Royals

14 times the Queen rocked a pair of sunglasses better than anyone we know

No matter the event, no matter the decade, this is one fashionating royal who never puts a stylish foot out of place.
Loading the player...

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 sholders 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…

The Queen? Here, Elizabeth looks more like a 1970s movie star!

Queen Elizabeth II waits for King Hassan in Marrakech in fashionating style during her state visit to Morocco in 1980.

A trip to New Zealand wouldn’t be complete for the Queen without a fabulous pair of frames teamed with a turban-style headdress.

One must always be suitably shaded when watching the horse races at The Selangor Turf Club In Malaysia.

Cool as a cucumber, the Queen kicks back and chillaxes as she watches a dancing display in Kuwait with Sheikh Abdullah Jabir.

The Queen, looking suave as ever, hung out with The Emir Of Bahrain (amir) in Bahrain back in 1979.

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.

Princess Diana with then-mother-in-law the Queen watching a very serious round of polo in Windsor.

It’s not just stylish horse races the Queen likes to attend – but International Driving Grand Prixs, too!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Related stories