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21 of the Most Iconic Royal Wedding Dresses from Around the World

Royal-watcher or not, you have to admit the Royals have the most memorable, trendsetting wedding dresses of all time. From Grace Kelly to Princess Diana here is our list of the 25 most iconic Royal wedding dresses of all time and why we think they get the honors.

21. Princess Eugenie, 2018

WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – OCTOBER 12: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Princess Eugenie (accompanied by her father Prince Andrew, Duke of York) arrives at St George’s Chapel ahead of her and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding ceremony on October 12, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Images)

Princess Eugenie wore a bold gown by British designers, Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos. The dress had several thoughtful details including the textile design on the fabric of the gown. The pattern featured four symbols important to the couple including the the thistle for Scotland. But it was the lack of veil and intentional open back of the dress that caught our attention. When Princess Eugenie was only 12 years old she underwent an eight-hour surgery to treat her sever scoliosis which resulted in the large scar on her back. Throughout the years, Princess Eugenie has embraced her scar and she wanted to be sure to highlight it during her big day.

20. Sarah Ferguson, 1986

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson wave outside of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, London, England, July 23, 1986. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Princess Eugenie must have taken inspiration from her mother’s 1986 gown. Just like Princess Eugenie, Sarah Ferguson’s dress was filled with thoughtful details including embroidery inspired by her family crest. The very 80’s dress also featured a 17-foot train and was designed by little-known designer at the time, Lindka Cierach.

19. Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark, 1964

21st September 1964: King Constantine of Greece and Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark during their wedding in Athens Cathedral. The service was conducted by Archbishop Chrystostomos, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church (left). (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)

She may not be a British Royal but Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark had a wedding dress just as glamorous. The Princess, who is the third and last daughter of King Frederick IX wore a dress by Danish designer Jørgen Bender. The 1964 gown is iconic for its’ timelessness. The gown features a classic empire waist and three-quarter sleeves as well as a wide neckline, a trend seen in many Royal wedding dresses to come.

18. Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg, 2019

Riprand von und zu Arco-Zinneberg (3rd-R) and his daughters Giorgiana (1st-R) and Countess Olympia Arco-Zinneberg (2nd-R) arrive to attend her wedding with prince Jean-Christophe Napoleon at the Saint-Louis-des-Invalides cathedral at the Invalides memorial complex in Paris on October 19, 2019. (Photo by FRANCOIS GUILLOT / AFP) (Photo by FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP via Getty Images)

Countess Olympia von und zu Arco-Zinneberg had one of the most unique dresses of modern Royal times. The Countess, who is a descendant of the last emperor of Austria married Jean-Christophe, a descendant of Napoleon Bonaparte in the most stunning lace Oscar de la Renta gown. The Countess completed the look with a matching cape by the same designer.

17. Princess Beatrice, 2020

WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 18: NEWS EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO COMMERCIAL USE. NO MERCHANDISING, ADVERTISING, SOUVENIRS, MEMORABILIA or COLOURABLY SIMILAR. NOT FOR USE AFTER 18th January 2021 WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE. NO CROPPING. In this handout image released by the Royal Communications, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are photographed after their wedding in the grounds of Royal Lodge on July 18, 2020 in Windsor, United Kingdom. (Photo by Benjamin Wheeler via Getty Images) Copyright in the photograph is vested in Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Benjamin Wheeler. Publications are asked to credit the photograph to Benjamin Wheeler. No charge should be made for the supply, release or publication of the photograph. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form and must include all of the individuals in the photograph when published. NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Princess Beatrice turned to her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth for a little wedding inspo. In fact, Princess Beatrice chose to wear a gown by Norman Hartnell that belonged to the Queen. The taffeta and organza gown is trimmed with Duchess satin and encrusted with diamanté. Princess Beatrice made history by opting to go vintage for her Royal wedding.

16. Princess Charlene of Monaco, 2011

MONACO – JULY 02: Princess Charlene (L), on her father Mike Wittstock’s arm, walks along a red carpet from the Carabiniers Barracks to the altar for the wedding ceremony in the Main Courtyard of the Prince’s Palace in Monaco, 02 July 2011. Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images

Princess Charlene of Monaco’s wedding dress was magical. The gown was designed by Giogio Armani and took over 2,500 hours to make. It featured 40,000 Swarovski crystals, 20,000 mother of pearl teardrops and 30,000 stones in gold shades.

15. Meghan Markle, 2018

Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, (L) and US fiancee of Britain’s Prince Harry Meghan Markle arrive at the High Altar for their wedding ceremony in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. (Photo by Jonathan Brady / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Meghan Markle’s wedding dress is one of our favorites for its elegant simplicity. The former actress looked to Clare Waight Keller at Givenchy to design the gown. Clare Waight Keller is the first female artistic director at Givenchy and considering Meghan Markle’s strong feminist stance, it is only right she chose the designer. The gown featured a wide boat neck and a triple silk organza under-skirt which gave the skirt its volume.

14. Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, 1995

Crown Prince Pavlos of the Hellenes with Crown Princess Marie-Chantal at Hampton Court Palace on 1st July 1995. The bride was born Marie-Chantal Miller, the daughter of American billionaire Robert Warren Miller. (Photo by Lichfield Archive via Getty Images)

Next on the list is another American Princess. Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece wore a dress by designer Valentino to her wedding. The pearl-encrusted dress featured a stunning 13 foot train.

