Royal Ascot fashion: A look back at the Royal Family's best fashion moments
14 June 2021, 15:10 | Updated: 14 June 2021, 16:45
With Royal Ascot 2021 set to begin this week, we take a look back at some of the most iconic looks from members of the Royal Family over the years.
Royal Ascot is one of the most important events in the Royal Family's calendar with The Queen attending every year without fail.
Her Majesty will often bring along other members of the family, which in the past have included Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.
While Royal Ascot may focus around the horse racing, many of us only seek out the latest pictures of the event in order to see what fashionable statements are being made.
To celebrate the return of Royal Ascot, we're taking a look back at some of the most iconic fashion moments from the Royal Family at Ascot.
- Kate Middleton says she 'can't wait to meet' Lilibet Diana during outing
- The Queen marks Prince Philip's 100th birthday by planting special 'Duke of Edinburgh' rose
- Harry and Meghan reveal they did ask the Queen to use the name Lilibet
Kate Middleton, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge knows how to put together a look for Royal Ascot, and 2019 has to be one of her finest moments.
Kate chose to break from tradition this year, and instead teamed a Ellie Saab skirt with a matching blouse.
The blue set, which featured a pussy-bow on the top and beautiful polka-dot detail across the skirt.
Kate finished the look off perfectly with a Ellie Saab clutch bag, diamond and topaz earrings by Kiki Mcdonough and Gianvito Rossi stilettos.
The Duchess of Cambridge's hat was by Philip Treacy and taken from the 2016 collection.
Kate Middleton, 2016
Back in 2016, Kate opted for a white lace gown by Dolce & Gabbana.
This was the first year Kate attended Royal Ascot alongside her husband, Prince William.
While a little simple, Kate bought class and style to the event that year in this classic ensemble.
Kate teamed the D&G dress with a clutch bag by L.K. Bennett and the same shoes she would go on to wear in 2017, the nude stilettos by Gianvito Rossi.
Meghan Markle, 2018
Meghan Markle's first and potentially last appearance at Royal Ascot took place in 2018, shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry.
Sadly, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex firmly settled down in LA, we won't be seeing any stylish ensembles from her this year – which is a crying shame if her 2018 outfit was anything to go by.
Meghan opted for a ivory shirt-style Givenchy dress for the Royal Ascot three years ago, teaming it with a monochrome Philip Treacey hat.
The Duchess of Sussex accessorised her look with a Givenchy belt, a pair of black Balenciaga heels and jewellery by Birks.
The Queen, 2016
The Queen has been attending Royal Ascot since 1946, so it's fair to say she's given us her fair share of fashionable moments.
However, we chose this yellow ensemble from 2017 as one of our favourites.
The yellow coat-dress was believed to be by Angela Kelly, who the Queen turns to for most of her outfits.
The ensemble was finished off with a yellow hat – with blue floral detail – her classic black handbag and her 'Frosted Sunflower' brooch.
Princess Diana, 1986
Prior to her tragic death, Princess Diana was known as one of the most fashionable women in the world, and this look from Royal Ascot in 1986 is proof enough why.
For the occasion, over 35 years ago now, Diana opted for a simple and elegant pin-striped cream skirt and matching jacket featuring button detail and a flattering peplum shape.
She teamed the tailored ensemble with a cream hat, a diamond choker, pearl earrings and a white clutch bag which perfectly matched her stilettos.
Princess Diana, 1988
Another one of our all time favourite looks of Diana's, this navy and white polka dot ensemble worn at Royal Ascot in 1988.
Like her look from two year prior, Diana stunned in the tailored, classic and chic dress, which she teamed with a matching hat, pearl earrings and a monochrome clutch.
And now, an honourable mention for Princess Margaret's hats
Princess Margaret would often join the Queen during visits to Royal Ascot prior to her death, and she sure knew how to steal the show.
In particular, we're loving these two feather hats worn in 1991 and 1996. Iconic.
And some more looks we can't overlook...
This white masterpiece on Princess Beatrice
And the subtle colour coordination between the sisters
We love this nude ensemble on Sophie
And who could forget Sarah and Diana's 80s masterpieces
Read more:
- First look at Princess Diana's iconic wedding dress on display at Kensington Palace
- Kate Middleton fulfils promise to little girl with cancer by dressing in 'pink princess' dress
- Prince Harry says he had to 'share grief with the world' at Diana's funeral in new documentary
