Clothing is a powerful tool for image-making. Rebecca Cope considers how some of Europe’s royals utilise dress in their public appearances.
We might only be in the second week of the year, but over in Europe, stylish royals have already started showcasing their sartorial savoir-faire. A case in point is Queen Mary of Denmark, who attended a traditional New Year’s celebration this month wearing a white and gold embroidered dress by local designer Teri Jon by Rickie, looking the very image of a snow queen (albeit without the fairytale witchery afoot).
Meanwhile, over in Spain, the ever-stylish Queen Letizia went for an altogether more Castilian approach to dressing for a recent Pascua Military ceremony, wearing a rich burgundy maxi dress accessorised with pearl earrings and necklace.
“Each European royal family has a distinct approach to fashion,” shares Royal Fashion Police, a popular anonymous Instagram account that charts the style of the royals globally. “While some royals may align with their country’s fashion ethos, such as the Scandinavian emphasis on practicality or tradition, the individual personalities and backgrounds of the royals often play a greater role.” So which amongst the European royal households are on our radar this year?
Queen Mary of Denmark – statement sleeves and a serious love of fashion
It’s only been a year since Queen Mary was crowned alongside her husband King Frederick X, but in the space of those 12 months she’s swiftly become one of the most stylish monarchs in Europe. Having been a princess for two decades prior to becoming Queen, the Australian native already knew that the key to being loved for her fashion was to champion homegrown talent, something she does all the time. Yet she’s also refined her style in the past year, often choosing structured pieces featuring corsets, bodices, statement sleeves and high necks which symbolise her focus and seriousness as consort (it’s certainly easy to see why she is so often compared to her English counterpart, the Princess of Wales). After undertaking her first solo trips as Queen in 2024, expect to see more of Mary on the world stage this year.
Princess Sofia of Sweden – minimalist denim and a touch of drama
The 40-year-old former glamour model turned royal is known for her minimalist Scandi style. In Sweden, they like their royals to be “of the people”, with a trimmed-down royal family and low-key way of life (sometimes dubbed a “bicycle monarchy” due to their fondness for travelling via bike), so unsurprisingly, she’s often seen in jeans. Currently pregnant with her fourth child, she’s one to watch if you’re in need of maternity wear inspiration: just take her elegant black cape dress, which she was pictured in late last year.
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Advertise with NZME.Beatrice Borromeo of Monaco – the couture maven
In Monaco, elegance is in the family DNA; that’s what happens when Grace Kelly is the late family matriarch. Beatrice Borromeo, the wife of Pierre Casiraghi, stands out in particular amongst the present day batch of style mavens within the Grimaldi family, known for her love not just of French fashion houses (she works a lot with Dior) but also Italian brands, in honour of her own heritage. No mean feat when you consider her sisters-in-law are Charlotte Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo. Look out for her at Paris Fashion Week, the Monaco Grand Prix and at the Rose Ball wearing haute couture gowns that cast her as the modern day princess.
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands – exuberance all the way
Over the past decade, Argentina-born Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has honed her sense of style, coming into her own in the past few years. With a penchant for bright colours and prints inherited from her South American upbringing, she’s also known to turn to sculptural details to make an impression, a combination which in the past led to a few howlers. Thankfully, she’s refined her sense of style as she reaches middle age, often focusing on a single bold colour with tonal accessories, wearing tailored dresses with fun details that leave an impression.
Queen Letizia of Spain – sheer elegance
52-year-old Queen Letizia of Spain is easily one of the most elegant European royals. The Spanish do high street very well – see the incredible offerings from Mango, Zara, Bimba y Lola and Pull and Bear, all of which the royal has been known to wear. In 2025, it’s very much business as usual for the prolific royal – known for being one of the hardest working in Europe – particularly as her daughter and heir to the throne, Princess Leonor, graduates from military college. Expect a mother-daughter dressing duo to emerge during the year.
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