Diana, Kate & Meghan’s Best And Worst Royal Tour Looks
Published on August 28, 2019. Updated September 4, 2019Between Princess Diana, Duchess Kate and Duchess Meghan, we’ve definitely seen quite a few Royal tour outfits throughout the years. Often these outfits coordinate with the country they are visiting, whether it be by wearing colors of the country’s flag or wearing a local designer. While we’ve certainly swooned over quite a few of the Royal tour looks, there were also a few that we weren’t the biggest fans of. Follow along as we recap all the best and worst Royal tour looks of all time!
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52. Worst: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
Meghan is usually an expert when it comes to summery sundresses, but we have to admit this one wasn’t one of our favorites. While we love the olive and burnt orange stripes, the shape of the dress wasn’t the most flattering. Her figure seemed to drown in the excess of material on the skirt and it also seemed a little too long on her.
Doug Peters/EMPICS51. Best: Diana 1988 France Tour
In 1988, Prince Charles and Diana Princess of Wales went on an official Royal Tour of France. They are photographed here at a dinner given by President Mitterand in November at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Diana is wearing a stunning dress designed by Victor Edelstein which featured a lovely cream and golden satin jacquard and a matching bolero jacket.
Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images50. Worst: Kate 2011 North America Tour
No one can forget the time Kate and William stepped out while touring Canada wearing white cowboy hats! While we can certainly appreciate their ability to blend into any culture, these two undeniably got some slack for how casual and informal they looked in their Western-inspired ensembles.
Source: Press Association49. Best: Kate 2018 Sweden/Norway Tour
Kate Middleton is the queen of elegant evening wear, and this look is exactly that! This muted blue Séraphine number she wore to an event featured a feminine lace overlay across the chest which contrasted well with black velvet detailing along the collar, waist, and wrists. She pulled her hair into a polished updo and wore a pair of simple black pumps.
Source: Press Association48. Worst: Kate 2012 Far East Tour
In 2012, Kate Middleton and Prince William visited the Solomon Islands while on an official Royal tour of the Far East. It’s typically expected that the Royals dress to honor the country they are visiting by wearing local patterns and colors, but in a major fashion flub, the Duchess accidentally wore a dress by the neighboring Cook Islands to an official Soloman Islands dinner. We’re quite certain the Queen would not have been happy with this mishap!
(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)47. Best: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
One of our favorite styles of Meghan’s is when she opts for tailored shapes that cinch in at the waist, like this lovely blue dress from her Australia tour! The look featured a polished collar, button-up front and a belt detailing which wrapped around her waist. She pulled her hair into a sleek ponytail and rocked a pair of baby blue pumps for an unexpected pop of contrast color.
46. Worst: Kate 2018 Sweden/Norway Tour
There wasn’t anything overly awful about this emerald Catherine Walker frock that Kate Middleton wore during the Sweden/Norway tour, but it just seemed quite simple compared to some of her other looks! We definitely love this color on the brunette beauty but even the smallest detail of embellishment, texture or even minimalist buttons could have brought this look from drab to fab in an instant. Again, it’s not horrible, but we simply expected more!
Photo Jonas Ekstromer / TT code 1003045. Best: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
Markle’s royal style tends to be quite simple and classic, which is exactly how we’d describe this stunning blue dress she wore during a visit to Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney. The look featured a sophisticated A-line shape and basic color blocking with a contrast of a lighter blue along the hemline. The look was quite simple, but Markle doesn’t need much embellishment anyway since she’s such a natural beauty.
Source: Press Association44. Worst: Diana 1987 Portugal Tour
In 1987, Diana and Charles took a four-day visit to Portugal for an official Royal visit of the country. Here, Diana is photographed chatting with Portuguese Prime Minister Anibal Cavaco Silva at a banquet at the Stock Exchange Palace. Her powder blue dress by Catherine Walker was created for the 1986 Royal African Tour but was substantially redesigned circa 1987, reappearing as a sleeveless evening gown with a very low neckline. The redesign was certainly a good call and we much prefer the dress without sleeves since they seem to overpower the dress.
