Royal Style Rules: The Fashion Code of the British Royals

When it comes to fashion in the royal family, there's a strict protocol that must be followed, especially for women like Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie, and Princess Anne.

The late Queen Elizabeth was known for her keen eye and firm hand in ensuring that younger royals adhered to these rules.

It's no secret that joining the royal family comes with a hefty set of guidelines, particularly concerning how to present oneself in public.

One of the more peculiar yet essential customs revolves around the way royal women carry their handbags.

These accessories aren't merely for show; they serve a practical purpose too.

According to royal etiquette expert Micah Meyer from Beaumont Etiquette, it's common for royals like the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Kate to hold their clutch bags in their left hand.

This clever maneuver allows them to keep their right hand free for greeting fans, waving, or shaking hands—a critical aspect of their public duties.

In a recent appearance at the races, Princess Anne showcased this rule beautifully.

At 74 years old, she carried a stylish leather shoulder bag, expertly positioned on her left shoulder.

Even after stepping back from her official royal duties, the Duchess of Sussex continues to adhere to this practice when she's in the public eye.

For the royals, handbags are not just fashion statements; they are essential tools for engagement.

The importance of this left-hand rule extends even to King Charles, who is often seen clutching his briefcase with his left hand.

This allows him to approach events ready to extend a firm handshake with his right, reinforcing the idea that every detail matters in royal engagements.

Queen Elizabeth herself was quite particular about her fashion choices, often opting for purses worn on her arm.

This was not just for aesthetics but also a way to interact with her staff while maintaining a regal presence.

She took her role as the head of state seriously, ensuring that every aspect of her appearance reflected her status.

The late queen had specific preferences regarding attire for female royals.

She favored dresses and skirts over trousers, which explains why she was seldom photographed in suits.

This preference likely influenced how other royal women dressed, including Sophie and Kate, who often don elegant dresses that align with royal expectations.

On the flip side, Meghan Markle has been known for her more modern approach to royal fashion.

She often chose tailored looks that included pants, breaking away from some of the traditional norms.

One standout outfit was her Givenchy jacket and trouser combination during a trip to Ireland with Prince Harry in 2019.

Her love for the designer was evident when she chose them to create her stunning wedding dress.

Critics have pointed out that Meghan's style sometimes mirrors that of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who was famous for pushing fashion boundaries.

Diana often donned tuxedo suits at events, a bold move at a time when royal women typically adhered to more conventional attire.

While not outright banned, such choices were certainly not favored by Queen Elizabeth.