When July rolls around each year, it means one thing only for royal fashion fans – polo outfits galore.
Indeed, members of the British monarchy’s elite have long been keen fans of the sport, with appearances at various matches, many of them held in support of charities, being a regular feat for as long as we can remember.
And that’s not for no reason. You see, when the royals show up for the polo, so does their very best style set.
Of course, the royal family love any occasion to dress up for any given soiree, dinner party or pubic appearance.
But the polo offers another side to royal fashion – a more casual approach to royal dress, one might say.
That’s why we love to see members of the royal family come out in force to watch games unfold each year – Princess Diana’s puff sleeves pretty much set the precedent for 80s fashion (and today!), while Duchess Meghan’s chic khaki maxi dress style is the definition of California cool.
To celebrate the polo in a time where we might be missing it most (COVID-19 has seen to a slight delay in 2020’s matches), we rounded up the very best looks from the royals attending the sport over the years.
Keep scrolling for grass, glamour and undisputed glory.
1955
Queen Elizabeth was setting the precedent for polo fashion ages ago – 1955 to be exact. Wearing a chic green jacket over a flowing floral midi dress, the young Monarch was the epitome of Fifties summer style.
1981
Princess Diana quickly followed suit. In 1981, the then new-to-the-fold Spencer opted for a pair of yellow dungarees as she and Sarah Ferguson watched the day’s events.
1981 2
Check out the quilted bag as an additional accessory!
1981
They didn’t call her a fashion icon for nothing – Diana also wowed in this beautiful lilac ensemble in one of the first year’s she attended alongside Charles. What a shot!
1983
And thus, the fashion love affair thrived. Puff sleeves and Diana are a match made in style heaven.
1983 2
In one of our all time favourite looks on the People’s Princess, Diana’s quilted bag made another appearance in the early 80s alongside this slouchy pussy-bow shirt and pinstripe pants. And can we talk about the aviators…
1983 3
Yep, she really was a style siren – the aviators came out to play again alongside Di’s iconic red sheep jumper.
1983 4
A feminine dream was Diana’s mood in 1983 in her long-sleeved floaty midi dress.
1985
What’s a polo match without a royal smooch? Diana and Charles were the image of young love in 1985.
1985 2
Always one to pull off red, Diana opted for a pop of colour to add to her white dress and bag combo.
1985 3
The mid-80s brought us this peachy pastel creation, which suited Di to a T.
1986
And she was back at it again with the pinstripe pant in 1986 – paired with a chic slouchy jumper. Inspiration coming left right and centre over here.
1987 2
In 1987, Diana opted for a skirt and shirt ensemble, paired with a statement belt. Peak Eighties if we ever saw it.
1987
Back to the pastels, this buttercup yellow blazer on Di perfectly vibed with the Queen’s light lavender skirt suit. Talk about being easy on the eyes…
1987 3
Polka dots were the name of the game that year – Di’s next puff sleeve creation did not disappoint – and didn’t Charles know it!
1988
In one of her more iconic off-duty looks, the Princess rocked a pair of jeans and brown boots like the low-key style star she was.
1988
Puff sleeves! Vibrant colours! Florals! Everything screams Eighties and everything is good.
2014
If we skip forward a generation, Duchess Catherine was the next royal to rule the style set at the polo. In 2014, she channelled off-duty Diana in a casual jeans and stripy top ensemble.
2018
In 2018, Kate rocked a summer dress like no other. Fans were even more thrilled to discover said summer dress was a High Street steal from Zara!
2018 3
Meghan joined Kate as a polo style star to watch. In 2018, she joined new husband Prince Harry in this beautiful Carolina Herrera number.
2018 2
She and the Prince made for quite the glamour couple at the event.
2019 2
Duchess Catherine’s pink and red hued L.K.Bennett dress got our eyeballs ogling as she enjoyed the summertime event with the kids in 2019.
2019
And Meghan’s Lisa Marie Fernandez dress oozed California-chic vibes as she carried her newborn baby son Archie. New mum, old LA Meghan vibes.