Source: Ron Bell/Press Association43. Best: Kate 2017 Poland/Germany Tour
Kate Middleton undeniably turned heads when she stepped out in Germany for day three of their official Royal Tour of the country. The Emilia Wickstead number fit her like a dream and was the perfect complimentary color to her dark features and brunette hair. She accessorized fabulously with a red clutch and nude pumps.
EPA/CLEMENS BILAN42. Worst: Kate 2012 Far East Tour
It’s rare to see the Duchess have a fashion misstep, but we have to admit this look from her 2012 Far East tour wasn’t a favorite. The print itself is quite abstract and bold, which doesn’t flow with her classic and elegant style that favors solid colors and clean lines. While we can definitely appreciate her attempt to wear local designers, we still feel this dress was a confusing choice and not consistent with her signature style.
Source: Press Association41. Best: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
Meghan is the queen at perfecting a little black dress, which is exactly what she did with this number she wore in Sydney on the fifth day of the royal couple’s visit to Australia. The look featured a feminine cap sleeve, midi-length skirt and flattering buttons trailing down the front. She paired the look with a regal fascinator and her go-to bow-embellished pumps.
Source: Press Association40. Worst: Kate 2016 India Tour
Kate Middleton’s red paisley Alexander McQueen dress from the 2016 India tour had really interesting designs and the color looked fantastic on her, but the style of the dress wasn’t especially flattering. We blame the peplum since it seemed to overpower the dress and take away from the otherwise sleek, column-style shape.
Photo by REX/Shutterstock39. Best: Kate 2018 Sweden/Norway Tour
This cream tweed Alexander McQueen dress is absolutely fabulous on Middleton and looks like a piece straight off the runway! The dress featured a high-neck, a long sleeve cut and the sleek shape flattered her budding baby bump flawlessly. We especially love this look because the tweed texture looks sophisticated yet still feminine and soft. She paired the look with a burgundy Chanel bag and a pair of pumps that matched perfectly.
Source: Press Association38. Worst: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
We definitely have a love-hate relationship with this crisp blue look worn by Markle for a state dinner at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Fiji. While we seriously love this shade of blue on Markle and typically adore cape-style dresses, this one was surprisingly not overly flattering. Since there was no detail, the cape and the silhouette of the dress blended into each other and made Markle appear much wider than she actually is!
Source: Press Association37. Best: Diana 1983 Australia Tour
Diana Princess of Wales and Prince Charles went on their first Royal Tour to Australia in April 1983. Here, Diana is shown waving goodbye as they leave Melbourne Airport at the end of the tour. She’s wearing a gorgeous ensemble that’s a bright cherry red which she paired with a blue asymmetrical tophat. This look is the epitome of her bold and eccentric signature style.
Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images36. Worst: Kate 2011 North America Tour
During the Royal tour through Canada, Kate made a stop at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital in Montreal. For the occasion, she opted for a sharp grey dress that we admittedly weren’t the biggest fans of. In comparison to her other Canada tour looks that consisted of bright red hats and sophisticated white dresses, this grey number simply felt quite dull in comparison.
Source: Press Association35. Best: Kate 2014 Australia Tour
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went on an officially Royal Tour through Australia in April 2014. Here the Duchess is photographed carrying baby Prince George as they arrive at Sydney Airport at the start of the tour. We absolutely love the bright yellow Roksanda Llincic dress she chose for the occasion. It’s sleek, eye-catching and sophisticated. Clearly, it’s a favorite of Kate’s as well since she’s worn it multiple times throughout the years since this occasion.
Source: Press Association34. Worst: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
This striped dress definitely had the potential to be a winning fashion moment for Meghan while touring Australia, but unfortunately, it didn’t seem to fit her quite right. The sleeves bunched and added volume to her arms in an unflattering and unnecessary way. Aside from this, we love the style and print of this look.
Source: Press Association33. Best: Kate 2018 Sweden/Norway Tour
Kate Middleton has absolutely mastered chic outerwear and this stunning maroon Dolce and Gabbana coat definitely proves that! The flattering coat featured a flute shape and a chunky double-breasted button detailing which absolutely made this a standout fashion moment. She paired the sharp look with opaque black tights and a small black clutch with a silver clasp that picked up on the button detailing along the coat.
