35 Times Royal Family Wardrobe Malfunctions That Were Recorded on Camera

Even royals have fashion mishaps! From unexpected gusts of wind to outfit surprises at public events, explore 35 royal family wardrobe malfunctions that were caught on camera — and how these style icons handled them with grace and poise.

1. When Kate’s Heel Got Caught

Let’s be honest — the royal family deserves serious credit for their commitment to wearing heels. You’ll rarely, if ever, catch them in flats, and they somehow manage to stay composed despite the discomfort high heels often bring. But even the most graceful royals aren’t immune to the occasional fashion mishap. In 2013, Duchess Kate experienced one of her own when her heel got stuck in a metal grate.

During a St. Patrick’s Day event, the then-pregnant Duchess nearly lost her balance after her heel caught on the ground. Thankfully, Prince William was right beside her and quickly came to her rescue.

2. When Eugenie and Beatrice Wore Those Hats

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice might not be as globally recognized as Duchess Kate or Meghan Markle, but they’re still well-known members of the royal circle. Their fashion choices have often sparked discussion — and one moment in particular became legendary. At Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding, the sisters followed royal tradition by donning elaborate hats. Unfortunately, their headpieces became the talk of the internet for all the wrong reasons.

While the designs were undeniably bold and attention-grabbing, critics were far from impressed. The sisters’ hats were mercilessly mocked online, instantly turned into memes, and became one of the most talked-about royal fashion blunders in history.

3. When Camilla Matched the Queen’s Outfit

Before becoming queen herself, Camilla Parker Bowles looked to Queen Elizabeth II as the most senior royal figure. However, she made quite the fashion misstep in 2019 when she arrived at an event wearing the exact same color as the Queen. Both women looked radiant in their regal purple ensembles, complete with matching hats, but the coincidence caused an unexpected stir.

The British media wasted no time dubbing the incident “Purplegate,” and commentators speculated that the Queen wasn’t too pleased about the matching outfits. After that memorable moment, Camilla made sure never to wear the same color as the Queen again.

4. When Meghan’s Shirt Came Unbuttoned

Members of the Royal Family are expected to adhere to a strict dress code that emphasizes modesty — no revealing outfits, short hemlines, or visible undergarments. But even Meghan Markle, known for her elegant style, had an unfortunate wardrobe mishap in 2018.

While attending a wedding with Prince Harry, Meghan’s shirt accidentally came unbuttoned, briefly exposing her lace bra. She was unaware of the slip until after cameras had already captured the moment. Despite her composure, the incident became one of her most talked-about fashion blunders.

5. When Princess Beatrice Wore a Sheer Dress

Many of the Royal Family’s fashion rules can be traced back to Queen Elizabeth II, who valued elegance and decorum. However, the Queen was reportedly more lenient with her direct relatives, encouraging them to express themselves through fashion. In 2017, Princess Beatrice tested those boundaries by wearing a sheer black dress to an event — a choice that initially caused quite a stir.

The press was quick to label the outfit a “royal fashion scandal,” but it was later revealed that the Queen herself had encouraged Beatrice to take more risks with her wardrobe. It turns out the daring look had royal approval after all.

6. When Kate Wore Wedge Heels

Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated for her impeccable sense of style — timeless, modest, and distinctly British. She also had firm opinions about what other royals should and shouldn’t wear. One of her lesser-known fashion rules was her dislike for wedge heels.

Despite the unspoken ban, Kate Middleton broke the rule in 2011 when she wore a pair of wedges to a royal event. Though she looked stylish as always, the choice reportedly did not sit well with the Queen. Interestingly, it was also the last time Kate was ever seen wearing them at an official engagement.

7. When Meghan Forgot to Remove the Tag from Her Dress

Almost everyone has, at some point, accidentally worn an item of clothing with the tag still attached. But it’s not the kind of mistake you’d expect from a royal. Yet in 2018, Meghan Markle proved that even duchesses can overlook small details when she stepped out with a tag visibly hanging from her dress.

The tag peeked out from the hem, quickly catching the attention of photographers and fashion commentators alike. Some jokingly suggested she planned to return the dress afterward, but in reality, it was just an innocent oversight — a relatable reminder that royals are human too.

8. When Kate Had Unpolished Toenails

While many royal fashion mishaps involve clothing choices, Duchess Kate Middleton faced criticism in 2016 for something far simpler — her unpolished toenails. Normally, bare toenails wouldn’t draw attention, especially if she had been wearing shoes. However, during a visit to India’s Mahatma Gandhi Museum, she had to remove her shoes as a sign of respect, revealing that her toes were unpainted. This small detail caused quite an uproar among royal watchers. Given that Kate likely knew she would be barefoot for part of the event, some fans couldn’t understand why she hadn’t added a touch of polish beforehand.

