Meghan Markle sports Caroline Herrera, Queen Letizia of Spain steps out in head-to-toe Zara and Kate Middleton champions London brands – the month in royal fashion

May 16 , 2021

Meghan Markle, Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton went for florals in bright colours this May. Photos: Vax Live; Reuters

In many ways, the world’s royal families were the very first generation of influencers, historically setting trends in everything from fashion to lifestyle and etiquette. Modern day royals are no different. Not only are fans around the world obsessed with news of official royal engagements and baby announcements, but with their deliberately curated style choices, too.

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So whether you’re Team Queen Elizabeth, appreciating exclusive, distinguished fashion; Team Kate Middleton, preferring to channel the style of a modern duchess; or Team Meghan Markle, deploying sartorial choices to convey a message to the world, we’ve got your royal style inspirations covered for the month.

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex

“Women, and especially women of colour, have seen a generation of economic gain wiped out,” Markle said at the recent Vax Live event. Photo: Vax Live

At the recent Vax Live online event – her first public appearance since her bombshell Oprah interview – Meghan wore a US$1,690 floral red silk dress from American designer Carolina Herrera and a gold Cartier Tank watch, a model also beloved by Diana. She also wore a gold “Love” bracelet by the French jeweller. Her message of female empowerment in the video appearance was clearly evident in her accessory choices too, which also included a Woman Power Goddess Charm necklace by Awe Inspired.

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Queen Elizabeth

Meanwhile, on May 11, Queen Elizabeth attended her first official state engagement since the death of her husband Prince Philip when she attended the State Opening of Parliament in Westminster. Accompanied by her son Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the monarch re-wore a yellow floral number by royal dresser Angela Kelly, the same dress she donned for Prince Philip’s 99th birthday portrait. Pairing the nostalgic dress with a matching hat adorned with yellow flowers and a lilac coat, the queen accessorised the ensemble with a pair of turquoise Boucheron brooches.

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Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge

In early May, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton paid a surprise visit to the National Portrait Gallery and Royal London Hospital to see how art is used to help staff and patients – and showed off some seriously covetable contemporary British fashion designers.

She stepped out in a vibrant red coat dress by Eponine London, and paired it with a London-designed, Spain-made handbag from DeMellier, adding a touch of English bling with diamond carriage earrings by British jewellers Mappin & Webb. The senior royal balanced the colour palette with a pair of brown Celia pumps by Ralph Lauren.

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From left to right: Princess Ariane, Princess Alexia, Queen Maxima, King Willem-Alexander and Princess Amalia before celebrations for Queen Maxima’s 50th birthday. Photo: AFP

Queen Maxima of Holland

For Queen Maxima’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Royal Theatre Carré in The Hague, the queen of the Netherlands opted for a delicate gown by Dutch couture designer Iris van Herpen, which she paired with dazzling emerald jewellery. The Dutch queen perfected the look with a butterfly jewelled brooch in her hair – a family heirloom that’s known to be one of her favourite pieces. She’s been spotted wearing it at several past engagements, including her 2014 trip to Japan.

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Her daughters also dressed up for the occasion, with Princess Ariane looking great in a pink sequinned maxi dress from British label Needle & Thread. Her sister Princess Catharina-Amalia went for the same brand, adding Christian Louboutin pumps and a clutch from sustainable Italian brand Marina Raphael. Princess Alexia opted for a ruffled blue dress from Parisian brand Maje.

Queen Letizia added a much needed pop of colour to this scene in which she and her husband the King (second right) arrive at the home of poet Francisco Brines. Her pantsuit was entirely Zara. Photo: EPA-EFE

Queen Letizia of Spain

While accompanying her husband, Spanish King Felipe VI, at a meeting with Spanish poet Francisco Brines, Queen Letizia once again showed off her sartorial savvy by sticking to affordable fashion but making it look a million dollars. Her bright orange asymmetrical top and side vent pants are both from Spanish label Zara, while the nude pumps come from Carolina Herrera.

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Danish Queen Margrethe II inaugurates the sculpture “October 1943” by the artist Per Arnoldi to commemorate the flight of Danish Jews to Sweden. Photo: EPA-EFE

Queen Margrethe of Denmark

We loved this refreshing look from Danish Queen Margrethe, who’s best known for her occasionally eccentric fashion choices and her extensive hat and jewellery collections. Putting in an appearance for the launch of the commemorative “October 1943” sculpture in Fredensborg, the queen looked jubilant donning a turquoise hat and a minimalist coat. She made the look more regal with a pair of leather gloves and a ruby brooch, an accessory she often favours for public appearances.

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Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark

During a moving opening speech for the virtual 2021 Womenomics Nordic Business Conference, Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, went with a soft and charming floral Prada blouse, pairing it with earrings from Danish fine jewellery label Dulong.

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Royalty

Touchingly, Queen Elizabeth was seen at her first state engagement since Prince Philip’s death in the same dress she wore for his 99th birthday portrait
Meanwhile Holland’s Queen Maxima wore a striking piece by Dutch couture designer Iris van Herpen for her 50th birthday bash alongside her stylish daughters