Royal ladies rocking festive sequins! Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more in their glittering outfits

It's officially party season (though it may be looking a little different this year!) – and the shops are full of sequins, sparkles and tinsel – so who better to give us some fashion inspiration than our favourite royal ladies?

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While head-to-toe shimmer might seem a little glam for the generally formal royal family, we can confirm that even the likes of Duchess Kate and Meghan love a sequin or two – and the proof is in the pudding with these incredible outfits from over the years.

The Duchess of Cambridge

What a wow moment! Kate wore this stunning floor-length dress by Jenny Packham to the Tusk Conservation Awards at The Royal Society in 2013.

She let the statement gown do the talking by leaving her hair long and loose, and keeping her accessories minimal.

She also made sure to turn heads at the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Perk's Field in 2011, where she wore this beautiful neutral number – again by Jenny Packham.

One of our favourite royal gowns ever, we reckon!

We can't leave out Duchess Kate's stunning Needle and Thread dress, which she won fans hearts in at a Buckingham Palace reception in January 2020.

Even better, you can still buy the maxi version online - and it's currently in the sale!

This matching moment was fabulous! Kate co-ordinated her emerald glittering Jenny Packham gown to Prince William's chic sherwani during their royal visit to Pakistan.

The Duchess stunned in this heavily-embellished Jenny Packham number at the Royal Variety Performance in 2017.

The Duchess of Sussex

They don't call it the 'Markle Sparkle' for nothing! Back in her days as an actress, the Duchess of Sussex wore this glamorous LBD to a fashion show in 2012.

We think her sleek ponytail is the perfect accompaniment to her striking outfit.

For her first-ever appearance at the Royal Variety Performance since joining the royal family, Meghan chose this sparkling embroidered top by Safiyaa, which was teamed with a floor-length black skirt and heels.

This glittering Roland Mouret number was perfect for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's night out at Cirque Du Soleil in January 2019.

In 2013, she couldn't resist a bit of winter sparkle at a swanky Golden Globe Awards after party, either. Beautiful.

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Princess Beatrice

Princess Beatrice stepped out for the Global Gift Gala in November 2018, looking incredible in a Gucci crystal and sequin-embellished crepe gown – worth £3,500.

We reckon she looked picture-perfect in the floor-length frock, which she teamed with a patent black clutch bag, delicate jewellery and soft and natural makeup.

But back in 2011, she showed she'd always had a love for sequins at the pre-wedding dinner before Prince William and Kate's big nuptials – wearing this gorgeous pink and silver gown.

The Princess wowed in a gold shift dress at a Garrard party in London with her ex boyfriend Dave Clark.

Princess Diana

Princess Diana's iconic emerald sequin dress, which she wore to the premiere of film Biggles at the Plaza Cinema on Lower Regent Street, London, UK, in May 1986.

She clearly loved wearing a bit of sparkle for glamorous film premieres, because she also chose this pretty ensemble for the premiere of Starlight Express in 1984.

We love Diana's flapper-girl styling of this royal blue sequinned evening dress, which she wore to a dinner hosted by Emperor Hirohito in Japan in 1986.

Her gown was made by designer Yuki, which she teamed with a sapphire and diamond headband made from jewels which she had reset from the Saudi suite - converting the watch into a choker to wear on her forehead.

Crown Princess Victoria

How gorgeous does Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden look in this striking emerald gown? She wore it to the lavish Nobel Prize ceremony at Stockholm's Town Hall in 2012.

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She also looked gorgeous in a nude sequin gown at the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands in 2013. We love her slicked-back hair and cosy jacket, which adds even more glamour!

Victoria also wore this slinky number to the wedding party of Princess Alexia of Greece back in 2007. 

Queen Letizia

Queen Letitizia of Spain, just like her fellow royal ladies, is also a big fan of sparkle – even wearing a sequinned blazer to a 2011 engagement in Oviedo, Spain.

Perfectly-tailored trousers, a white blouse and classic pointed heels completed the look.

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