When it comes to the Queen and her most memorable fashionable moments, we often think of her bright ensembles and her penchant for bold millinery.
However, if you take a look back in time, you’ll see that one of Queen Elizabeth II’s most treasured style staples – along with her collection of glittering tiaras – is an ever-practical pair of sunglasses.
Whether she’s presiding over an equestrian event at Windsor or rubbing shoulders with a Sheikk in Kuwait, this is one Monarch who isn’t afraid to throw the right kind of shade.
And the proof is in these pictures…
Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen? Here, Elizabeth looks more like a 1970s movie star!
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II waits for King Hassan in Marrakech in fashionating style during her state visit to Morocco in 1980.
Queen Elizabeth II
A trip to New Zealand wouldn’t be complete for the Queen without a fabulous pair of frames teamed with a turban-style headdress.
Queen Elizabeth II
One must always be suitably shaded when watching the horse races at The Selangor Turf Club In Malaysia.
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Queen Elizabeth II
Cool as a cucumber, the Queen kicks back and chillaxes as she watches a dancing display in Kuwait with Sheikh Abdullah Jabir.
Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen, looking suave as ever, hung out with The Emir Of Bahrain (amir) in Bahrain back in 1979.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a chic pair of shades, turns to talk to friends while watching the polo at Smith’s Lawn in Windsor, Berkshire, England, Great Britain, circa 1980.
Queen Elizabeth II
Princess Diana with then-mother-in-law the Queen watching a very serious round of polo in Windsor.
Queen Elizabeth
It’s not just stylish horse races the Queen likes to attend – but International Driving Grand Prixs, too!
Queen Elizabeth II
Double-trouble! The Queen was repping stylish, yet practical eyewear since before the time of bifocals. Here, the Queen wears a pair of glasses over her sunglasses in the Royal Box at the Windsor Horse Show in 1982.
Queen Elizabeth II
Always prepared, the Queen teamed her sunglasses with an umbrella – because you never know how the London weather will turn out for a Buckingham Palace garden party!
Queen Elizabeth II
Another day, another continent to watch the horse races on… Queen Elizabeth’s 2010 tour of Canada with Prince Philip came with its own stylin’ set of sunnies.
Queen Elizabeth II
We don’t know what she’s more excited about: the carriage-driving event at the 2005 Royal Windsor Horse Show or the fact her sunglasses now come with a prescription. You choose.
Queen Elizabeth II
There’s a happy Queen! Not a squint-at-the-track to be seen and all smiles at the Epsom Derby in England in June, 2018.
Queen Elizabeth Epsom Derby
On-trend Elizabeth was animated at the Epsom Derby Fesitval in 2019. Amidst the floral print, the hat, and the expression, there’s a lot to take in – but it’s the sunnies that really take the cake.
Epsom Derby 2019
A blue mood! Attending Derby Day at Epsom racecourse in June 2019, Her Majesty rocked the oval silhouette like a certified pro.
