How Diana first gave the leather look a leg-up – and cleared the way for a new generation of racy royals, as these pictures show…

We are used to seeing royal women in formal skirts, expensive gowns or, from time to time, even jeans. 

Yet even today, leather, is likely to raise an eyebrow or two.

It was Princess Diana who first led the way when she wore bright scarlet trousers for a theatre outing in 1987.

Leather has slowly and stylishly been infiltrating royal wardrobes ever since…

Diana, Princess of Wales

Princess Diana showcased striking leather trousers at Her Majesty's Theatre in 1987
+8
View gallery

The Princess was watching a performance of Phantom of the Opera
+8
View gallery

Princess Diana made a memorable entrance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in 1987 – thanks to her striking leather trousers

Always one to break the mould, Princess Diana made a memorable entrance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End in 1987 – thanks to her striking leather trousers.

For a performance of Phantom of the Opera, the royal paired her vibrant trousers with a voluminous bomber jacket, showcasing her distinctive style.

Queen Letizia of Spain 

Queen Letizia of Spain has reached for her Hugo Boss leather trousers on three occasions. Above: During an outing in Barcelona in November 2022
+8
View gallery

Queen Letizia of Spain has reached for her Hugo Boss leather trousers on three occasions. Above: During an outing in Barcelona in November 2022

A staple in Queen Letizia’s wardrobe, these Hugo Boss trousers have been worn by her on three separate occasions.

Made from genuine leather, they incorporate a flattering high waist and a slim, cropped leg.

The rich berry hue offers a welcome splash of colour, without being overly conspicuous.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle impressed in a pair of form-fitting leather trousers at a 2016 Suits event in New York
+8
View gallery

Meghan Markle impressed in a pair of form-fitting leather trousers at a 2016 Suits event in New York

Meghan Markle is known for her appreciation of leather in its various forms, ranging from biker jackets to pencil skirts.

In 2016, she impressed at a Suits event in New York, wearing a pair of form-fitting leather trousers.

She completed her polished ensemble with nude lace-up heels and a swipe of red lipstick.

Charlene, Princess of Monaco 

Princess Charlene showed off her edgy flair in Philip Plein trousers at the 2017 Princess Grace Awards gala
+8
View gallery

Princess Charlene showed off her edgy flair in Philip Plein trousers at the 2017 Princess Grace Awards gala

Princess Charlene of Monaco demonstrated her edgy flair at the 2017 Princess Grace Awards gala.

For the occasion, the royal chose faux leather Philip Plein trousers, a Prince of Wales checked bustier and classic court shoes.

To finish her outfit, she draped a double-breasted blazer across her shoulders.

Princess Eugenie 

Princess Eugenie exuded glamour as she arrived at Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill in 2020
+8
View gallery

Princess Eugenie exuded glamour as she arrived at Casa Cruz restaurant in Notting Hill in 2020

After employing stylist Olivia Buckingham, Princess Eugenie quickly transformed into a style maven.

The royal showed off her newfound glamour during an excursion in Notting Hill in 2020.

Her outfit featured a pair of faux leather leggings, which proved perfect for the swanky location of Casa Cruz restaurant.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands lived up to her style reputation at the meeting of NLgroeit at Centraal Beheer
+8
View gallery

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands lived up to her style reputation at the meeting of NLgroeit at Centraal Beheer

Beloved for her bold fashion choices, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands did not disappoint in this plum-coloured ensemble.

She teamed a Zara polka dot blouse with cropped leather trousers, completing the look with suede court shoes for a meeting in 2019.

Zara Tindall 

Zara Tindall paired sleek leather trousers with a suede trench coat for a visit to the races in April
+8
View gallery

Zara Tindall paired sleek leather trousers with a suede trench coat for a visit to the races in April

Zara Tindall was the epitome of chic during a recent visit to Cheltenham Racecourse.

The daughter of Princess Anne opted for sleek leather trousers, paired with a suede trench coat by Fairfax and Favor.

Adding a touch of sophistication, she accessorised with a Camilla Rose Millinery headband, LK Bennett boots and an Aspinal of London bag, resulting in a flawless aesthetic.

Related Posts

Paddy McGuinness Finally Breaks His Silence in the Most Public Way Possible – What He Just Revealed About THOSE Dating Rumours with His Stunning Co-Star Will Leave You Shocked, Confused, and Desperate to Know More! After Months of Whispered Speculation and Social Media Clues, the TV Star Speaks Out – But Is He Confirming or Denying? The Body Language, the Cryptic Words, and the Unexpected Twist That Has Everyone Talking – Why This One Interview Is Causing a Storm Across the Internet and What It Might Really Mean for His Future Relationships, Reputation, and Career – Fans, Critics, and Even Close Friends Are Divided as Paddy Drops the Bombshell Everyone’s Been Waiting For (or Dreading). Is It Love, PR, or Something Else Entirely? Get Ready – This Is the Moment That Changes Everything.

Paddy McGuinness has replaced Gregg Wallace as a co-host on Inside the Factory, with him having worked alongside the likes of Cherry Healey on the BBC show’s…

“Pete Wicks Stuns Fans with Shocking Career Move No One Saw Coming – From Reality TV Rebel to Unexpected New Role That Could Change Everything! Inside the Bold Decision That’s Leaving Fans Speechless, Friends in Awe, and Critics Divided – Why He’s Walking Away From the Spotlight (Sort Of), What This Means for His Future, and the Secret Conversations That Led to It All – Is This the End of Pete as We Know Him, or Just the Start of His Most Unpredictable Chapter Yet? Get the Inside Scoop on the Life-Altering Choice That Has Everyone Talking, Guessing, and Wondering What the Hell He’ll Do Next

Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has officially landed two more series of For Dog’s Sake, with a Christmas special of the heartwarming reality documentary show also confirmed…

Joe Swash Finally Breaks His Silence: ‘Yes, We Argue!’ – Inside the Untold Chaos, Love, and Daily Struggles of His Marriage to Stacey Solomon That No One Expected, From Secret Fights Over Parenting and Fame to the Sweetest Moments That Hold Them Together – A Raw, Honest, and Unfiltered Look at One of Britain’s Most Talked-About Couples as Joe Opens Up About the Highs, the Lows, and the Surprising Truths Behind the Instagram-Perfect Life – Fans Are Shocked, Inspired, and Left Wondering: Is Love Enough When the Spotlight Never Turns Off

EastEnders star Joe Swash and Loose Women panellist Stacey Solomon have been in a relationship since the mid-2010s – but they admit they have enjoyed lows as…

Eamonn Holmes missing from GB News after ‘unexpected’ hospital dash

Eamonn Holmes was missing from GB News on Monday morning, after he was rushed to hospital on Friday following a fall at his home, which he described…

Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford gets ‘horrible’ illness as she scraps TV appearance

The Loose Women star’s mother, Joan, has also been grappling with a ‘horrible chest infection’ these past few weeks Ruth Langsford shared the reason why she couldn’t…

Prince Harry branded ‘hypocritical little twerp’ by Piers Morgan over BBC interview

Piers Morgan unleashed a barrage of scathing posts hitting out at Prince Harry following his legal loss over whether he was entitled to enhanced security while visiting…