9. When the Queen’s Hat Flew Off

Not all royal wardrobe mishaps are self-inflicted — sometimes nature plays a part. In 1979, Queen Elizabeth II experienced an unfortunate moment when the wind spoiled her carefully chosen outfit. During a visit to Sultan Qaboos in Oman, she wore a stylish skirt suit paired with a matching hat. What she hadn’t expected was the strength of the desert breeze. Her hat repeatedly flew off her head, and although she quickly placed it back on, photographers were quick to capture the mishap. The resulting photos showed that even the Queen wasn’t immune to the whims of the weather.

10. When the Queen Spilled Food on Herself

Most people have experienced the embarrassment of spilling food or drink on their clothes — and it turns out, even the late Queen Elizabeth II was no exception. In 2010, while attending the birthday celebration of Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, photos emerged showing clear food stains on her outfit. While anyone else might laugh it off, being one of the most photographed women in the world meant her small accident was instantly broadcast everywhere. It was a rare and very human moment that reminded everyone that even royals can have clumsy days.

11. When Princess Michael of Kent Wore an Inappropriate Brooch

Princess Michael of Kent, the wife of Prince Michael of Kent and cousin-in-law to the late Queen Elizabeth II, usually stays out of the public spotlight. However, she drew unwanted attention in 2017 when she was photographed heading to the Queen’s Christmas lunch wearing a controversial brooch. The piece, known as a Blackamoor brooch, features imagery that many consider deeply racist, depicting people of African descent in servile roles. The choice of accessory sparked outrage and was widely viewed as a serious lapse in judgment given the cultural sensitivities involved.

12. When Kate Wore Gucci Backwards

It’s no secret that members of the Royal Family often wear designer labels that most people can only dream of affording, and Duchess Kate Middleton is particularly known for her elegant taste. However, even fashion icons make mistakes. In 2020, she was spotted wearing a purple Gucci blouse — backward. Not just once, but twice. The blouse featured a bow detail meant to drape down the back, though Kate wore it at the front, likely mistaking it for a standard neck-tie design. It was an easy mix-up, but fashion enthusiasts were quick to notice.

13. When Diana Turned a Choker Into a Headband

The late Princess Diana was famous not only for her compassion but also for her bold sense of style — and her occasional defiance of royal tradition. One of her most memorable fashion moments came in 1985 when she wore a striking emerald choker as a headband instead of a necklace. The piece had been a gift from Queen Elizabeth II, which made the creative choice even more daring. While Diana looked undeniably glamorous, her unconventional use of royal jewelry reportedly caused quite a stir within the family.

14. When Diana Wore Her Black Sheep Sweater

Princess Diana’s struggles within the Royal Family have been well-documented, but even in the early years of her marriage, she used fashion to express her feelings. In 1983, she wore a now-iconic red sweater featuring a single black sheep among a flock of white ones. Many interpreted it as a subtle message — a reflection of how she felt like an outsider among the royals. Looking back, the sweater has become symbolic of Diana’s individuality and perhaps an early sign of her quiet rebellion against royal expectations.

15. When Meghan Markle Accidentally Revealed Her Bra

Being part of the British Royal Family comes with an unspoken dress code that prioritizes modesty and refinement. Members are expected to avoid clothing that reveals too much skin or undergarments. However, in 2018, Meghan Markle faced criticism when she appeared in a sleek gray dress. At first glance, her outfit seemed perfectly elegant and appropriate for a royal engagement. But upon closer inspection, the faint outline of her bra was visible beneath the fabric — a clear breach of royal fashion etiquette. The timing made matters worse, as Meghan was meeting the President of Ireland during this appearance, which left some royal watchers unimpressed.

16. When Princess Diana Wore the Iconic ‘Revenge Dress’

Princess Diana’s legendary “revenge dress” remains one of the most unforgettable fashion moments in royal history. After separating from then-Prince Charles, Diana seemed to abandon the strict royal dress code and instead opted for a daring, figure-hugging black dress that stunned the world. She wore it in 1994, and even decades later, it’s still discussed as a defining moment of empowerment and style.

While much of the public celebrated her bold look, it’s believed the Royal Family considered it a scandalous move — far too revealing for a princess by their traditional standards.

17. When the Wind Caught Kate Middleton’s Skirt

Royal protocol dictates that female members of the family should never have bare legs in public. The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly insisted that they always wear tights or pantyhose with dresses and skirts. A perfect example of why this rule exists occurred over a decade ago when Duchess Kate attended a royal event in a tweed jacket and matching skirt.

Without warning, a gust of wind lifted her skirt, nearly resulting in an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. Luckily, Kate was wearing tights, sparing her from what could have been a major royal fashion disaster.

