5 Times Royals Ditched Formal Fashion for a Casual Look

The royals are always impeccably dressed, but they always have strict fashion protocols to follow for every public appearance. From subtle rules like wearing only nude nail polish and pantyhose to more formal traditions requiring women to wear fascinators or hats during daytime events and church services, royal style is carefully regulated. However, every once in a while we see them break free of the rules and wear outfits that are more relaxed than polished. Here we bring you a few of those instances.

No one revolutionized royal fashion quite like Princess Diana, and to this day, there has never been another quite like her. One of her most iconic off-duty looks was a crew-neck sweatshirt she paired with cycling shorts during a gym visit to the Harbour Club in Chelsea, London. The outfit became a cult fashion moment that continues to be recreated by Gen-Z even today.

If there has been one royal who has been seen the most in casuals, it has to be Meghan Markle. The Suits alum, since her wedding to Prince Harry, has tried her best to accommodate the royal protocols, but every once in a while, we see her quirky personality making a comeback. In 2017, during the Toronto Invictus Games, the Duchess donned a button-down white shirt with ripped jeans, and it garnered quite a lot of attention. Although not yet married to Harry back then, the duo was engaged.

While now a Queen, Camilla has always had a laid-back fashion sense, where she prefers to be comfortable rather than polished. On occasions where she is not required to dress fancy, the Queen is seen in casual attire. Notably, once she was spotted walking her dog dressed in a navy blue raincoat with matching rain boots and a pair of black pants.

Often seen in formals, Princess Kate, on rare occasions, is also seen in casual attire. Back during 2022, the Princess was seen in a white polo shirt and olive shorts, attending the first sailing regattas in the Bahamas. It was her and Prince William’s first overseas engagement since the Covid pandemic, and the couple were representing the late Queen Elizabeth at that time.

Before shouldering the responsibilities of a King, Charles was often seen in casuals. During his honeymoon with Diana, Charles was seen holding her hand and smiling affectionately, wearing a green shirt paired with a sweater and kilts. Diana, on the other hand, also opted for a relaxed look in a pair of tweed suits from the shelves of Bill Pashley.