Queen Elizabeth's Wedding Guest Outfits All Have 1 Thing in Common — Have You Noticed?

Updated on 10/11/2018 at 10:55 AM

As one of the longest-reigning monarchs in the world, it's fair to say that Queen Elizabeth II has had time to perfect her wedding guest style. Even as a young princess, Elizabeth always looked demure yet incredibly elegant, and sometimes quite glamorous. But as the years went by, she developed her penchant for the bright and colorful ensembles that she is now known for.

However, there is one thing in particular that's never changed: the addition of pearls to her wedding guest outfits. In fact, Queen Elizabeth is very rarely seen without her three-strand pearl necklace, which, according to Leslie Field, author of The Queen's Jewels, was a gift from her grandfather George V for his Silver Jubilee in 1935. And it's easy to see why.

After all, pearls are an elegant, feminine, and classic accessory and immediately add a sophisticated flair to an outfit — just ask Kate Middleton. Ahead, read on to see all the outfits Queen Elizabeth has ever worn to weddings, including the one of Princess Diana's parents and the one of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Patricia Mountbatten and Lord Brabourne, 1946

For the wedding of Patricia Mountbatten and Lord Brabourne in 1946, the then-Princess Elizabeth was one of the bridesmaids. She and her sister, Princess Margaret, wore long dresses, which they accessorized with tiaras. They kept warm with long furry coats.

Lady Caroline Montagu-Douglas-Scott and Ian Bedworth Gilmour, 1951

In 1951, Princess Elizabeth wore a floral dress to the wedding of Lady Caroline Montagu-Douglas-Scott and Ian Bedworth Gilmour. She finished her outfit with a long single-breasted coat, a matching hat, and black pumps and accessorized with a pearl necklace, brooch, and black bag.

Viscount Althorp and Miss Frances Roche, 1954

In 1954, Queen Elizabeth attended the wedding of Viscount Althorp and Miss Frances Roche, who went on to become the parents of Princess Diana. For the occasion, she wore a long, single-breasted dress and black, open-toe heels. She accessorized her ensemble with a small bag, a fur shawl, a hat, a pearl necklace, and a brooch.

Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, 1960

For her younger sister's wedding in 1960, the queen wore a long ballgown with a matching bolero. She finished her ensemble with a pair of gloves, a hat, a clutch, pearls, and a brooch.

Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvy, 1963

The queen wore an elegant dress with a delicate shawl and her favorite pearls to the wedding of Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvy.

Society Wedding, 1966

When she and a young Prince Andrew attended a society wedding in 1966, the queen wore an elegant, double-breasted pink coat and a matching velvet hat.

Princess Anne and Mark Phillips, 1973

For her daughter's wedding in 1973, Queen Elizabeth stood out in a royal blue ensemble.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana, 1981

She also wore blue for Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, 1986

Queen Elizabeth wore a lavender ensemble composed of a pleated skirt and coat for Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's wedding. She accessorized with a matching clutch, white gloves, pearls, and a brooch.

Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones, 1999

When Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, the queen wore a sweet lilac ensemble.

Princess Alexia of Greece and Carlos Morales Quintana, 1999

She shone bright like the sun when she attended the wedding of Princess Alexia of Greece and Carlos Morales Quintana.

Ed Van Cutsem and Lady Tamara Grosvenor, 2004

Queen Elizabeth opted for a violet ensemble when she attended Ed Van Cutsem and Lady Tamara Grosvenor's wedding in 2004.

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, 2005

In 2005, the queen wore a pretty cream ensemble for the blessing ceremony after Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles's wedding.

Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly, 2008

She opted for a gray and gold ensemble when she attended the wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly in 2008.

Prince William and Kate Middleton, 2011

In 2011, the queen looked radiant in the yellow outfit she chose for Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding.

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall, 2011

Later that year, she looked positively glowing in pink for Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall's nuptials.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, 2018

For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in May 2018, the queen surprised us all by wearing a lime green flared Stewart Parvin dress. The bright ensemble featured a purple floral pattern, which she paired with a coordinating silk tweed coat. She finished her look with a matching Angela Kelly hat, a diamond brooch, Anello & Davide block-heel pumps, and a Launer handbag.