Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte at Wimbledon in July 2023.Photo:Karwai Tang/WireImage
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Sunglasses may be a summer staple, but members of the royal family limit when they sport their eyewear.
Princess Charlotterecently made a style statement in a pair of sunglasses during herWimbledon debut. The 8-year-old royal kept a close eye on the tennis action between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic despite the summer sun with her funky shades — while momKate Middletonand dadPrince Williamalso wore sunglasses during the match (butPrince Georgewent without the accessory).
However, the royals only wore their sunglasses while watching the game. When meeting staff, volunteers, ball boys and girls and others before the start of the match, their sunglasses were nowhere in sight.
Likewise, when theyheaded insideto congratulate Alcaraz on his win, the accessories were all stored.
Kate Middleton at Wimbledon 2022.Karwai Tang/WireImage
While Princess Kate oftenwears sunglasses at Wimbledon, it’s not a common practice during her public outings — just like other members of the royal family.
Myka Meier, an etiquette expert and the author of the bookModern Etiquette Made Easy, tells PEOPLE: “Sunglasses — or ‘sunnies,’ as they are called socially in the U.K. — can be seen on royals during official engagements, but usually only during sporting events when there is an activity or event outside or when needed as eye protection for a sunny climate or environment they are in (thinkKate on her royal tour in the Caribbean). They will remove sunglasses as soon as they walk inside, have a prolonged or serious conversation or upon any formal greeting.”
“Sunglasses don’t allow direct eye contact, which can be seen as a barrier when communicating,” Meier continues. “By taking sunglasses off upon meeting, it is seen as a sign of courtesy and respect to the other person.”
Kate Middleton on the Caribbean tour in March 2022.Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
Princess Kate is known to often support British designers with her eyewear choices, from Victoria Beckham to Finlay.
Prince William is a recent convert to the British brand Finlay, adding a contemporary touch to his smart attire at Wimbledon in theMarshallstyle. In the same month, Kate wore the brand’s glamorous cat-eyeVivianin a tortoiseshell shade to watch her husband play in acharity polo match. She wore them as a headband on her head before the game and removed them completely to award her husband and others with prizes afterward.
The Princess of Wales isn’t the only member of the royal family to sport sunnies from time to time. King Charles and Queen Camilla protect their eyes with glasses during sunny events, and even Queen Elizabeth was a fan. While she usually skipped sunglasses while on royal duty, the late monarch would occasionally wear them foroutdoor events like garden partiesat royal residences such as Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth at a 2018 garden party.YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty
YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty
Sunglasses have even been at the center of minor royal controversies. President Joe Biden was criticized for wearing his sunglasses when hemet Queen Elizabeth in 2021.
Grant Harrold, a former royal butler,told Newsweek: “It’s fine for Biden to have had sunglasses on, but he should have removed them when he actually met the Queen”
Harrold added, “Everyone else has to, it doesn’t matter who you are — even royals remove sunglasses when they meet royals.”
President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Queen Elizabeth in 2021.Chris Jackson/Getty
Meier has shared some tips for wearing sunglasses on her popularInstagram page.
She advises removing sunglasses when heading indoors,writing, “Wearing sunglasses indoors can be seen as disrespectful or that you are hiding something and deemed untrustworthy.”
Meier alsoshared the catchy phrase: “If they aren’t on your face then they should be in your case.” Instead of putting sunglasses in your shirt, pocket or head, she says, “If you’re not wearing sunglasses, they go in their case not only to protect them from scratches and damage, but it also shows respect for the investment you’ve made in them.”
As long as you’re remembering your manners, sunglasses are a key part of your summer wardrobe. Shop some of the British royal family’s favorite looks below.
Prince William and Kate Middleton visit Bhutan in 2016.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
Get the Royals' Favorite Pairs!
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s shared go-to: Finlay Henrietta Sunglasses,$225
Zara Tindall’s cool shades: Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses,$220
Princess Eugenie’s funky style: Mr. Boho Jordaan Sunglasses,$85
Kate Middleton’s classics: Ray-Ban Wayfarer II Sunglasses,$221
Get the Look!
bebe Square Pearl Sunglasses,$49
Madewell Indio Sunglasses,$55
Vincero The Quinn Sunglasses,$145
Poppy Lissiman Crimpie Sunglasses,$135
Peepers Montauk Sunglasses,$29
Charles and Camilla in 2015.Chris Jackson/Getty
source: people.com