13. Queen Letizia of Spain, 2004

The Marriage Of Prince Felipe Of Spain. Le mariage du prince FELIPE et de Letizia ORTIZ : le jeune marié aux côtés de son épouse en robe signée Pertegaz en soie nacrée et col corolle quittant la cathédrale de l”Almudena à MADRID suivie de deux demoiselles d”honneur tenant la traine de 4,50 mètres. (Photo by Jean-Claude Deutsch/Paris Match via Getty Images)

Queen Letizia of Spain is a Royal Fashion icon in her own right so naturally her wedding dress was breathtaking. The bride wore a dress by designer, Manuel Pertegaz that featured an open collar, long-sleeves and real gold for the smaller details.

12. Kate Middleton, 2011

Kate Middleton waves as she arrives at the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding to Britain’s Prince William, on April 29, 2011. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

During her 2011 wedding to Prince William, Kate Middleton wore a Victorian inspired dress by designer, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. Her train was nearly nine feet long and the lace work was done entirely by hand.

11. Queen Rania of Jordan, 1993

AMMAN, JORDAN: Prince Abdullah, the eldest son of Jordan’s King Hussein, poses with his bride Rania Yassine, 28, after their wedding ceremony at the Royal Palace in Amman 10 June 1993. Prince Abdallah ascended the throne on the death of his father King Hussein 07 February 1999. His wife was officially designated Queen Rania 21 March 1999, at the end of the palace’s three-month mourning period. (Photo credit should read RABIH MOGHRABI/AFP via Getty Images)

Like many brides, Queen Rania of Jordan wore more than one dress to her wedding. But it is the dress she wore during the ceremony that caught our attention. The gown was by designer Bruce Oldfield and featured an open collar with gold details. The bried wore matching shoes.

10. Queen Jetsun Pema, 2011

THIMPHU, BHUTAN – OCTOBER 15: The Queen of Bhutan Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck fixes her traditional Bhutanese Kira as she greets thousands of Bhutanese citizens at the celebration ground at ChangLeme Thang October 15, 2011 in Thimphu, Bhutan. In this final day of wedding celebrations for the royal couple more than 50,000 people turned up at the stadium to see dancing and singing. (Photo by Paula Bronstein /Getty Images)

Queen Jetsun Pema also had a couple of outfit changes throughout her wedding celebrations. Her ceremony dress is the most memorable.

9. Meghan Markle (again)

WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 19: Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Steve Parsons – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

That is right, Meghan Markle is on the list once more for her now iconic second wedding dress. The dress which she wore to the reception was by Stella McCartney and is unlike any other Royal wedding gown in the past.

8. Princess Salwa Aga Khan, 2013

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – AUGUST 31: In this handout photo provided by The Ismaili, Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Miss Kendra Salwa Spears pose together during their wedding ceremony on August 31, 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Gary Otte/The Ismaili via Getty Images)

The model turned Princess wore a traditional sari in ivory and gold. The intricacy of the gown is breathtaking.

7. Grace Kelly, 1956

The wedding of Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand de Grimaldi, to American actress Grace Kelly, known thereafter as Princess Grace. Original Publication: Picture Post – 8336 – The Hour Of Marriage – pub. 1956 (Photo by Joseph McKeown/Getty Images)

Grace Kelly is iconic for many reasons, and her wedding dress was just as incredible. Some fans may be surprised to hear that Grace Kelly’s wedding dress was actually a gift from MGM. It was a design by Academy Award-winning costume designer Helen Rose.

6. Rita Hayworth, 1949

American actress Rita Hayworth with the mayor after her wedding, Vallarius, 1949. (Photo by Archivio Cameraphoto Epoche/Getty Images)

Another Hollywood Icon makes our list. Rita Hayworth’s 1949 wedding gown was designed by Christian Dior. The long-sleeved top with a pleated skirt was a different approach to the classic ball-gown style Royal gowns of the time.

5. Wallis Simpson, 1937

(Original Caption) This was the first portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor after their marriage at the Chateau De Cande, in Monts, France, in June 1937. The wedding took place about six months after Edward gave up the throne of England to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson.

Wallis Simpson also wore a very non-traditional gown to her wedding. The bride wore a floor-length silk dress featuring a gathered waist. The gown was designed by Parisian designer, Mainbocher.

4. Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, 1923

26th April 1923: The wedding of the Duke of York (1895 – 1952), later George VI, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon (1900 – 2002). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

During her wedding to the future King of England, King George VI, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon wore a gown by dressmaker Madame Handley-Seymour. The dress was indicative of 1920’s fashion.

3. Princess Diana, 1981

29th July 1981: Formal portrait of Lady Diana Spencer (1961 – 1997) in her wedding dress designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)

Princess Diana had one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time- royal or not. The dress was designed by the then married couple, Elizabeth and David Emanuel. The train was the longest in Royal history coming in at a whopping 25 feet.

2. Queen Elizabeth, 1947

20th November 1947: Princess Elizabeth, and The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace after their wedding. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth wore a stunningly detailed wedding gown to her wedding. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell and featured a 15-foot train.

1. Queen Victoria

10th February 1840: Queen Victoria (1819 – 1901) and Prince Albert (1819 – 1861) on their return from the marriage service at St James’s Palace, London. Original Artwork: Engraved by S Reynolds after F Lock. (Photo by Rischgitz/Getty Images)

And lastly, the wedding dress that started it all, Queen Victoria’s wedding dress. To help stimulate the British lace industry, Queen Victoria opted for Honiton lace to create her dress even though it was not the popular lace of the time. The dress was also used to showcase practicality and patriotism as Queen Elizabeth married as Queen and not Princess. In short, Queen Victoria was the first to draw attention for who designed her dress and why.

Which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!