Source: Haakon Mosvold Larsen32. Worst: Kate 2016 India Tour
The Duchess of Cambridge had a really awkward “Marilyn Moment” in this crème colored Emilia Wickstead dress while touring India. The full skirt of the dress was blown up by a gust of wind while she and William were paying tribute to 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I. It wasn’t her finest moments and it definitely wasn’t one of her nicest dresses because of it.
Photo by REX/Shutterstock31. Best: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
One of Markle’s go-to trends for formal dressing is a variation of a tuxedo dress. This is the perfect masculine-inspired yet still feminine look and clearly, Markle has mastered it. One of our favorite tuxedo-style looks that Markle has worn is this olive green number that she wore at the closing ceremony for the Invictus Games in Sydney during her Australia tour. She paired the look with a pair of her favorite nude heels and wore her hair in a loose, messy bun.
Doug Peters/EMPICS30. Worst: Diana 1983 Canadian Tour
Diana was known for her bold, eccentric style that favored bright colors and eye-catching patterns, which is why this look she wore on a tour through North America was quite disappointing. This look simply seemed a little dull in comparison to her signature style; however, we can definitely appreciate how well she matches with Prince Charles.
Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images29. Best: Kate 2017 Poland/Germany Tour
Kate dazzled when she stepped out wearing this cobalt blue dress while visiting Berlin during their official Royal tour of Poland and Germany. The coatdress was designed by her go-to favorite designer, Catherine Walker & Co., and was super flattering with the buttoned waist and coordinating cobalt accessories.
Photo by Robin Utrecht/ABACAPRESS.COM
28. Worst: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
While we totally understand that weather and practicality is a huge factor that comes as a priority over fashion, we couldn’t help but slightly cringe at Markle’s decision to pair rubber boots with a blazer and faded jeans while touring Australia. If she had opted for a sleeker pair of black skinnies this could have made for a more refined, yet still pragmatic casual outfit.
EPA/DAVID ROWLAND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT27. Best: Kate 2014 Australia Tour
Kate channeled her inner Jackie O when she stepped out in Australia wearing this polished red coatdress with a matching pillbox hat. The style of this ensemble was a classic of the former first lady Jackie Kennedy, which is why it was nostalgic and amazing that Kate made the look her own!
Source: Press Association26. Worst: Kate 2018 Sweden/Norway Tour
During Kate and William’s Sweden/Norway tour, Kate stepped out wearing this Eugenia Kim wool hat with a pom-pom on the top rather than a chic beret or luxe faux fur option suited for a royal. We were definitely surprised with this look, but we also appreciate Middleton’s down-to-earth and low maintenance vibes.
Source: Press Association25. Best: Kate 2016 India Tour
For the 2016 India tour, Kate wore this two-piece Temperley London ensemble, which was stitched in black with swirling motifs of Indian Chintz. At first glance, this dress looks like a maxi, but the top is actually cropped. She finished the look with chandelier earrings covered in black jewels and a satin clutch. Our only regret is that she didn’t choose this dress in a more vibrant color.
Photo by REX/Shutterstock24. Worst: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
Meghan Markle turned quite a few heads in one of her last appearances of the tour in Australia/New Zealand where she wore a royal blue sweater and skirt combo. While we love the pleated midi skirt and the contrasting pops of light blue, we’re not sure that Markle realized the skirt was completely sheer in the daylight! The look bared all from the waist down and we’re quite certain the Queen would not have been a fan of a look this revealing on a Duchess.
(Dominic Lipinski/Pool Photo via AP)23. Best: Diana 1985 Australia Tour
One of Princess Diana’s most memorable fashion moments is when she stepped out during the official Royal tour to Australia in 1985 wearing this turquoise one-shoulder number. The headpiece, however, is truly what made this look unique! Rather than opting to wear the family heirloom traditionally as a necklace, she instead wore it around her head.
(Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)22. Worst: Kate 2016 Canada Tour
While we can certainly appreciate when Kate steps out in a casual, understated look, we have to admit that this particular one missed the mark. While touring Canada in 2016, Kate stepped out wearing a pussy-bow blouse, an olive green blazer and a pair of skinny jeans which she paired with brown mid-calf boots. The green tone of her pants and the tone of her blazer didn’t seem to match, which was our biggest issue with this look.
