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Best dressed royals of 2024: Who ruled the fashion scene as Kate stepped back?

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Best dressed royals of 2024: Who ruled the fashion scene as Kate stepped back?

This year brought some changes for the Royal Family, as both King Charles and the Princess of Wales stepped back from public duties while receiving cancer treatment.

When Kate did make occasional appearances, such as at WimbledonTrooping the Colour and Remembrance Sunday, she maintained her signature, refined style.

For the Wimbledon men’s singles final, Kate chose an exquisite lilac crepe dress, featuring a fit-and-flare silhouette, complementing the Championship’s official colours – dark green and purple.

Celebrity stylist Alex Longmore praised her return to public life, noting how she added a personal touch to her aesthetic. 

She told MailOnline: ‘Kate looked radiant, confident and put together, in an elegant but trendy way. 

‘The beautiful purple dress mixed with the mid-heeled shoe, big hoop earrings and dark sunglasses was a turning point stylistically for her. We saw a much more personal style from the Princess – and more directional’.

The Princess of Wales appeared radiant at the Wimbledon men’s singles final, wearing an exquisite Safiyaa dress

When Kate was absent, other family members stepped in, impressing with their own stylish looks.

Zara Tindall made the biggest impact on Alex. She said: ‘Zara’s style has taken off stratospherically in the last year. She always looks amazing.

‘She has a style formula and sticks to it. For royal occasions, she chooses belted tea dresses, in bright colours, often with dramatic sleeves.

‘She looks stunning, a far cry from jodhpurs and mucking out gear!’

While Zara may have claimed the title of best-dressed royal in 2024, standout outfits were also seen on Sophie, Beatrice, Eugenie, Meghan and Sarah – highlighted below.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh 

Since taking on the title of Duchess of Edinburgh in March 2023, Sophie’s style has reached new heights. 

This year, she has shown a preference for bold hues, floral prints and striking millinery, with ME+EM, Erdem, Emilia Wickstead and Suzannah being her go-to brands.

Sophie’s recent trip to Malta was a sartorial success, as she embraced florals with a striking Erdem skirt. 

Drawing inspiration from the late Duchess of Devonshire, Deborah Mitford, the cotton-poplin piece featured the designer’s signature ‘Cavendish Rose’ print and soft pleats for added volume.

She expertly teamed it with a plain white blouse, her favourite Penelope Chilvers espadrilles and a Sophie Habsburg ‘Lola’ bag in a matching tangerine hue. 

In May, Sophie demonstrated her knack for colour coordination at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, donning a Aspiga ‘Victoria’ corduroy dress and Paige ‘Tawni’ jacket for the third time.

She completed the look with knee-high leather boots and an Isabel Marant moon bag, resulting in a delightful blend of textures. The cognac and Atlantic blue colours harmonised beautifully.

Sophie demonstrated her ability to combine colour at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May, when she donned her Aspiga 'Victoria' corduroy dress and Paige 'Tawni' jacket for the third time

Sophie demonstrated her ability to combine colour at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May, when she donned her Aspiga ‘Victoria’ corduroy dress and Paige ‘Tawni’ jacket for the third time

Her recent trip to Malta was also a sartorial success, as Sophie embraced florals with a striking Erdem skirt

In April, Sophie caught attention in a bright coral dress from Beulah

Since taking on the title of Duchess of Edinburgh in March 2023, Sophie’s style has reached new heights

Zara Tindall

Zara Tindall has consistently hit the mark with her immaculate ensembles, making her a frontrunner in the race for best-dressed royal.

With the help of stylist Annie Miall, Zara has put her best foot forward in outfits by Laura Green, ME+EM, Rebecca Vallance and Zimmermann.

The Australian-born stylist encourages Zara to select tailored pieces that skim her figure, frequently incorporating a cinched waist and dramatic sleeves.

A prime example was at this year’s Royal Ascot, where Zara showcased a powder blue dress by Rebecca Vallance, complemented by bespoke headwear from Sarah Cant.

Similarly, at Cheltenham Festival, the royal displayed her refined sensibility in a Italian wool-blend caped coat from Karen Millen.

She allowed her outerwear to take centre stage, complementing it with a dark-toned Fairfax & Favor bag and Stuart Weitzman’s renowned ‘Highland’ boots. 

A Victoria Charles veiled teardrop headpiece, with a sizeable quill, completed this graceful look.

At Cheltenham Festival, Zara displayed her refined sensibility in a Italian wool-blend caped coat from Karen Millen

At Cheltenham Festival, Zara displayed her refined sensibility in a Italian wool-blend caped coat from Karen Millen

With the help of stylist Annie Miall, Zara has put her best foot forward in multiple dresses by Rebecca Vallance

At Royal Ascot, Zara showcased a powder blue dress fit-and-flare dress by Rebecca Vallance, complemented by bespoke headwear from Sarah Cant

With the help of stylist Annie Miall, Zara has put her best foot forward in multiple dresses by Rebecca Vallance 

Princess Beatrice

Thirteen years since she wore her controversial Philip Treacy hat at Prince William‘s wedding, Princess Beatrice was named the best-dressed person of 2024 by Tatler.

The dramatic turnaround for Beatrice is partly down to celebrity stylist Olivia Buckingham, who introduced her to the world of haute couture.  

With impeccable taste, the Princess has a penchant for subtle colour, donning blue, sage, cream, powder pink and grey on a number of occasions – and appears particularly comfortable in these soft shades.

