The Best Red Carpet Gowns And Dresses: Royals Edition

The world's royals have no shortage of amazing dresses in their wardrobe. No matter the event, have it be casual or formal, royals like Princess Diana and Kate Middleton always know the assignment and dress to impress, wearing gorgeous designs that deserve to be recognized and fawned over.

Princess Diana At The Cannes Film Festival In 1987

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Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Princess Diana looked like a movie star while attending the Cannes Film Festival in 1987. When it came to selecting her dress for the festival's gala, the Princess chose to wear one of her favorite designers, Catherine Walker.

The pale blue chiffon dress was gorgeous with its wrapped design and a matching shawl that Princess Diana opted to wear like a pseudo scarf around her neck.

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Kate Middleton's Dress During A Dinner In Jamaica

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Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
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For the final reception during her tour in Jamaica, Duchess Kate Middleton wore a stunning emerald green dress. Created by one of her favorite designers, Jenny Packham, the dress was made of green tulle and crystal and beaded details.

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The most eye-catching part of this gown, though, has to be the ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline.

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Princess Diana Wearing Japanese Designer Hachi

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Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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In 1985, Princess Diana wore this gorgeous gown to a gala dinner at the National Gallery in Washington, DC. The white crystal-beaded silk chiffon dress was created by Japanese designer Hachi and featured an asymmetrical neckline layered with silver chain detailing on one shoulder.

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She paired the gown spectacularly with silver earrings, a bracelet, and her blue sapphire ring.

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Kate Middleton Shimmering In Gold

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Karwai Tang/WireImage
Karwai Tang/WireImage
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Kate Middleton channeled her inner golden girl during the James Bond No Time to Die premiere. The Duchess wore this dazzling gold gown and cape, created by Jenny Packham.

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The floor-length gown featured thousands of sequences, delicately placed on the dress to make it look like the Duchess was a literal star.

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Princess Diana Wearing Bellville Sassoon

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Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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During The Victoria And Albert Museum For The Splendours Of The Gonzagas Exhibition Gala, Princess Diana wore a beautiful pale blue chiffon evening gown.

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The off-the-shoulder dress was designed by Bellville Sassoon and featured a satin sash around her middle, sheer detailing spilling off her shoulders, and small ruffles on the skirt.

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Princess Diana Wearing Catherine Walker

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Chris Grieve/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Chris Grieve/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Getty Images; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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Princess Diana walked out for a performance of Swan Lake at the Coliseum Theatre in St. Martins Lane while wearing one of her favorite designers: Catherine Walker.

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The white and pink evening dress was a perfect formal and yet casual choice for the royal, with the dual-color pink skirt and white top.

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Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress

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Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
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Kate Middleton stunned everyone watching when she walked to the church on her wedding day wearing this gorgeous gown created by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. The hand-sewn lace sleeves and neckline are just the start of the details of this gown.

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The train was nearly nine feet long, and her "something blue" was actually a hidden ribbon sewn to the inside of the gown!

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Queen Elizabeth

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Anwar Hussein/Getty Images; AFP via Getty Images
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images; AFP via Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth looked every bit like royalty wearing this particular gown. While it was two different occasions, The Queen looked regal in the white gown with its gold bead detailing.

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In the left photo, she paired the dress with a gold sash and elbow-length gloves, while the right portrait was a bit more formal, with a long cape and more intricate crown.

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Kate Middleton In Blush

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Indigo/Getty Images; Arthur Edwards - WPA/Getty Images
Indigo/Getty Images; Arthur Edwards - WPA/Getty Images
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For the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at perk's Field in 2011, Kate Middleton donned this gorgeous Jenny Packham number. A blush pink color, the dress featured sheer cap sleeves and a whole lot of shimmer!

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Not only was the fabric shimmery, but the beaded details also lent a hand and made the Duchess of Cambridge glow.

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Meghan Markle's Commonwealth Day Service Dress

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Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
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Meghan Markle looked stunning during the annual Commonwealth Day Service celebration at Westminster Abbey in 2020. The Duchess of Sussex wore an emerald green dress designed by Emilia Wickstead, complete with a cape.