18. When Princess Diana Wore Body Armor

Although Princess Diana often struggled to conform to royal expectations, she had no trouble winning the public’s affection. Her compassion and humanitarian spirit touched millions. In 1997, she demonstrated that kindness during a visit to Angola with The HALO Trust, where she campaigned against landmines. The now-famous photo of her walking through a cleared minefield wearing body armor captured global attention.

While the public admired her bravery and activism, the image stirred controversy within royal circles. Some believed it suggested a political stance — something strictly prohibited for members of the Royal Family.

19. When Kate Middleton Was Accused of Wearing Real Fur Gloves

Few people know that the Prince and Princess of Wales are avid skiers. Whenever their busy schedules allow, they retreat to the mountains for family ski trips. However, one such getaway in 2016 sparked controversy when PETA questioned the gloves Kate wore on the slopes.

It was never confirmed whether the gloves were made of real fur, but the animal rights organization expressed outrage at the possibility. True to form, the Royal Family made no public comment on the matter, leaving the debate unresolved.

20. When Prince Harry’s Worn-Out Shoes Stole the Spotlight

Even though Prince Harry is no longer a working royal, he remains financially comfortable and more than capable of affording new footwear. Still, in 2018, he was photographed wearing a pair of well-loved shoes with visible holes in the soles. The surprising fashion oversight didn’t go unnoticed — especially since he wore them to a wedding alongside Meghan Markle.

The incident sparked lighthearted criticism, with many joking that even a prince can have trouble letting go of a favorite pair of shoes. Hopefully, they didn’t make another public appearance after that day.

21. When Kate Middleton Fought the Wind to Save Her Dress

While Duchess Kate occasionally wears pants, she’s best known for her graceful collection of dresses and skirts. However, that style preference sometimes clashes with unpredictable weather. In 2016, she found herself in a tricky situation when a strong gust nearly lifted her dress during a public appearance.

Channeling her inner Marilyn Monroe, Kate quickly reached down to keep the skirt in place — just in time to prevent an embarrassing moment. Thanks to her quick reflexes, she managed to maintain her composure and her dignity.

22. When Meghan Didn’t Wear Pantyhose

It’s no secret that Meghan Markle isn’t the most universally adored member of the Royal Family. Criticism has followed her for years—long before she even became the Duchess of Sussex. When Meghan and Prince Harry announced their engagement, the world was captivated by her sleek monochrome outfit. However, some sharp-eyed royal watchers quickly noticed she had already broken royal protocol.

Traditionally, Queen Elizabeth II preferred that female members of the family wear pantyhose whenever they donned dresses. Meghan’s decision to go without them during such an important appearance didn’t go unnoticed—and it sparked quite the debate among royal enthusiasts.

23. When Princess Diana’s Wedding Dress Wrinkled

Though the style may seem dated today, Princess Diana’s wedding gown was once the epitome of bridal fashion. The voluminous sleeves, dramatic train, and extravagant silk fabric set trends across the globe. Yet behind the glamour was an unexpected mishap—her dress was visibly wrinkled when she stepped out of the carriage.

This wasn’t intentional. The creases formed simply because she had to sit for too long during the carriage ride. The designers later admitted they were “horrified” when they saw how crumpled the gown had become, as it looked completely different from how they had envisioned it on her big day.

24. When Kate’s Midriff Was Exposed

Duchess Kate Middleton is known for her impeccable poise and polished appearance. Whether attending royal engagements or posing for post-birth photos, she’s rarely caught off guard. However, in 2013, even she had a rare fashion slip-up during a public volleyball match with Prince William.

While her athleticism impressed onlookers, her top rode up during the game, revealing a glimpse of her midriff. Though many understood it was just an innocent moment caused by movement, the tabloids were quick to criticize her for showing more skin than expected.

25. When Meghan’s Skirt Turned See-Through

Trying on clothes under store lighting can be deceiving—and Meghan Markle learned this the hard way in 2023. During a photo opportunity, she wore a pleated Givenchy skirt that appeared perfectly elegant indoors. However, once she stepped into the sunlight, the skirt became unexpectedly sheer.

The bright light made her outfit see-through, revealing her legs and undergarments. Needless to say, this wardrobe malfunction did not sit well with the more conservative members of the Royal Family or the public.

26. When Kate’s Dress Revealed More Than Intended

Even the most sophisticated outfits can betray their wearer under the glare of flashing cameras. Over a decade ago, Kate Middleton attended an event wearing a sleek black dress that looked modest in person. Unfortunately, when the paparazzi’s camera flashes hit the fabric, it became semi-transparent, revealing her undergarments underneath.

