Top 20+ Royals Who Influenced Pop Culture

Serving Royal Fits Since 1553

While many of us no longer bow to a king or queen, we can’t help but pay attention to the royals that still exist in other parts of the world. We can’t really help it— as talking about royal gossip, weddings, and fashion has been one of the ways people have passed the time for centuries. It makes sense that we still look to many of the royals for fashion advice, and luckily for us, many of them are quite the trendsetters.

1. Princess Diana

The late, great Princess Diana is widely considered one of the most fashion-forward royals we’ve seen to date. Everything from her hair to her casual looks to her revenge dress has become a popular option for pop culture followers. While she is gone, it is doubtful that she will ever be forgotten.

2. Meghan Markle

From actress to duchess, Meghan Markle has had a whirlwind of a life. Despite her and Prince Harry officially stepping down from their claim to the throne, Meghan’s time in the royal spotlight showed us just how fashion-forward she really is. Between power suits, slinky dresses, and California-casual outfits, it's no surprise that anything she wore sold out in the blink of an eye.

3. Queen Elizabeth II

The late Queen was a powerhouse when it came to outfits. She was often seen in bright, monochromatic outfits with matching hats. She was well-loved among the British fashion industry, and her iconic looks inspired designers like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Richard Quinn.

4. Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales created something called the “Kate Effect,” in which any outfit she wears tends to sell out rapidly. Her style, a blend of classic elegance with modern silhouettes, has kept her in the public eye, especially when it comes to fashion.

5. Queen Alexandra of Denmark

Queen Alendra ruled the United Kingdom, the British Dominions, and was Empress of India from 1901 to 1910. Thanks to a small scar on her neck, the late queen popularized chokers and high necklines. She’s also said to have popularized tailor-made suits, a more feminized version of the men’s suit, for non-sporting events.

6. Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret was a fashion influencer before the term even existed. She often stepped outside of the royal wardrobe, seen in cat-eye sunglasses, statement jewelry, and strapless gowns. Her favorite designer was said to be Christian Dior.

7. Queen Letizia of Spain

The current Queen of Spain actually has humble beginnings working as a journalist for ABC and EFE. Her style blends more affordable brands like Zara with custom designer outfits, and she has a knack for making bold prints work with her personal style.

8. Princess Eugenie

Daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, Princess Eugenie is definitely inspired by Meghan Markle. She is often seen in neutral color palettes, with a flawless “working woman’s” style for her day-to-day looks.

9. Queen Camilla

Queen Camilla is nothing if not consistent. She’s most often seen in three-quarter-length sleeves and midi skirts, featuring vibrant colors and patterns. Her most-loved designers are Anna Valentine and Fiona Clare, and because she is queen, her choice in colors influences what the other royals can wear.

10. Grace Kelly

The late Princess of Monaco is well-known to us as a golden-age actress, and her timeless style has been referenced throughout the media for decades. She’s known for popularizing the a-line skirt silhouette, the Hermès “Kelly” bag, and wearing a silk scarf as a form of head protection.

11. Queen Beatrix

Queen Beatrix ruled the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013. She’s known for blending modern and feminine styles, and loves a good statement color or floral pattern. She also modified one of Queen Elizabeth II’s dresses for her wedding. 

12. Marie Antoinette

The infamous Queen of France was a fashion mogul in the 18th century. Her extravagant hairstyles, larger-than-life skirts, and tedious embroidery mark her as one of the earliest examples of “haute couture."

13. Princess Anne

The Princess Royal is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, and her style reflects that of the royal family tradition. She is highly inspired by equestrian looks and often uses bold colors and tailored silhouettes. Her mix of chic, yet feminine, style has made her a fashion inspiration for generations.

14. Princess Caroline of Monaco

Princess Caroline is the oldest child of Rainier III and Grace Kelly, and is currently fourth in line to the Monegasque throne. Her fashion emanates a timeless elegance, largely featuring monochrome, neutral tones with light feminine touches. 

15. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon was Queen of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the last Empress consort of India from 1936 to 1952. Likely the inspiration for her daughter’s style, the Queen Mother loved bold, bright outfits with matching hats. Her favorite accessory was a simple three-strand pearl necklace.

16. Empress Michiko

The Empress reigned alongside her husband, Emperor Akihito, from 1989 to 2019, and was the first commoner to marry into the Japanese imperial family. Her fashion sense is a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western styles, and she’s often seen in tailored suits matched with Japanese motifs on her jewelry and accessories.

17. Princess Angela

Princess Angela married into the Liechtenstein family back in 2000, making her the first African woman to marry into a reigning European dynasty. She’s also a well-known fashion designer, so it comes as no surprise that she has an excellent grasp on personal style. The Princess carries a timeless elegance, often seen in clean lines and simple silhouettes.

18. Princess Victoria

The heir apparent to Sweden is the oldest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf. She’s been known to mix brands like Zara and H&M into her outfits, and seems to have a fondness for pastels and floral prints. It should also be noted that one of her favorite pieces is a baby blue coat from the luxury brand, Andiata.

19. Queen Rania of Jordan

The Queen married King Abdullah II back in 1993, and has spent her years advocating for education, youth, environmental, and health initiatives. She is known for being a style icon, mixing traditional luxury brands with Middle Eastern designers.

20. Queen Victoria

The late Queen ruled the United Kingdom for 63 years, making her reign the second-longest in history, only after Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Victoria popularized the white wedding dress when she married Prince Albert in 1840. She is also said to have popularized crinolines and corsets, popularizing the hourglass figure and the wider opulence of the Victorian era.