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The matching hat and birdcage accent was designed by William Chambers and brought the entire outfit together.

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Princess Diana Sparkling In Emerald

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Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images; John Shelley Collection/Avalon/Getty Images
Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images; John Shelley Collection/Avalon/Getty Images
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For the State visit to Austria in 1989, Princess Diana did not disappoint with her wardrobe selection. Wearing Catherine Walker, the Princess dazzled in a sparkling emerald gown, complete with puffy shoulder pads and a V-neckline.

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The gown had subtle details, too, such as the fabric gathered at the midsection and a front slit.

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Kate Middleton In A Stunning Teal Gown

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Chris Jackson/Getty Images; Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images; Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
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This particular gown worn by Kate Middleton was part of Jenny Packham's spring/summer 2012 collection. On the catwalk, the dress was featured in pale green, making this teal color a personal customization by the Duchess.

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The gorgeous dress features lace sleeves that wrap around her back and gathered material at her midsection, held in place by the subtle jeweled belt.

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Princess Diana's Iconic LBD

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Jayne Fincher/Getty Images; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Jayne Fincher/Getty Images; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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The little black dress (LBD) Princess Diana wore in 1994 might be one of the most iconic royal gowns out there. The cocktail dress was designed by Christina Stambolian and was very "out there" for a royal, considering its length and risque neckline.

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Even so, the Princess looked stunning while attending the Gala at the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park.

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Kate Middleton In Flowing Lavender

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Mark Large - Pool/Getty Images
Mark Large - Pool/Getty Images
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Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrived at the 2011 BAFTA Brits To Watch award ceremony at the Belasco Theatre wearing this gorgeous lavender gown.

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A sweet color, the dress features capped sleeves and minimal details. The biggest detail was the bunched fabric that was held together by the thick white belt around her midsection.

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Queen Elizabeth During Her Coronation In 1953

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The Print Collector/Getty Images; Bettmann/Getty Images
The Print Collector/Getty Images; Bettmann/Getty Images
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Hartnell was entrusted to design Queen Elizabeth's coronation gown in 1952, a year before her majesty ascended the throne. The British couturier did not disappoint!

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The gorgeous dress featured a sweetheart neckline, rich fabrics, and embroidery throughout. According to the Royal Collection Trust, "The embroideries are arranged in three scalloped, graduated tiers bordered with alternating lines of gold bugle beads, diamantés, and pearls."

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Princess Margaret's White Sequinned Dress And Cape

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PL Gould/Images/Getty Images
PL Gould/Images/Getty Images
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Princess Margaret looked like an angel while attending a ballet performance with her husband in 1974. The royal not only wore a white sequin dress but paired it with a sheer cape and fur coat.

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To bring the look together, the Princess opted for a sleek updo and dangling diamond earrings.

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Kate Middleton During The 2016 Tour Of India

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Chris Jackson/Getty Images
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Kate Middleton couldn't look more stunning standing in front of the Taj Mahal during her week-long visit to India with her husband, Prince William. During the tour, she wore this beautiful white and royal blue gown, complete with intricate geometric detailing.

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Keeping things simple, the Duchess wore nude-colored heels, bringing more focus to the dress.

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Meghan Markle's Wedding Reception Dress

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Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images
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When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, she wore a stunning lily-white dress for their reception. Designed by Stella McCartney and made of silk crepe material, the gown featured a halter top neckline and showed off the Duchess's shoulders, while the skirt had just the right amount of flow around her satin Aquazurra pumps.

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The gown reportedly cost a whopping $157,000!

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Queen Elizabeth During Her 40th Wedding Anniversary

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Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth did not disappoint when it came to the gown she wore for her 40th wedding anniversary to Prince Phillip. The white floor-length gown featured ruffled quarter sleeves and gray polka dot details all over.

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It was a very beautiful dress for such a special occasion, especially when paired with her stunning tiara and other jewels.