The resulting photos made headlines and sparked criticism from some royal watchers. Still, it was clear that the Duchess had no intention of making such a daring fashion statement—it was simply an accident of lighting.

27. When Kate’s Green Dress Sparked Controversy

At first glance, Kate Middleton’s emerald-green gown at the 2018 BAFTA Awards appeared flawless—elegant, classic, and beautifully tailored. However, her color choice quickly stirred controversy. That year, attendees were encouraged to wear black in solidarity with the #MeToo movement, and Kate’s green dress stood out in stark contrast.

While royal protocol dictates that members of the monarchy remain politically neutral, many viewers found the choice tone-deaf. Still, some noted that she paired the dress with a black belt, perhaps as a subtle nod of support.

28. When Camilla’s Dress Caught the Wind

Kate Middleton has famously battled the wind on several occasions, but she’s not the only royal to experience such mishaps. In 2018, Camilla Parker Bowles faced a similar situation at Princess Charlotte’s christening. Her elegant sky-blue dress was praised for its style—until a sudden gust of wind caused it to fly up.

The Duchess of Cornwall, juggling both a large hat and a handbag, didn’t have enough free hands to manage her outfit, resulting in an awkward but all-too-relatable moment.

29. When Meghan Forgot to Remove Her Tailor’s Stitch

Do you know what a tailor’s stitch is? These small stitches are usually found on coats or pockets and serve a temporary purpose—they hold pieces of fabric together while the garment is displayed in stores. Once purchased and worn, the stitches are meant to be removed, allowing the fabric to fall naturally.

However, in 2018, sharp-eyed fans noticed that Meghan Markle had forgotten to take out the tailor’s stitch on her coat. While it wasn’t exactly a serious fashion blunder, it did spark chatter among her followers and mildly irritated fashion enthusiasts.

30. When Prince Philip Accidentally Revealed Too Much in a Kilt

The Royal Family’s affection for Scotland has always been well known. Queen Elizabeth II adored her time at Balmoral Castle, and Prince William even attended university in Scotland. Prince Philip shared this fondness too, proudly donning a kilt during the 2012 Highland Games. Unfortunately, he seemed to momentarily forget the etiquette of wearing one.

As he sat beside the Queen, he inadvertently spread his legs, giving the crowd an unintended view. Thankfully, Queen Elizabeth quickly noticed the mishap and discreetly advised him to readjust his posture before things got worse.

31. When Queen Elizabeth II’s Purse Strap Snapped

No royal outfit was ever complete without Queen Elizabeth II’s signature accessory—her handbag. The late monarch was admired for her elegant collection, though sometimes style triumphed over practicality. At a prominent event in 2010, her handbag strap broke, leaving her momentarily caught off guard.

In her typically graceful manner, the Queen brushed off the incident and carried on as though nothing had happened. But of course, cameras caught every second, and the images soon made their way around the world.

32. When Princess Mary Lost Her Shoe

Wardrobe malfunctions aren’t limited to the British royals. In 2017, Denmark’s Princess Mary found herself in a tricky situation during a public appearance. While wearing a stunning pair of high heels, one of her shoes became wedged in a crack on the pavement, forcing her to step out of it completely.

Rather than waiting for assistance, Princess Mary handled the situation herself, bending down to retrieve the shoe from the crack. It was an admirable display of humility and quick thinking—proof that even royals deal with everyday inconveniences.

33. When Kate’s Wrap Dress Came Undone

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is famous for her love of wrap dresses—a style that has inspired countless fans to adopt the look themselves. However, in 2013, she learned the downside of her favorite fashion choice. While attending an event for Action on Addiction, her wrap dress came undone in front of cameras.

Kate reacted quickly, tying it back up before it turned into a full-blown wardrobe disaster. It was a reminder that even the most elegant outfits can have their risky moments.

34. When Meghan’s Wedding Dress Looked Wrinkled

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding day was one of the most-watched royal events in history. But alongside the celebration came some criticism, with many pointing out the visible wrinkles on Meghan’s Givenchy wedding gown.

While the Duchess appeared unbothered, it was later revealed that the dress had been altered shortly before the ceremony to make it more comfortable, which may have caused the creasing. Regardless, she looked radiant on her special day, wrinkles and all.

35. When Camilla’s Slip Was Caught by the Wind

Nature has never been kind to royals when it comes to fashion moments. To avoid wardrobe mishaps, royal women often wear slips beneath their dresses for modesty. Still, even that precaution couldn’t save Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, from a gusty embarrassment in 2018.

While attending the NHS Heroes Awards in a lovely dress, the wind not only tousled her hair but also lifted her skirt just enough to reveal her slip. Though unintentional, the incident was captured by photographers and quickly became one of her most talked-about fashion moments.