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

pjimage (5)
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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kate Middleton's Dress During A Dinner In Jamaica

ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (17)
Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Diana Wearing Japanese Designer Hachi

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (7)
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Kate Middleton Shimmering In Gold

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (13)
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Karwai Tang/WireImage
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Diana Wearing Bellville Sassoon

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (6)
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

During The Victoria And Albert Museum For The Splendours Of The Gonzagas Exhibition Gala, Princess Diana wore a beautiful pale blue chiffon evening gown.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Diana Wearing Catherine Walker

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (8)
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
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (12)
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Queen Elizabeth

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (3)
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images; AFP via Getty Images
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images; AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kate Middleton In Blush

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (14)
Indigo/Getty Images; Arthur Edwards - WPA/Getty Images
Indigo/Getty Images; Arthur Edwards - WPA/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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!

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Meghan Markle's Commonwealth Day Service Dress

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1211361529
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Diana Sparkling In Emerald

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (9)
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
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Kate Middleton In A Stunning Teal Gown

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (16)
Chris Jackson/Getty Images; Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images; Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Diana's Iconic LBD

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (11)
Jayne Fincher/Getty Images; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Jayne Fincher/Getty Images; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Kate Middleton In Flowing Lavender

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-118684810
Mark Large - Pool/Getty Images
Mark Large - Pool/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Queen Elizabeth During Her Coronation In 1953

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage
The Print Collector/Getty Images; Bettmann/Getty Images
The Print Collector/Getty Images; Bettmann/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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!

ADVERTISEMENT

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."

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Margaret's White Sequinned Dress And Cape

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (2)
PL Gould/Images/Getty Images
PL Gould/Images/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Kate Middleton During The 2016 Tour Of India

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-521553504
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Meghan Markle's Wedding Reception Dress

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-960192810
Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

The gown reportedly cost a whopping $157,000!

ADVERTISEMENT

Queen Elizabeth During Her 40th Wedding Anniversary

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
queen-elizabeth-prince-philip
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Margaret Dressing Up For Dinner

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (10)
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
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Prince Harry Marries Ms. Meghan Markle - Windsor Castle
Ben STANSALL - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Ben STANSALL - WPA Pool/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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."

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Margaret During A Charity Performance

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-830525504
PA Images via Getty Images
PA Images via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Queen Elizabeth At The 1976 State Banquet

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (4)
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images; Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images; Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Anne In A Flower Print

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (1)
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even so, Princess Anne pulls off the pattern!

ADVERTISEMENT

Queen Elizabeth During Her 25th Wedding Anniversary

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-51314207
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Eugenie's Wedding Dress

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-1051954806
Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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..."

ADVERTISEMENT

Camilla Parker Bowles In Powder Blue

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
pjimage (18)
Samir Hussein/WireImage; Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Samir Hussein/WireImage; Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Queen Elizabeth In Bright Yellow

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-141514243
Serge Lemoine/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Serge Lemoine/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Queen Elizabeth was 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.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to the Queen, she wore bright colors so people did not miss her when she passed by.

ADVERTISEMENT

Princess Diana's Soft Yellow Look

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-52117854
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Queen Letizia And Queen Elizabeth During The State Banquet

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
GettyImages-813408522
MATT DUNHAM/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
MATT DUNHAM/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meghan's Blushing Rose Wonder

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 09: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex travels down The Mall in a horse drawn carriage during Trooping The Colour 2018 on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen's actual birthday is on April 21st.
Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

How does anybody look this perfect? In 2018 Meghan Markle traveled in a horse-drawn carriage down The Mall in London in this gorgeous blush pink Carolina Herrera dress with button detailing and matching hat.

ADVERTISEMENT

With her soft curls, understated makeup, and off-the-shoulder gown, she looks like an absolute dream.