Princess Margaret wore them, and Kate, Meghan and other royal women have followed in her footsteps – so why are ‘super regal’ cape dresses so popular?

Cape dresses have long been a hallmark of royal elegance, merging regal tradition with modern sophistication. 

From opulent state occasions to glamorous red carpets, these garments have been worn by royal women across the globe, symbolising both authority and grace. 

A classic cape silhouette offers a versatile way to cover arms for formal events, without succumbing to long sleeves. 

So why might they be the garment of choice for royal women ranging from Princess Margaret to Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and others?

Dr Carolyn Mair, the author of The Psychology of Fashion, says clothing choices are ‘deeply intertwined with psychological processes related to self-expression, social identity, self-perception and emotional well-being.’

She added to MailOnline: ‘Famous people understand the significant impact of their public image and so they use clothing to shape perceptions, create narratives, and reinforce their personal brand or the image associated with their profession or projects. 

‘This is known as impression management. Done correctly, it can ensure that they leave a lasting and impactful impression on their audience.’

Colour also plays a key part. 

Dr Mair explained: ‘Different colours can evoke various emotions and moods. 

‘For example, vibrant and warm colours like red and yellow are often associated with energy, positivity and stimulation, while cooler tones like blue and green are linked, mainly through sociocultural associations, to calmness, tranquility and relaxation.’

With this in mind, we look back at memorable cape dresses worn by royals throughout the years.   

Princess Margaret

For the Queen Mother’s 90th birthday in 1990, Princess Margaret visited the London Palladium wearing a show-stopping caped turquoise gown

Princess Margaret’s larger than life personality certainly came across in her attire. 

For the Queen Mother’s 90th birthday in 1990, Margaret visited the London Palladium wearing a show-stopping turquoise gown. 

The caped satin creation incorporated a flattering square neckline that highlighted the royal’s extravagant jewels and bouffant hairdo. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales dazzled at the 2021 premiere of No Time To Die in an opulent gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham

Dripping with gold sequins, the glamorous gown featured structured shoulders and caped sleeves that swept the red carpet. 

Kate added Aquazzura stilettos and bespoke earrings by O’nitaa, while her locks were styled in a polished updo.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle made an entrance in a striking emerald green Emilia Wickstead dress, featuring a dramatic asymmetric cape

The 2020 Commonwealth Day service marked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s last public appearance as working members of the Royal Family.

And Meghan made her entrance in a striking emerald green Emilia Wickstead dress, featuring a dramatic asymmetric cape. 

She elevated the look with a matching hat by William Chambers, Aquazzura court shoes and a Gabriela Hearst mini bag. 

Princess Victoria of Sweden 

Princess Victoria of Sweden looked the epitome of opulence in Safiyaa’s ‘Gingko’ gown at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saifn in Jordan in 2023

Distinguishable from afar, immaculately tailored Safiyaa dresses are especially popular with royalty. 

Princess Victoria of Sweden looked the epitome of opulence in a bright fuchsia ‘Gingko’ gown at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saifn in Jordan last year. 

Defined by signature cape detailing, the contemporary silhouette made a lasting impression with its sculpting body and short caped sleeves.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

Showcasing her style flair, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands commanded attention in a dramatic Valentino gown while attending a concert in Luxembourg in 2018

Renowned for her daring sense of style and unwavering love for vibrant hues, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has become a symbol of sartorial audacity. 

Showcasing her style flair, Maxima commanded attention in a dramatic Valentino gown while attending a concert in Luxembourg in 2018.

The scarlet dress featured a voluminous silhouette and trailing cape sleeves.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium 

Queen Mathilde of Belgium’s vibrant Natan dress, worn to the National Day Eve Concert in 2023, exemplified joy and confidence

Queen Mathilde of Belgium’s vibrant yellow ensemble at the National Day Eve Concert in 2023 exemplified joy and confidence. 

Designed by Natan, her custom-made dress featured a breezy silhouette, classic cape and dip hem. 

She paired the dress with towering Christian Dior sandals, a Diane von Furstenberg clutch, and Percossi Papi topaz and pearl earrings. 

Princess Charlene of Monaco

Princess Charlene of Monaco dazzled in a green crepe gown by Marchesa Notte at the 2019 Monaco Red Cross Ball Gala

Princess Charlene of Monaco dazzled in a green crepe gown by Marchesa Notte at the 2019 Monaco Red Cross Ball Gala.

The dress, with its twisted neckline and column skirt, complemented the flowing cape, creating a striking and balanced look. 

Charlene completed her ensemble with glittering gold accessories and striking diamond and pearl earrings by Repossi.

Queen Mary of Denmark 

Queen Mary of Denmark wore a breathtaking cape dress by Birgit Hallstein during her 2019 visit to Japan

Queen Mary of Denmark showcased a breathtaking cape dress by Birgit Hallstein during her 2019 visit to Japan.

This marked the third occasion she had worn the gown, which had been modified for the event by removing the embellished bodice and belt to make way for a new cape.

Known for her commitment to sustainable fashion, Mary often revises existing pieces rather than buying new ones. 

She topped off her look with a diamond, ruby and spinel tiara, purchased at auction in 2012. 

Queen Letizia of Spain

Queen Letizia of Spain demonstrated the power of a red dress in a statement frock from Stella McCartney, incorporating a figure-skimming cut and one-shoulder cape

Queen Letizia of Spain demonstrated the power of a red dress at the birthday party of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in 2017.

For the occasion, the monarch selected a statement frock from Stella McCartney, incorporating a figure-skimming cut and one-shoulder cape. 

Letizia reached new heights in coordinating heels, adding a Felipe Varela metallic clutch, and diamond and ruby chandelier earrings.