The royals are always ready for the camera, with perfectly coiffed hair, a warm wave and – of course – the perfect smile. Whether it's a small turn up at the corners or a wide grin, a royal greeting for the masses or a private moment out in public, these royal smiles speak volumes. But sometimes, a natural smile can have teeth veering off in different directions or hiding behind the crowd: that's where the miracle of braces comes in. Read on to see the royals with and without this teenage right of passage – I wonder if they also got apple pieces stuck between the bars...
© Getty Images,UK Press via Getty ImagesZara now has a royally good smile
Zara Tindall
Even royals without the title need to be picture perfect: the late Queen's oldest granddaughter joined Princess Anne at the Gatcombe Park Novice Horse Trials in 1994, sporting a smile and showing off her braces.
Now, she sports a neatly aligned smile of pearly whites at every occasion, as seen in this snapshot of her teeth transformation.
© Getty ImagesPrince Edward hasn't lost his charming grin
Prince Edward
In 1980, Prince Edward was spotted sporting a neat row of braces at Badminton Horse Trials – even for Queen Elizabeth II's youngest child, a neat grin and several trips to the orthodontist were required.
Today he can be seen with his signature smile, featuring a small characteristic gap between his two front teeth. Perfectly aligned, without losing its unique charm.
© Getty Images,Getty Images for Ascot RacecoursePrincess Beatrice has a signature smile
Princess Beatrice
Princess Beatrice is well-known for her smile, with wide eyes adding to an all-round joyful appearance at most royal occasions. But this iconic feature required a little assistance: the young princess was spotted at her great-grandmother's birthday in 2001 with braces.
As the photos show, her grin needs no further alterations, thanks to early adjustments in her teenage years that have her smiling without a care today.
© PA Images via Getty Images,Getty ImagesPrince William had teeth adjustments later in life
Prince William
Heir to the throne Prince William was once just like any other teenager, wonky smile and all. In fact, his tooth transformation didn't stop there and, in 2009, he revealed a hidden brace set behind his teeth while visiting the World Headquarters of JCB.
He's got a camera-ready smile today, thanks to several rounds of dental alterations and can often be seen with a wide smile for fans across the world.
© Getty ImagesLady Louise Windsor regularly gives a smile to the camera
Lady Louise Windsor
Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, has had a quieter approach to royal life. She only recently graduated with a degree from the University of St Andrews and is currently enjoying a gap year to focus on travel.
While at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, she could be seen smiling during the Champagne Laurent-Perrier Meet of the British Driving Society, flashing her silver braces in 2019. But now they're off, and she's always ready with a gleaming grin.
© Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesCheeky Prince Harry always has a smile ready
Prince Harry
Prince Harry is well known for his charm, and isn't above having a laugh when the occasion calls for it. But his easy smile wasn't all that easily achieved: Harry turned to braces for two perfectly aligned rows of teeth.
Today, he's still ready for the camera with a cheery smile, whether it's a modest, closed-mouth turn of the lips or a wide grin.
© WireImage via Getty Images,Getty ImagesPrincess Eugenie now has the perfect smile
Princess Eugenie
Like her sister Beatrice, Princess Eugenie has been previously spotted with a pair of fitted braces while enjoying time out with her family. Perhaps it's for the best, to avoid any sibling squabbles!
They're both often seen smiling wide today, with Eugenie regularly showing her teeth in a casual smile while attending royal engagements or enjoying her free time.
