12 fun photos of the royals rocking fancy dress costumes


These royals know how to have fun!


royals costumes© Photo: Getty Images
Sharnaz Shahid
Sharnaz ShahidDeputy Online Editor
October 29, 2022

Just because they're royal doesn't mean they can't have fun with fancy dress! While people around the world often opt for regal-inspired costumes, these real-life royals show us how they play dress up.

READ: All the best ever celebrity Halloween costumes

From the Princess of Wales rocking an 80s look for a roller disco party during her pre-royal days, to Princess Beatrice sporting a lilac wig and unicorn horns for a Halloween party at her go-to Mayfair venue Annabel's, take a look at the best photos of the royals and their European counterparts wearing fun costumes.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana

Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, standing on a wooden deck, smiling.© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Charles and Princess Diana got dolled up in Klondike fashion during their 1983 royal tour of Canada. The late royal looked elegant in an elaborate white number and matching fascinator, while Charles suited up and accessorised his look with a cane.

Princess of Wales

Woman in black dress and cape holding a pink bag walking on street.© Photo: Rex

Taken in her pre-royal days, Kate rocked what appeared to be a glamorous witch outfit for a Halloween night out at Mahiki in 2007. The future royal donned a sparkly dress, fishnet tights and knee-high boots, along with a black cape. 

MORE: 17 fabulous photos of Kate Middleton you may have forgotten about

SEE: A look back at all the iconic royal wedding kisses through the years

Nikki van Dijk smiling, holding a colorful item, wearing yellow shorts and green top.© Photo: Getty Images

The Princess looked groovy as she stepped out wearing a disco-inspired ensemble for a 2008 Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco event in London. Kate made a statement sporting mini yellow shorts and a flashy emerald top, which she paired with boots and of course, glow sticks.

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SEE: 16 stylish Halloween costume ideas for fashion girls - from Bridgerton to SATC

Princess Beatrice

A woman in a black coat and white dress at a Halloween event.© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Beatrice was spotted at Annabel's Halloween party in October 2018, wearing a monochrome look with a bright lilac wig and a unicorn headpiece - very on trend! The royal finished off her costume with a touch of a sparkle on her accessories. 

A woman with long white wig and cat mask stands in a room, smiling.© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Beatrice looked purrfect for a good cause. Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter was the cat's meow donning a feline ensemble for the 2016 Unicef Halloween Ball in London, which raised vital funds to support Unicef's life-saving work for Syrian children in danger. 

Princess Madeleine

A woman holds a child dressed as a pumpkin while another child holds a cat mask. No celebrities identified.© Photo: Instagram

Princess Madeleine of Sweden shared this adorable family snap of her three children during Halloween 2018. The royal mum was dressed as a cat, complete with ears and painted-on whiskers, while daughter Princess Leonore looked cute in a pastel mermaid outfit and son Prince Nicolas donned a Batman costume. Princess Adrienne made the perfect Halloween pumpkin, as her mum held her in her arms for the Instagram photo. 

Pauline Ducruet

A woman with face paint resembling a clown, wearing a dark top.© Photo: Instagram

Princess Grace's granddaughter Pauline Ducruet looked spooktacular for a Halloween party in 2013. The young Monaco royal showed off her elaborate makeup on Instagram, which she simply captioned: "#halloweenparty #nimportenawak #bonsoooiir !!" Photo: Instagram/paulinedcrt

Prince Harry

A young child in a festive costume walks between two adults, one wearing red and gray striped socks.© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Diana's youngest son, Prince Harry, adorably dressed up in a red goblin costume for his nursery school's nativity play in 1987.

READ: The royal family's most romantic gestures

Person in traditional costume and mask holds a black hat, surrounded by others in similar attire.© Photo: Getty Images

William Shakespeare would be proud! Prince Harry hid behind a mask as he played Conrade in his school, Eton College’s, production of Much Ado about Nothing back in 2003. 

MORE: A look back at all the iconic royal wedding kisses through the years

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla

Two people in formal attire wear bear masks in front of a large elephant sculpture.© Photo: Getty Images

While they might not be wearing full fancy dress costumes, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla proved they're up for a giggle as they donned animal masks at a reception for The Elephant Family animal ball in 2019. 

GALLERY: The most beautiful royal weddings of all time

Princess Leonore

Young child in red ladybug costume with black antennae, sitting on a crate, holding a pumpkin.© Photo: Instagram

Princess Leonore of Sweden looked cute as a bug for Halloween 2015. The royal tot's mum, Princess Madeleine, shared the too-cute photo of her little girl on Facebook with a message that read: "A Happy and Safe Halloween from Leonore....." Photo: Boggio Studios via Facebook.com/PrincessMadeleineOfSweden

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson

Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, dressed in vintage attire, standing on wooden steps.© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson dressed up in period costumes at a replica Klondike village during their first official tour together in Canada back in 1987. 

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