She has mastered the art of selecting flattering shapes for her figure, favouring fit-and-flare or belted dresses that accentuate her slender waist. 

This was evident at Royal Ascot, when she chose a charming floral Zimmermann frock, teamed with a Roger Vivier clutch and heels, and a headband by Juliette Botterill.

Beatrice’s off-duty style has also impressed, a standout being a tonal look, comprising a Zara knitted tank and wool skirt, layered over a crisp white ME+EM shirt with Gucci loafers.

Beatrice's off-duty style has also impressed, a standout being a tonal look, comprising a Zara knitted tank and wool skirt, layered over a crisp white shirt by ME+EM with Gucci loafers

Beatrice’s off-duty style has also impressed, a standout being a tonal look, comprising a Zara knitted tank and wool skirt, layered over a crisp white shirt by ME+EM with Gucci loafers

Beatrice oozed glamour in a Rebecca Vallance bow-embellished dress and Roger Vivier heels

She picked a floral dress by Zimmermann and Juliette Botterill headband for Royal Ascot

Princess Beatrice has now mastered the art of selecting flattering shapes for her figure, favouring fit-and-flare or belted dresses that accentuate her slender waist

Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie kicked off the year in style, radiating elegance at the Dior Homme show during Paris Couture Fashion Week in January. 

She opted for a tailored wool dress and tuxedo-inspired coat, accessorised with a pair of logo-laden slingbacks and the brand’s iconic ‘Peekaboo ISeeU’ bag.

Eugenie has built a strong relationship with Dior’s creative director, Kim Jones, who also designs for Fendi. 

Another standout moment came at Cheltenham Festival, where she braved the cold in a camel knit dress and off-white trench coat from Reiss, adding an Emily London felt fedora and Penelope Chilvers suede boots.

Known for her love of rewearing pieces, Eugenie notably recycled a charming floral Erdem dress and a distinctive embroidered gown by Peter Pilotto. 

She also favoured statement frocks by Saloni, Diane von Furstenberg and Ulla Johnson, generally incorporating skimming silhouettes and shin lengths.

Princess Eugenie exuded elegance at the Dior Homme show during Paris Couture Fashion Week in January

Princess Eugenie exuded elegance at the Dior Homme show during Paris Couture Fashion Week in January

Eugenie wore a flattering Erdem dress and Aquazzura to the Fashion Trust Arabia dinner in June

At Cheltenham Festival, Eugenie wrapped up in a camel knitted dress and off-white trench coat, both by Reiss

Princess Eugenie has a knack for repurposing her favourite pieces, and notably recycled a beautiful bloomy Erdem dress in June

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle has proven her versatility in style this year, flaunting a range of looks, from sharp tailoring and oversized co-ords to glamorous dresses.

She has continued to show a particular fondness for high-end brands, including Johanna Ortiz, Victoria Beckham, Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren. 

During her visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry, Meghan made a statement at the Women in Leadership panel, choosing a vibrant dress by Nigerian designer Orire. 

Her bold red outfit, symbolising power and confidence, took centre stage, paired with Aquazzura nude sandals and diamond jewellery. 

Later, while in Colombia, the Duchess opted for a sleek two-piece by Veronica Beard, exuding professionalism. 

She added Manolo Blahnik pumps, a Loro Piana tote, and her signature Cartier watch, achieving a refined, polished aesthetic. 

During her trip to Nigeria, Meghan took centre stage at the Women in Leadership panel event, likely influencing her choice of a vibrant dress by Nigerian designer Orire

During her trip to Nigeria, Meghan took centre stage at the Women in Leadership panel event, likely influencing her choice of a vibrant dress by Nigerian designer Orire

Meghan dressed the part in a sleek Gabriela Hearst two-piece during her trip to Colombia

She was immaculately clad in a figure-skimming white suit by Altuzarra while visiting Nigeria

Meghan Markle has proven her versatility in style this year, flaunting a range of looks, from sharp tailoring to glamorous dresses

Sarah, Duchess of York

Sarah Ferguson, once known for embracing bold 1980s trends, has recently reinvented her look, now preferring contemporary yet eye-catching designs.

A memorable example came in July at a charity gala in Cannes, where she wore a monochrome Safiyaa gown, boasting a dramatic cape that draped down her back.

The Duchess accessorised with a miniature bag, pearl drop earrings and opera gloves, lending her a Hollywood glamour. 

Sarah returned to Safiyaa in September, selecting a captivating hunter green gown with floor-length cape sleeves, for an awards event in Sweden.

At the amFAR gala in Cannes, she dazzled in a Vivienna Lorikeet cocktail dress, featuring a plunging neckline and intricate beading that mimicked raindrops.

Sarah goes glam in a hunter green dress by Safiyaa, featuring dramatic, floor-length sleeves

Sarah goes glam in a hunter green dress by Safiyaa, featuring dramatic, floor-length sleeves

Sarah, Duchess of York, once known for embracing bold 1980s trends, has recently reinvented her look, now favouring contemporary yet eye-catching designs

At the amFAR gala in Cannes, she dazzled in a Vivienna Lorikeet cocktail dress with intricate beading that mimicked raindrops

Sarah, Duchess of York, once known for embracing bold 1980s trends, has recently reinvented her look, now favouring contemporary yet eye-catching designs

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