The Most Beautiful Royal Gowns, Ranked

The British Royal Family must abide by a list of centuries-old rules and protocols, and that extends to their fashion choices. That’s right — the Royals have a dress code. Take a look at our ranking of some of the most beautiful royal gowns.

Princess Diana in Catherine Walker

When visiting Hong Kong in 1989, Princess Diana wore this white silk, pearl, and sequin gown by Catherine Walker. Because of the matching bolero (ah, the ’80s), the press at the time dubbed the gown “the Elvis dress.” Whilst this look isn’t everyone’s taste, we reckon it’s a daring look by our favorite Royal rebel.

In 2012, designer Catherine Walker recalled, “She shone in the dress and the dress shone around her in a shimmering column of glistening pearls.”

Princess Anne in Floral Ruffles

Here we have Princess Anne — the Queen’s only daughter — in a very 1970s ruffled floral dress, paired with white evening gloves. The Princess was attending an event in London’s Dorchester Hotel, and looks almost bohemian, except for her signature chignon.

Princess Anne was an successful equestrian in her youth, and won two silver and one gold medal at the European Eventing Championships. Impressively, Anne was the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic games.

Princess Diana in Hachi

This stunning, one-shoulder, white silk, silver beaded dress was custom-made for Princess Diana by Japanese designer Hachi. In this image, the Princess is attending the National Gallery in Washington D.C. in 1985.

The dress was one of the first one-shoulder gowns that Diana wore, and the shape went on to become one of her staples. This dress was part of an exhibition of Diana’s clothes, and was eventually sold at an auction for $60,000.

Princess Diana in Catherine Walker

Here we have another wild 1980s creation — this time paired with a large, sparkling tiara. This is Princess Diana in 1986 attending a royal wedding at the Crown Prince Palace in Saudi Arabia. This Catherine Walker gown was made from satin, and featured 1980s style puffy shoulders and long sleeves.

Royal women are only allowed to wear tiaras when they’re married, and only for formal occasions in the evening. Diana had her own family tiara, and had access to the Royal family’s jewels.