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Royal News

How a vintage gown by a legendary designer became one of 2024’s top royal style picks

November was a busy month for royal engagements with a host of high profile events. This month, royal re-wears have been in the spotlight for several royal ladies. And one vintage gown stole the show. These are some of our favourite looks from November. 

Princess Charlene of Monaco at the World Rugby Awards 

Princess Charlene has long been known for her elegant style and this ensemble was no exception. She chose a striking tuxedo inspired black gown from Alexander McQueen and paired it with a beaded McQueen crop top.

Palais Princier Instagram/ Eric Mathon

To finish the look off, Charlene went with one of her favourite pairs of Christian Dior pumps. 

The Princess of Wales on Remembrance Sunday

The Princess of Wales is keeping a fairly light schedule this autumn as she continues to focus on her health following her cancer treatments earlier in the year. She did attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph and turned to an old favourite. 

Catherine wore a black Catherine Walker coat, the Stella, which has a high neck, military epaulette detailing, and a slight peplum silhouette at the waist. She has worn the coat twice before but changed the look by adding a velvet bow at the neck. Her Royal Highness completed the ensemble with a Juliette Botteril teardrop-shaped cocktail hat. 

Queen Letizia of Spain’s Official Portrait

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain have released new official portraits, shot by Annie Leibovitz. Letizia went back to the archives for her look, borrowing a vintage gown from the Antoni de Montpalau Foundation. Cristobal Balenciaga, the Spanish designer known as the “Master of Us All”, designed the black, tulle mermaid-style gown. 

Photo by Annie Leibovitz/ Banco de Espana

She also borrowed a stunning red, voluminous Balenciaga cape from the foundation for her portrait. The Marchioness of Robert and Countess of Torroella de Montgrí originally wore the cape to King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia’s 1962 wedding. 

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Historian and blogger at AnHistorianAboutTown.com