In 2020, we all had to change the way we work, and that even applies to the royal family. While they usually do an untold number of engagements and appearances in person, lately, the royals have been all about working from their home offices (which, given, are a lot fancier than what most of us are dealing with). They've been reaching out to the people through Zoom calls, but don't expect them to be caught in loungewear. Nope, they're just as dressed up as they would be if they were leaving the house to meet people and make appearances (especially Kate Middleton).
Between Queen Elizabeth's bright outfits that look awesome on camera, Meghan Markle's more neutral tones as she shows off her new home in the background, and everything in between, the royals have been busy over the past year as they have adjusted to their new way of working, which is obviously different than anything most of us have done in the past.
Here are all the royals' best Zoom looks so far. With any luck, they'll be doing tours and engagements in person again soon. But for now, they're inspiring our work-from-home wardrobes big time.
Meghan's Smart Works Look
In April 2020, the Duchess of Sussex dialed in to a call for Smart Works, an organization in the UK that helps women find jobs by dressing them for interviews and coaching them to help them find success. This plum color is super pretty on Meghan, and it's rare we see her hair pulled back like this!
Prince Charles' Suit & Tie
Need to open a hospital from home? Thanks to technology, it's totally possible, as Charles now knows after attending the opening of Nightingale Hospital without leaving his office. The future king is looking dapper in his suit and tie, and we have a feeling he's actually wearing the matching pants, even though most of us would probably stick to sweats if they couldn't be seen on camera!
Kate's Remembrance Week Look
Normally, Remembrance Week is filled with a bunch of different gatherings and events in recognition of those who have fought in the British military and lost their lives. This time, things had to be done a little differently, but Kate still wore the red poppy as per tradition, which symbolizes remembrance.
Prince Harry's WellChild Call
Even from across the pond, Prince Harry still made sure to be a part of his (former) patronages, including WellChild, a charity that helps the families of seriously ill children. The Duke of Sussex showed up in a blue shirt, looking casual enough to be hanging out at home with his family, but formal enough to show that he put some thought into his look. Blue is his color!
Sophie's Commonwealth Day Call
Usually, Commonwealth Day is commemorated with a huge service at Westminster Abbey that all the royals attend. But in 2021, it had to be a bit different. But Sophie, Countess of Wessex (Prince Edward's wife) still looked sharp in a low-key all black outfit she wore to participate in a video call for the day.
Kate's Green Floral Dress
In August 2020, when Kate announced the judging panel for her #HoldStill photography contest, she wore a green floral dress that ended up making headlines. The dress was from Zara and had recently gone on sale for under $13 — a budget-friendly choice for the Duchess of Cambridge!
Queen Elizabeth's Vaccine Call
The Queen is known for wearing bright colors, so it was no surprise that she appeared in a video call to share her experience receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in a coral-colored dress and pearls. This is definitely a perfect example of quintessential Queen Elizabeth style.
Kate's Yellow Dress
In another video promoting her photography contest, Kate looked absolutely polished in a yellow dress — and so pretty for having done her own hair and makeup when she might have otherwise had help getting ready. Such a gorgeous look for spring, when this video call took place.
Meghan's Business Look
Meghan was all business in a video call she took in September that also happened to show off a bit of her new home in California that we hadn't been able to see until then. Still, all the focus should be on what Meghan was wearing — that white blazer and ponytail combo is working for her!
Prince William's Sweater
We've never seen William look more like a working dad than we did in this video call! During a chat with health care workers, Will wore a collared shirt under a sweater. We're more used to seeing him in a suit and tie. Nice!
Elizabeth Works From Home
During a call with business leaders in December, the Queen dressed for the weather (though she toned down the colors a bit this time around). She wore a blue cardigan and jewelry with every lock of hair in place, casual but still managing to look regal, even on a video screen.
Kate's Chevron Sweater
Blue has always been Kate's color, and this sweater proves it! During a call with parents and health experts about expectant mothers' experiences during the health crisis, Kate was all smiles in a blue chevron sweater with her hair pulled back in a half-updo.
Camilla's Power Blazer
When it comes to her wardrobe, the Duchess of Cornwall isn't messing around — even in a video appearance! While thanking health care volunteers, Camilla wore a black blazer with a white blouse underneath. We're loving those sleeves and that neckline on her!
Camilla's Blazer, Take Two
While we're talking about how well put together Camilla looks in blazers, let's talk about this outfit, too. Her navy blazer is definitely all business, but the patterned shirt underneath adds a little something extra. Those simple, dangly pearl earrings are the perfect understated accessory!
Team Will & Kate
Though they've definitely done plenty of calls individually, Will and Kate have also done Zoom calls together, and they looked good doing it, too. Here they are talking about mental health on the same day Will wore his casual sweater with Kate in an equally as casual striped top. That hair!
Queen Elizabeth's Floral Dress
Much like Kate, Queen Elizabeth also showed off a dress in a floral pattern during the summer of 2020. Here, she's wearing bright yellow as she talks to staff from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office — and we could totally see her wearing this even if she wasn't working from home!
Talking to Teachers
As Will and Kate spoke with teachers who were caring for children of health care workers over the Easter holidays in 2020, they wore outfits that were appropriate for the time of year, with Kate in bright yellow and Will in blue, complementing his wife's look.
Perfectly Polished
In another joint video call with people who had long-term health conditions and were getting vaccinated, Will and Kate looked super polished — just as they would if they were conducting this meeting in person. Kate's hair, makeup, and blazer are all flawless!
