Royal makeovers: Style evolutions of Kate Middleton, Princess Sofia, more

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As Meghan Markle prepares for her royal wedding with Prince Harry on May 19, the former Suits star has swapped her an ultra-glam red carpet looks from a few years ago to a rather more demure wardrobe of wide-legged trousers, luxurious wrap coats, bespoke hats and tailored skirt suits. In honor of Meghan's royal style evolution, we're taking a look at other women who've left their previous lives – and wardrobes – behind for life in the palace. THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE Thanks to her relationship with Prince William as college sweethearts, we've watched Kate Middleton go from young St. Andrews student to future Queen. As one of the world's biggest style icons, Kate sets trends and has the ability to catapult unknown designers into sell-out labels by simply wearing their creations. Photos: Getty Images

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PRINCESS CHARLENE OF MONACO One of the most dramatic princess transformations in recent memory has been that of Charlene Wittstock, an Olympic swimmer who seemed more at home makeup free in the pool than dolling up for royal engagements. While she still loves to take a dip – she's a champion of kids' water safety – she has also become one of Europe's best dressed red carpet royals. Photos: Getty Images

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PRINCESS SOFIA OF SWEDEN Born Sofia Hellqvist in 1984, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden's wife Princess Sofia first emerged into the public eye (left, with Camilla Sundman), as a model and reality TV star. In the documentary The Year with the Royal Family, Sofia didn't shy away from addressing her past. “For me, it’s pretty boring. It happened 10 years ago, and I moved on with my life,” she said, adding: “But no regrets. All experiences build a person, although I wouldn’t do it now if you asked me... I can say I have lived life 100 per cent.” Photos: Getty Images

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CROWN PRINCESS MARY OF DENMARK Mary Donaldson has come a long way from the moment she wore baggy jeans and a pullover to cheer on then-boyfriend Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark – whom she had met at a pub during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney – at the Hobart Yacht Club in 2003. The future Queen is one of the most picture perfect royals on the scene, with Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld saying that Kate Middleton could be her "little sister". Photo: Getty Images

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BEATRICE BORROMEO A member of the aristocratic House of Borromeo, the wife of Monaco royal Pierre Casiraghi – and daughter-in-law of Princess Caroline – has never been anything less than poised and polished. But the stunning blonde, who met her royal husband while they were students at university in Milan, has made a noticeable evolution from trendy student to timeless fashion princess during her time in the limelight. Photos: Getty Images

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CROWN PRINCESS METTE-MARIT When she fell in love with Norway's future King, Crown Prince Haakon, Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby was a dressed-down commoner and single mother to son Marius Borg Høiby, who was born in 1997. While her 2000 engagement was controversial because of her background, Mette-Marit rose to the occasion and won over the public. These days she's a natural as Norway's future Queen Consort, whose style has drawn comparisions to Queen Elsa from Frozen. Photos: Getty Images

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QUEEN LETIZIA OF SPAIN As TV news anchor Letizia Ortiz, the future royal always had a polished, perfect image. She has, however, stepped up her game with a lot more glamour – and a stunning collection of tiaras! – as she has transitioned to being Spain's Queen consort at King Felipe VI's side. Photos: Getty Images

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QUEEN MAXIMA OF THE NETHERLANDS Argentine-born Maxima Zorriguieta has always had a down-to-earth personality, and even met her future husband King Willem-Alexander during the famed, and lively, Seville Fair in Spain. While the Queen now dresses in designer gowns and carries a tiara like no other, she thankfully hasn't lost her exuberant, natural style. Photos: Getty Images