and Princess Eugenie (33) like to do that. Incidentally, up until the 1950s, society ladies had to wear a hat because it was not proper to show hair. Nowadays this only applies to very important formal occasions.
Even if they wanted to, there’s no way Kate and Camilla can wear crowns 24/7. According to the protocol, they can only be used after 6 p.m. – and only on festive occasions. In addition, a sparkling tiara is only allowed to married royals. An exception to the time rule: on the wedding day, the tiaras can be worn in the morning.
A handbag is welcome at court – but it must not be too big. That’s why Kate and Co. like to grab the clutch. You can not only hide the most necessary things like a handkerchief in it, but it is also an important social aid. The Queen used her bag to signal that she wanted to leave an event or be rescued from a boring conversation. Princess Diana (1961-1997) held her bag in front of her chest as she got out of the limousine so the paparazzi couldn’t photograph her in the cleavage.
The royals don’t want to get lost in the crowd when they perform, so they often dress in bold, eye-catching colors. As Duchess Meghan has claimed, they are not allowed to choose the same shade. However, this rule no longer seems to exist, for example Kate and Camilla both came to the Easter fair in blue.
Ladies are allowed to wear high heels, but not too high. Kate, for example, does not wear wedge heels on very formal occasions and then opts for nude-colored pumps with a medium-heeled heel.
Mini skirts are forbidden in the Windsor’s wardrobe, after all, Kate and Co. shouldn’t show too much skin. Skirts and dresses must reach at least the knee.
Gloves used to be compulsory. This no longer applies, but many royals like to cover themselves with the protective fabric. However, they must observe the rule that they must be undressed to eat.
Also for King Charles III. (74), Prince William (40) and Co. there are conditions. This includes, among other things, a beard ban. Facial hair is frowned upon at court – and if it is, the beard must be kept as short and well-groomed as possible. Prince Harry (38) revealed that there were also a number of discussions in the family about his facial hair and that he should shave at his wedding, which he disregarded.
Even the mini royals can’t just slip into just any outfit. The boys perform in shorts until they are eight years old. This is an old tradition of higher society, which is still maintained today.