Source: Press Association21. Best: Kate 2018 Sweden/Norway Tour
This particular velvet Erdem number was another star style moment for Kate Middleton during the Sweden/Norway tour! Velvet was a huge trend in the winter of 2018 and the rich color looked striking in combination with this floral pattern. Rather than her go-to black pumps, Middleton opted for a shoe a little trendier and seemingly Meghan Markle-inspired which featured an ankle strap detailing and a subtle block heel. She swept her hair back into a polished updo and wore dramatic hoop earrings which were definitely unexpected from the minimalist fashionista, but we think they added the perfect touch of glamour and glitz!
Claudio Bresciani / TT / code 1009020. Worst: Kate 2016 India Tour
There is something really beautiful about the green Temperley dress that Kate wore during the 2016 Royal India tour, but we have to admit that we don’t love the combination of this pastel color and lace, which looks a little cheap. We much prefer lace when it’s on a crisp, neutral color like white or black. Despite this, the color is gorgeous on her, but we just wish lace wasn’t involved in the mix!
Photo by REX/Shutterstock19. Best: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
We absolutely loved this swoon-worthy navy dress worn by Markle at an evening reception at the Auckland War Memorial during their Australia tour. Her look featured a tuxedo-inspired front with polished buttons mimicking the look of a double-breasted coat, but also had a trendy element by featuring a high-low hemline.
(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)18. Worst: Diana 1983 Australia Tour
Princess Diana definitely had the tendency to look outside the box when it came to fashion, and often this meant bold colors and patterns. This particular look she wore while on the Royal Tour of Australia wasn’t a favorite, however, because of this. The combination of the eye-catching colorful stripes and heavy ruffles felt overwhelming in our books.
Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images17. Best: Kate 2017 Poland/Germany
Kate had all eyes on her when she stepped out to attend a young entrepreneur’s event while visiting Germany and Poland in 2017. This peplum white dress perfectly showed off her figure and was quite sophisticated looking. The fact that she wore a red clutch that matched William’s tie made this look even better, especially because white and red are the colors of the Polish flag.
Source: Press Association16. Worst: Kate 2018 Sweden/Norway Tour
We’re truly undecided about this faux fur Lacorine hat that Kate Middleton continues to wear on a regular basis, but unfortunately, in this particular instance in Sweden/Norway, it didn’t seem to work. There’s definitely a way to make this statement hat look glamorous, but we couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed with the way she styled it here. The sky blue coat made quite the statement in itself with the color and faux fur sleeves, so the hat simply seemed overwhelming and distracting. We also aren’t the biggest fan of the boots she wore tucked into her coat which seemed to slouch in all the wrong ways.
Lise Aaserud / NTB scanpi15. Best: Kate 2016 India Tour
Kate mixed it up with her high-low fashion while visiting India when she stepped out wearing this printed red maxi dress, which only cost $77! She wore it when she visited the Salaam Baalak Trust, where she and Willaim spent time with youths. She added a blue belt to accessorize and paired the dress with some Russell & Bromley XPresso pointed flat shoes.
Photo by REX/Shutterstock14. Worst: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
While we’re actually really big fans of this striped Reformation dress Meghan wore while touring Australia, we have to admit it didn’t seem like the most appropriate option. The super thigh-high slit was better suited for her California days than something appropriate to wear as a Duchess! We can definitely imagine that the Queen had a problem with this risky look.
Doug Peters/EMPICS13. Best: Diana 1985 Italy Tour
Diana dazzled when she stepped out in Rome on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica in 1985 while on the official Royal tour through Italy. The bright magenta polka-dotted dress was designed by Donald Campbell and featured a flattering sash and a slight wrapped skirt design. This eye-catching pink color is fabulous on her!
Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images12. Worst: Kate 2017 Poland/Germany
Kate stepped out while visiting Poland and Germany wearing this white floral dress that admittedly wasn’t a favorite of ours. The muted floral print felt a little outdated and overly traditional. We much prefer when Kate steps out wearing sleek, sophisticated pieces that are trend-forward, not backward.
