Much ado is made of Kate Middleton’s clothing. (Not to mention everything underneath.)
But the Duchess of Cambridge is not the only royal who knows her Louis Vuittons from her L.K. Bennetts.
The world is brimming with stylish bluebloods. In fact, one of them, Letizia of Spain, became a queen Thursday when her husband, newly crowned King Felipe VI, claimed the Spanish throne following his father’s abdication. ¡Ay!
To celebrate, here are the world’s best-dressed sovereigns. None of them is British.
Queen Letizia of Spain
Spain’s new queen (née Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano) is married to King Felipe VI, and makes for one well-heeled consort. The former journalist emits a relatable, real-world attractiveness carried off in tailored trousers, silk blouses and sheath dresses you’d find in any New York woman’s wardrobe.
People are already pitting her against Kate Middleton, but for us there’s no competition.
Sheikha Mozah of Qatar
Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned is the second of three wives of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, but she’s by far No. 1 in chicness. Tall, regal and absurdly rich, the Sheikha is the couture customer incarnate, as well as an alumna of Vanity Fair’s famed best-dressed list.
She loves turbans, monochrome and pumps at 4 inches plus.
Princess Charlene of Monaco
Once upon a time, a South African former Olympic swimmer married Grace Kelly’s son, and the Monacan style legacy lived on.
Though Charlene (née Wittstock), wife of Prince Albert II, has her iconic mother-in-law’s blond hair and dainty features, the princess has forged her own sartorial identity by way of sleek, modern jumpsuits and other streamlined ensembles that flatter strong, sculpted shoulders.
Princess Mary of Denmark
Another athlete-turned-aristocrat, Mary (née Donaldson) was a sports-loving Aussie ad exec before marrying Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark. Now, she’s set to become Queen Consort, and luckily has a closet full of fabulous clothes for the occasion.
The princess has a fresh taste in fashion, favoring Marc Jacobs and other hip yet age-appropriate designers to match those eye-catching crown jewels.
Queen Rania of Jordan
Forget Rihanna — Rania Al Abdullah, first lady to King Abdullah II of Jordan, is the queen of the Internet age, with a classic sense of dressing second only to extensive charity work. (The petite sovereign even has a Twitter account.)
She covets rich colors, floral prints and other feminine details, but always delivers them with a strong, professional working-woman’s finesse.
Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco
Is style biological? Of course not. But when you’re Grace Kelly’s granddaughter and look semi-related to Angelina Jolie, there’s a strong case to suggest otherwise. Casiraghi was just named a face of Gucci, so that should tell you she’s got the Italian brand on her side, along with Chanel, Elie Saab and virtually every other luxury label.
She may only be fifth in line to the throne of Monaco, but in the fashion realm, she may as well be first.
Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan
The queen of this teeny Himalayan kingdom is the most recent fashion darling, and for once there’s little fear of an absurd, Royal Ascot-style hat or fascinator.
After marrying King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2011, the serene stunner set out to become the nation’s best style ambassador, bringing Bhutanese clothing, textiles and prints to an international stage.
Princess Victoria of Sweden
Crown Princess Victoria is heiress apparent to the Swedish throne, and the ennobled embodiment of girl power. Whether in a pastel gown or biker booties, the probable future queen of the land of versatile brands like H&M keeps it ladylike yet unfussy. She always wears her hair slicked back, and is seldom snapped not sporting the best accessory: her smile.
Oh, and she has a brother named Carl, who’s a Jamie Dornan doppelganger and by any measure the most attractive royal of all time.
Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis
Though you couldn’t tell from her full name (Elisabeth Margarethe Maria Anna Beatriz Prinzessin von Thurn und Taxis — oof!), this German princess’ style is as common as they come — in fashion circles.
The blonde, who works as a blogger, writer and style editor-at-large for Vogue, prefers moto jackets to jeweled regalia, tees to sheaths, and bed head to perfected buns.
Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand
Watch out, Middleton, the daughter of Thailand’s crown prince is coming for your fashion crown. A regular at Paris fashion week, the sassy style savant is a devotee of black-and-white ensembles, ’80s-ish shoulder pads and Pierre Balmain.
She also was once reportedly snubbed by Princess Beatrice of York, who, for many reasons, is not on this list.