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Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom

Royal Fashion at Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral: Three Women of the Royal Family Send Differing Messages through Their Ensembles

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

At Monday's funeral for Queen Elizabeth II, three prominent women of the royal family - Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton), Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Camilla, Queen Consort - chose their outfits carefully, each sending a unique message through their attire. The occasion was steeped in tradition, with many attendees adhering to strict dress codes, while these three women managed to convey distinct emotions and relationships through their ensembles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore a sharp-shouldered, double-breasted black blazer dress with pleats, pairing it with a wide-brimmed black hat and two selections from the queen's jewelry collection, indicating her growing profile in the royal lineup and comfort with national attention.
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, chose a round-neck dress with a subtle black cape and understated diamond-and-pearl earrings given to her by the queen, embodying a desire to blend into the scenery and minimize attention.
  • Camilla, Queen Consort, wore a crisp-collared, slightly boxy black dress with a small, smart hat and a brooch on her left shoulder, nostalgic of Elizabeth's style and communicating the enduring presence of the monarchy as it currently stands.
  • All three women drew inspiration from past events and outfits, with Catherine reusing a dress from a Platinum Jubilee event, Meghan repeating a Stella McCartney pattern from a 2018 concert, and Camilla wearing a silhouette associated with Elizabeth.
  • Camilla's attire was notable for its lack of break with tradition, despite the future uncertainty of the monarchy under King Charles III.

Statistics:

  • 3: The number of prominent women of the royal family who attended the funeral.
  • 1947: The year Queen Elizabeth II received the long drop pearl earrings she occasionally wore, including on Monday.
  • 1982: The year a pearl choker made from pearls gifted by the Japanese government was worn by Princess Diana.
  • 2018: The year Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wore a Stella McCartney pattern in blue to the queen's birthday concert.
  • 2020: The year Meghan and Harry "stepped back" from royal duties, amid strained relationships with the royal family.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Metro

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