Source: Press Association11. Best: Kate 2011 North American Tour
One of Kate’s most patriotic tour looks was this white and red ensemble she wore on tour while touring North America in 2011. She is photographed here in Ottawa, Canada where she met 300,000 Canadians on Parliament Hill, along with Prime Minister Harper and the Governor-General. Her look was perfectly suited to the occasion with her maple leaf-inspired headpiece and red and white color theme.
The Canadian Press / Jake Wright10. Worst: Kate 2016 India Tour
The $140 Topshop dress that Kate wore to feed the baby animals at Kaziranga National Park in India wasn’t the worst dress that she’s worn, but it just wasn’t very unique or memorable in comparison to other tour looks. We can definitely appreciate the fact that she mixed in high and low fashion while on this tour though!
Photo by REX/Shutterstock9. Best: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
One of our favorite color palettes on Markle is the rich, jewel tones because of how well they complement her dark features and hair. That’s why this striking wine-colored dress was one of our favorites from the Australian tour. The dress featured a flattering elbow-length sleeve and a belt which wrapped around her waist which she topped with a pair of nude heels with a chunky buckle.
EPA/JOEL CARRETT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT8. Worst: Diana 1989 Kuwait Tour
One of Diana’s biggest fashion misses of all time was this dress she wore while touring Kuwait in 1989. While we can definitely appreciate her ability to think outside the box when it comes to fashion, this look was definitely not one of her most flattering with the cinched waist and heavy satin material.
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection7. Best: Kate 2017 Poland/Germany
Kate dazzled when she stepped out wearing this sunny yellow dress while visiting a market on their official Royal tour of Poland and Germany. The combination of the eye-catching, lovely color and the pretty lace detailing was a home-run when it comes to fashion.
Source: Press Association6. Worst: Kate 2018 Sweden/Norway Tour
Admittedly, it feels a little wrong to place a snowsuit on the worst dressed list when we’re quite confident this fashion decision was a matter of practicality, but nevertheless, it was simply unexpected! We’ve seen Middleton opt for casual looks that consist of skinny jeans or trousers but a full-blown snowsuit on a royal was definitely not something we anticipated, especially in combination with the casual white pom pom hat! We can’t necessarily call this one of her “worst” looks when it’s being compared to elegant evening gowns, but we’ll simply voice that it caught us off guard, especially with the bold orange color!
Haakon Mosvold Larsen / NTB scanpix5. Best: Kate 2016 India Tour
The Duchess of Cambridge really outdid herself with this floor-length, retro Tony Burch dress she wore while touring India in 2016. The colors – all the orange, green, black and white – looked perfect together. She accessorized with an orange pashmina and a pair of strappy Gianvito Rossi pumps which really tied together this unique look.
4. Worst: Meghan 2018 Australia Tour
Meghan has a very petite and slender frame, so it’s important that she pays close attention to tailoring and fit when she’s selecting an outfit. As much as we love Meghan in a casual look, we have to admit this one from the Australia tour wasn’t one of her best. The black skinny jeans fit a little big and looked slouchy and messy sitting on top of her lace-up boots. We would have much preferred a skinnier fit of jean and a more polished shoe to make her look a little more refined and neat.
EPA/MARK MITCHELL / POOL AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT3. Best: Diana 1989 Far East Tour
Diana looked absolutely gorgeous when she stepped out wearing this powder blue matching gingham set while visiting the Far East in November 1989. The set is polished and classy but still quite summery and light. It’s one of our favorite Princess Diana looks of all time!
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection2. Worst: Kate 2016 Tour of Canada
One of our least favorite looks of Kate’s while touring North America in 2016 is this red sweater outfit she wore on a visit to officially open the new Hospital in Haida Gwaii, Canada. The colors of this look totally clashed from the red sweater to the olive green pants to the brown Western boots.
Source: Press Association1. Best: Kate 2012 Far East Tour
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One of our favorite Kate Middleton looks of all time is this gorgeous blue and white lace Temperly dress she wore for a tea party in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The dress fit her like a dream and was the perfect light and dainty look for the occasion.
Source: Press Association
