The best cape dresses worn by royal women
The elegant, dramatic style is a firm favourite among royalty
When we think of the cape, images of fancy dress and costume-wearing might spring to mind. Now it's been given a glamorous upgrade, with the Duchess of Cambridge proving that a cape is not only fit for a royal, but also for the red carpet. Kate dressed up in a shimmering gold cape dress for the world premiere of the highly anticipated new Bond film, No Time To Die. For the occasion, the duchess made a statement in an embellished gold Jenny Packham gown, featuring architectural shoulders and a dramatic flowing train, finished off with matching gold earrings and an intricate updo.
But it's not just Kate who is a fan of the cape dress. In the past few years, designers have regularly incorporated capes into their most formal, scene-stealing gowns, either as part of the dress or as an added accessory. Indeed, a cape, without a doubt, adds intrigue and drama to any outfit, as well creating a remarkably elegant - and regal - silhouette. Some of our favourite royals have caught on to this style, whether it's wearing cape gowns to enthronement ceremonies, state dinners, or galas. From the Duchess of Sussex's famed custom Dior gown to Kate's Grecian-inspired McQueen, Queen Letizia of Spain's red Stella McCartney dress, or Princess Margaret's embroidered gown from the Seventies, the royals make a strong case for why the cape dress is a striking choice for any formal occasion.
Here, we look back at all the best royal cape moments of all time.
The Duchess of Cambridge
Kate looked on theme for the world premiere of No Time to Die, the latest James Bond feature. The Duchess sparkled in an embellished, gold cape dress from one of her beloved designers, Jenny Packham.
Queen Letizia of Spain
Queen Letizia looked chic and utterly stylish in a red Stella McCartney gown with one-shouldered cape detail. Letizia and King Felipe dressed up for King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands' 2017 birthday party in The Hague.
Caroline, Princess of Hanover
The Monaco royal wore the same asymmetrical Stella McCartney cape dress for 2018's Monaco National Day gala. Princess Caroline paired the gown with long white gloves and a red satin purse.
The Duchess of Sussex
When Meghan and Prince Harry attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music at London's Royal Albert Hall, she wore this scarlet Safiyaa cape dress. She paired the gown with a matching satin Manolo Blahnik clutch, Stuart Weitzman pumps, and Simone Rocha beaded drop earrings.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands
If you're going to wear a cape dress, it seems like a scarlet hue is the way to go. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands wore this flowing gown to attend a 2018 concert in Luxembourg with her husband, King Willem-Alexander.
Princess Charlene of Monaco
Princess Charlene was a vision in emerald at the 71st Monaco Red Cross Ball. Charlene's Marchesa Notte gown flowed beautifully and included subtle, yet flattering, cutouts around the neckline.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Meghan clearly loves a Safiyaa cape dress. She chose this cornflower blue option for a 2018 state dinner in Suva, Fiji. The duchess let the blue hue take centre stage, pairing the dress with glittering earrings and a loose, wavy hairstyle.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium
While visiting Tokyo for the 2019 enthronement ceremony of Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Queen Mathilde chose a pale pink cape gown, paired with a matching pillbox hat and light pink clutch.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
Apparently, cape dresses were a trend at Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony. Crown Princess Mary sported her cape gown in a lilac shade, pairing the look with a bold necklace and a striking purple floral hat.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
That same weekend, Crown Princess Mary wore another lilac cape dress, though this one featured sequin detailing. She and Crown Prince Frederik attended a court banquet at Tokyo's Imperial Palace. This event called for even more formal attire, as Mary swapped out her hat for a tiara.
The Duchess of Cambridge
During a 2018 visit to Oslo, Norway, Kate glowed in this cream cape dress. She wore the Grecian-inspired Alexander McQueen gown to dinner at Norway's Royal Palace. The duchess chose an updo to further show off the dress's intricate neckline detailing.
Charlotte Casiraghi
Grace Kelly's granddaughter set the fashion world abuzz in this powder blue Giambattista Valli gown and cape set. Many publications named Charlotte Casiraghi the best-dressed guest at Prince Albert II of Monaco's 2011 wedding to Princess Charlene. The young royal has since made a name for herself in the fashion world, even becoming an ambassador for Gucci.
Princess Margaret
Princess Margaret was a real trendsetter. In this vintage photo from 1974, the princess and Anthony Armstrong-Jones attended a Royal Ballet performance in New York City. Margaret sported a white embroidered gown paired with a sheer, matching cape.
The Duchess of Sussex
In 2019, Meghan and Prince Harry toured Morocco and attended a reception hosted by the British Ambassador. For this event, Meghan, pregnant at the time, chose a cream, bespoke Dior cape dress.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands
We've mostly seen solid-coloured cape dresses over the years, but Queen Maxima made a bold choice with a striped version in 2017. The Queen wore this vibrant look with King Willem-Alexander, as the pair attended a concert in Lisbon, Portugal.
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