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Princess Margaret Dressing Up For Dinner

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Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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As it turns out, Princess Margaret does not mess around when it comes to dressing up for special birthday dinners. In 1990, the Princess wore this amazing teal gown to Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday celebration at the London Palladium.

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The bright gown was floor-length and featured a stunning cape attached to her shoulders.

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Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress

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Ben STANSALL - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Ben STANSALL - WPA Pool/Getty Images
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Meghan Markle's wedding dress is arguably one of the most gorgeous gowns worn by any royal. Designed by Clare Waight Keller under the Givenchy label, the dress was minimal and yet very elegant.

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According to Kensington Palace, "The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasizes the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back, where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity."

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Princess Margaret During A Charity Performance

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PA Images via Getty Images
PA Images via Getty Images
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While attending a charity performance of the comedy Lord and Lady Algy in 1980, Princess Margaret was dressed to the nines. She opted for this simple yet gorgeous dress with ivy detailing.

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With a full skirt and a fur shawl, it was an elegant and beautiful choice for the comedy event.

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Queen Elizabeth At The 1976 State Banquet

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Anwar Hussein/Getty Images; Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images; Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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During a dinner with former President of the United States Gerald Ford and former First Lady Betty Ford, Queen Elizabeth dressed to impress. The Queen decided to don a mustard yellow floor-length gown with white detailing.

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The dress, with its flowy sleeves, looked beautiful on the Queen, especially when paired with the layered necklaces, elbow-length gloves, and crown.

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Princess Anne In A Flower Print

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Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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Princess Anne went with a flower-power theme during a film premiere in 1973. A very different look for any royal, the flower print full-length dress is bold and daring, even though it covers her entire body with the long sleeves and high neckline.

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Even so, Princess Anne pulls off the pattern!

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Queen Elizabeth During Her 25th Wedding Anniversary

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Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth looked beyond gorgeous during her 25th wedding anniversary celebration with her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Her royal highness wore a full-length gown, complete with silver beading and detail throughout.

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The sleeveless gown was then paired with elbow-length white gloves, gold jewelry, and of course, one of her crowns.

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Princess Eugenie's Wedding Dress

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Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images
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For her wedding in 2018, Princess Eugenie went to designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos to create her stunning wedding gown. The dress featured a neckline that folded around her shoulders and back.

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According to the Princess, she always wanted a low back on her wedding gown to show off her scar. During an interview, she said, "I had always wanted a low back, part of it was showing my scar. I believe scars tell a story about your past and your future..."

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Camilla Parker Bowles In Powder Blue

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Samir Hussein/WireImage; Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Samir Hussein/WireImage; Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
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On the red carpet for the premiere of No Time to Die, Camilla Parker Bowles wowed in a pastel blue and silver gown. Designed by Bruce Oldfield, the dress featured crystal all along the bodice and sleeves before dispersing down the long skirt.

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To complement the dress, she wore Van Cleef & Arpels earrings and the Princess Marie Louise's Diamond Sunburst brooch.

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Queen Elizabeth In Bright Yellow

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Serge Lemoine/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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Queen Elizabeth is known for wearing bright ensembles, particularly hats. In 1975, it was no different! That year, she visited local children in Mexico, wearing a bright yellow dress and headwrap with white polka dots.

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According to the Queen, she wears bright colors, so people do not miss her when she passes by.

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Princess Diana's Soft Yellow Look

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Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
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During a trip to Alice Springs to meet some of the school kids, Princess Diana wore what can only be described as a darling dress. A soft yellow color with white floral detailing, the dress was mid-calf with subtle bell sleeves.

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The white belt around her midsection and the white flats tied the simple yet tasteful look together.

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Queen Letizia And Queen Elizabeth During The State Banquet

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MATT DUNHAM/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
MATT DUNHAM/AFP via Getty Images
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Both Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Elizabeth both stunned in their respective gowns during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2017. While the Queen of Spain wore an off-the-shoulder red gown, Queen Elizabeth wore a gorgeous cream dress with light blue floral detailing.

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But it is the red ribbon pinned to her shoulder that beautifully compliments the other Queen's attire that puts this outfit apart from the rest.