How Camilla’s style has evolved over the years

When King Charles was crowned on 6 May, the Queen Consort took the new title of Queen Camilla.

Although not technically a monarch because the throne can only be inherited, the late Queen Elizabeth II said it was her “sincere wish” that Camilla would take the Queen title, signalling the start of a new era for the royal couple.

The former Duchess of Cornwall – born Camilla Rosemary Shand in 1947 – officially joined the royal family when she married Charles in 2005.

From romantic involvement with Charles in the the early 1970s, to mistress and finally wife of the King, Camilla has been on quite a journey.

Her personal style has long been under the spotlight as well, and was initially compared unfavourably with that of Diana, Princess of Wales.

But the 75-year-old has come into her own in terms of fashion, and she continues to adapt as her royal role changes.

Signature style

“Camilla has always played by the rules, usually wearing a coat dress and hat combo for daytime engagements,” said Rosie Harte, author of The Royal Wardrobe.

In this way, her wardrobe is similar to the late Queen’s, but with some subtle differences.

“Her coat dresses, for example, not only feature her signature mandarin collar but also some well-placed darts that give her the waist definition that the late Queen avoided,” Ms Harte said.

Working with dresser Jacqui Meakin, Camilla champions British designers such as Bruce Oldfield, Fiona Clare and milliner Philip Treacy, and generally favours a subdued colour palette.

“Rather than following the bold colours of Queen Elizabeth, she prefers neutral tones and pastels, with the occasional drama of intense blue and bright red,” said Caroline Young, fashion writer and author of The Colour Of Fashion.

“Similar to other members of the royal family, she is very much a countrywoman at heart, who seems more comfortable in her wellies and tweeds, and so she favours the reliable over experimental.”

Elegant evolution

Since becoming Queen Consort, Camilla has attended high profile events alongside her husband and joined him on the first state visit of his reign to Germany.

“Camilla has done a very good job of subtly adapting the royal fashion rulebook to create a look that is unique to her but still distinctly royal,” said Ms Harte.

As well as continuing to wear outdoorsy ensembles during winter, we’ve seen more glitzy looks at evening events.

“Camilla has been honing her simple but elegant style,” Ms Young said. “She has a preference for turquoise, champagne or sapphire coats and dresses, which she jazzes up with interesting hats and brooches.”

Fashion fit for a Queen

Asked to name a stand-out look from Camilla during her time as Queen Consort, Ms Harte highlighted the black Bruce Oldfield gown worn to the state banquet in Berlin.

“It felt like the first time we were seeing Camilla pull out all the stops to show us she’s Queen,” she said.

“The style of the gown is familiar territory for her with its drop waist and structured fabric, but covered in silver embroidered vines? That’s new, and it’s regal.”

She also commended Camilla’s use of the stunning jewellery to complement her outfits.

“She has inherited Queen Elizabeth’s extensive jewellery collection and is using it to her advantage,” Ms Harte said.

“Whether she’s wearing her iconic fringe necklace or Elizabeth’s Belgian sapphire tiara, Camilla is drawing attention to the role she now plays within the family.”

Coronation gown

During the coronation, Camilla wore a gown designed by Bruce Oldfield. It is a tailored ivory, silver and gold coat-like dress embroidered with delicate garlands of British wildflowers.

Motifs of daisy chains, forget-me-nots, celandine and scarlet pimpernel from fields and hedgerows, representing the King and Camilla’s affection for nature and the nation’s countryside, are among the embellishments.

Celebratory bunting, in antique gold and silver thread, is also intertwined amongst the swathes of blooms on the historic dress, worn for Camilla’s crowning.

On top, for her arrival at Westminster Abbey, the Queen wore the crimson velvet robe of state with long train originally made for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

The Royal Wardrobe by Rosie Harte is published by Headline. Available on 8 June.

What do you think of Camilla’s style? Which of her looks is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also read: Stunning royal wedding dresses

– With PA