Chic Nail Colors Worn By The Royal Family
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
When you're a member of the royal family, it goes without saying that you have to look presentable at all times. Though the royals have had the odd fashion misstep before (even Kate Middleton included!), you can usually count on them to look like the portrait of grace and elegance. That goes for the both outfits and the hairstyles, down to the perfect manicure and pedicure.
But don't expect to be seeing anything too bold on working royals. Looks like the glam 3D charm nail trend, the dark black chrome trend, and the mixed metal look are unlikely to be seen on working members of the royal family. That's because they've been known to stick to much more neutral, soft colors over the years. Royal expert Omid Scobie told Harper's Bazaar that there's actually no official rule stating royals can't wear darker or bold polishes, but noted, "It's simply about being appropriate." That doesn't mean though that there hasn't been the odd occasion or two where we've seen something a little more interesting on the nails of a royal. And we're breaking down some of the best.
Kate Middleton once rocked vampy red nails
Though we're more used to seeing Kate Middleton with understated, neutral nails, she bucked that tradition in 2023. While attending an Easter Service with her family, the royal rocked vampy, bright red nails for a super glamorous and actually quite daring look (for a royal). One of our favorite things about the manicure is how the crimson stood out against her royal blue outfit. We have to say, it set off that stunning sapphire engagement ring, too!
Princess Diana was a big fan of a French manicure
The late Princess Diana was known to be a big fan of something super classic; a French manicure. This look is super chic and timeless, having been worn by countless other celebrities and socialites. It's also easy-to-wear and super understated, though there are still plenty of ways to dress up a French tip if you want to. The beloved late royal used to have multiple big events to attend in quick succession, and likely needed her nails to easily match her various different outfits.
Queen Elizabeth II loved natural nails
Queen Elizabeth II wasn't exactly notorious for bold nail colors, but she apparently did have a favorite shade she wore all the time. You may not have noticed, partly thanks to her penchant for gloves, but the late queen loved to wear a sheer light pink polish on her nails. The exact shade Queen Elizabeth reportedly rocked for more than three decades was Essie's Ballet Slippers, a very light, barely-there pink. Surprisingly, it doesn't come with a royal price tag. The shade is still available for purchase today and retails for $10 direct at Essie.com.
Meghan Markle loves milky nails
When she was a working royal, it seems Meghan Markle was a fan of a subtle milk manicure, which were trending everywhere in 2023. The Duchess of Sussex has been photographed multiple times over the years rocking super chic, light pink, off-white nails as her go-to everyday nail. And each time, she's made it easy to understand why it's her favorite polish shade, as it gives her nails a simple elegance. According to Rita Remark, Essie's global lead educator, she may have been wearing two colors to get this look when she sat alongside Queen Elizabeth II for an event in Chester, UK, in 2018. Remark suggested Meghan may have been rocking Essie's Marshallow ($10 from Essie) and Mademoiselle (also $10 from Essie) layered on top of one another.
Princess Eugenie is more into nail art
Princess Eugenie is arguably the most daring member of the royal family when it comes to her nails. That's because she's one of the few royals who proudly embraces nail art. In fact, back in 2012 while celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, Eugenie rocked a super chic manicure complete with Union Jacks on each nail. We sure love to see the royals having fun with their looks!