Royal wedding hairstyles through the years
Published
27th Apr 2011
by rachael
As Royal Wedding fever sweeps the country and style-watchers nationwide speculate about how Kate will wear her hair for her big day, we take a look back at stylish regal ceremonies from the last century.
When Her Majesty the Queen married Prince Philip in 1947, the princess (as she was then!) wore a traditional veil and tiara, with her dark hair elegantly coiffed. Prince Philip's smart style was also representative of the era - sleek and groomed with not a hair out of place.
While vintage styles for women remain popular, this regal look would probably feel a little dated for many modern brides. However in stark contrast, Philip's refined style is enjoying a retro revival with many gents opting for a super groomed, Mad Men-inspired look.
When the queen's younger sister Princess Margaret married photographer Lord Snowdon in 1960, her look managed to be classic yet also reflect trends of the era. Fashion photographer Snowdon introduced the princess to a wide circle of bohemians and artists, so it's perhaps not such a surprise that she opted for a slightly more contemporary look.
For her big day, Princess Margaret wore her hair in an updo, topped with a diamond tiara and full veil. The loose tendrils around her face soften the style, for a look which would work just as well today as it did 50 years ago.
In 1973 it was the turn of Queen Elizabeth's daughter Princess Anne to marry Mark Philips at Westminster Abbey.
Reflecting trends of the era, Princess Anne's style had a definite 1970s feel - full of volume, but with a soft, natural feel. Centre-parted and styled in to a wide chignon, the princess did concede to royal tradition with her mother's tiara and veil.
More so than perhaps any other royal bride in recent history, this medieval-inspired 70s wedding dress also really reflects trends of the era - the high neck, bell sleeves and unstructured skirt shape have a definite nod to fashion.
Watched by a global television audience of more than 750 million, the wedding Of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in July 1981defined an era.
While Diana's Emanuel dress had a seriously 80s feel, her romantic hairstyle also reflected trends of the era with plenty of volume, softly parted fringe and a gently sweeping blow-dry. Once again, this royal wedding featured a glittering tiara and enormous veil.
The Wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986 saw the bride buck the royal tradition of a tiara, opting instead for a crown of fresh flowers.
As a non-state wedding, perhaps Sarah didn't have the usual family jewels to rely on - but this feminine floral concoction offered a suitably summery alternative for the July wedding.
Fresh flowers have been suggested as a choice for Kate Middleton this Friday and although Fergie's crown now feels a little dated, it would be a fashion-forward choice by the princess-to-be to include a romantic fresh flower or two.
The Queen's youngest son Prince Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999. The ceremony, which took place at Windsor Castle had a modern, relaxed feel, befitting of changing times.
Sophie wore a diamond tiara from the Queen's private collection and a silk tulle veil, on top of a decidedly modern golden blonde layered crop.
Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in April 2005 at a ceremony in Windsor. As a second wedding for both, it's safe to say their style was a little more subdued than the pomp and ceremony which usually accompanies royal nuptials.
Camilla wore a striking gold feathered headpiece by superstar milliner Philip Treacy. The elegant accessory is a surprisingly fashion-forward piece for a royal wedding and looked perfect placed on top of the bride's softly blow-dried style.
