From whimsical, floor-skimming gowns to casual separates worn to panels and meetings, the royals [1] always seem to interpret the dress code just right. But dressing a baby bump [2] provides an added challenge, and we give major snaps to the women who have pulled it off in the public eye with style and grace.
Kate Middleton makes the choice to go bold when she's expecting [3], opting for bright coats and even leopard print. Meanwhile, Meghan drew attention to her growing belly [4] thanks to a high-waist silhouette and a striking leg slit. Did they take a tip from Princess Diana [5], who decided to flaunt polka-dots and open-toed sandals at the polo while pregnant with Prince William? She might not have always chosen gowns, but her carefully selected, breezy designs proved she paid close attention to fashion trends [6] at every point in her life.
Then we have Princess Mary of Denmark [7] and Queen Letizia of Spain [8], who know it's all about sticking to your uniform and go-to colours for appearances, through and through. It goes without saying that all of the royals here from around the world [9] deserve extra attention for these sophisticated outfits they wore ahead of maternity leave. Read on to see the ten best looks, in our opinion, and weigh in to let us know your own favourite in the comments.
Princess Diana's Green Polka-Dot Dress, 1982
While pregnant with Prince William, Diana attended the Windsor Polo with Sarah Ferguson wearing a bishop-sleeved tunic-style day dress with and bow collar, chic white sandals, and oversize sunglasses. She accessorised, surprisingly, with a quilted fabric shoulder bag that'd be cool to tote today.
Queen Letizia's Butter Outfit, 2005
When Queen Letizia of Spain was pregnant with her daughter Leonor, Princess of Asturias, she arrived to Zarzuela Palace in a chiffon blouse, yellow slacks, and bright accessories, including a beaded clutch and textured pumps that peeked out from under her monochrome look.
Crown Princess Mary's Brushstroke Coat, 2010
Danish Crown Princess Mary channelled a sophisticated Snow White when she was pregnant with her twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. She spoke at an exhibit at the Schwerin State Museum in Germany wearing a ladylike floral coat, stunning black pearl jewellery, patent pumps, and a scarlet bow headband.
Princess Victoria's Pleated Gown, 2011
Only shortly after she revealed she was expecting, Crown Princess Victoria attended the Polar Music Prize ceremony in Stockholm, wearing this formfitting sleeveless dress with a modest neckline and slightly sheer, pleated overlay. She looked elegant as ever, and her chunky gold jewels and gold-framed box clutch certainly attributed to her mom-to-be glow.
Kate Middleton's Leopard Coat, 2013
For her final solo appearance before maternity leave, Kate Middleton, pregnant with Prince George, sported this leopard Hobbs coat. If you look closely, you'll find that the bold print is splashed onto outerwear, though at first it appears to be a knee-length dress. It's great that Kate chose to make her mark and a fashion-forward statement at the last moment before she gave birth.
Princess Charlene's Gathered Silk Dress, 2014
Princess Charlene of Monaco, always the stylish dresser, attended Monaco's Foundation Award Ceremony in Palm Springs wearing midnight navy satin Lanvin. She accessorised with snake print sandals, quite similar to the ones everyone's sporting today, and she wore elegant diamond studs in her ears.
Princess Sofia's Eyelet Dress, 2017
When Princess Sofia of Sweden was pregnant with Prince Gabriel, Duke of Dalarna, she wore a gorgeous Alexis gown to attend a celebration for King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway's 80th birthdays in Oslo. Despite the rain, she looked like a dream with gold sequinned-accessories and chandelier tasseled earrings. The tiered silhouette was also extremely flattering for a black tie event.
Princess Madeleine's Peplum Top, 2017
Reminiscing about Princess Madeleine of Sweden's casual maternity style is simply the best. When she was expecting Princess Adrienne, Duchess of Blekinge, she attended a seminar in Stockholm in the most sophisticated work wear separates. Madeleine had only just announced her pregnancy, so a peplum waistline flattered her figure, completely hiding any sign of a bump. That said, Madeleine's glow was undeniable as she walked gracefully in cropped trousers that revealed her suede pumps.
Charlotte Casiraghi's Glittering Babydoll Dress, 2018
5 months pregnant with Balthazar Rassam, Charlotte attended the Global Champions Tour of Monaco at Port d'Hercule in a gold sequinned halter dress with thin straps and a delicate bow at the waist. She brought the outfit full circle with some black and white banges and matching rings.
Meghan Markle's Givenchy Skirt, 2019
Meghan Markle [11] strutted into the Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall holding Prince Harry's hand. The two were dressed in their best, Meghan opting for custom Givenchy separates [12] by Clare Waight Keller, including a button-down and slitted pencil skirt. Meghan reveled the most stunning Aquazzura pumps with multiple gold straps to match her Givenchy clutch. She wore delicate Vanessa Tugendhaft studs and tied up her hair, making the look all about flaunting her bump in a high-waist silhouette that made a statement.
