The Met Gala has always been an A-list event and even though we’re more used to seeing stars like Cardi B and Kim Kardashian showing off the best fashion on the Met steps, it is also historically an event attended by aristocrats, dynasty families and even some royals!
While esteemed British royals, like Princess Diana and Princess Beatrice, have attended the event in the past, royal appearances are somewhat of a rare occurrence these days. Princess Diana’s famous appearance was back in 1996 when she turned heads at the star-studded event in a figure-hugging navy dress with black lace trim. Talk about a statement dress!
Over the years, only a few royals have graced the step of the Met in its annual gala. In 2016, for example, Queen Rania of Jordan took everyone’s breath away in a black and silver feathered Valentino gown. In that same year, Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco, Grace Kelly’s granddaughter, also walked the carpet in a layered Gucci multi-colored dress and posed to cameras with 30 Seconds to Mars vocalist Jared Leto.
In 2024, stars including Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya will step out in New York City on May 6 in looks suited to the “Garden of Time” theme. Although we’ll continue dreaming about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry strutting up the stairs this year, we’ll always have these iconic royal appearances to look back on!
Check out all of the royals who’ve attended the Met Gala over the years below!
Charlotte Casiraghi (2023)
Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco turned head at the 2023 Met Gala in this divine, elegant black lace ensemble from Stella McCartney. The theme of the night was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” to honor the late Chanel designer.
Charlotte Casiraghi (2019)
Charlotte Casiraghi once again proved royals can show some edge in this high-low strapless black dress from Saint Laurent in 2019. She then perfectly styled the look with slicked-back hair and a black smokey eye. In 2019, the theme was “Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion.”
Princess Beatrice (2018)
Following the 2018 Met Gala theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination,” Princess Beatrice looked stunning in this flowy bright purple Alberta Ferretti gown.
Beatrice is the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain and daughter of Prince Andrew.
Charlotte Casiraghi (2018)
Opting for a totally different approach to the theme than Beatrice, Charlotte Casiraghi showed off her legs in this one-shoulder mini dress with stars all over it.
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis (2017)
At the 2017 gala, which had the theme “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between,” Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis of Germany stuck to the night’s theme in this dusty pink Simone Rocha jacket with floral appliques and a bright red ballet-inspired shoe.
Queen Rania of Jordan (2016)
Queen Rania of Jordan commanded the steps of the Met in this gorgeous silver and black feathered Valentino gown. The theme that night was “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology.”
Charlotte Casiraghi (2016)
Also at the 2016 gala, Charlotte Casiraghi lit up the room in this colorful Gucci dress that cascades from bright yellow to deep purple. Stunning!
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis (2016)
Talk about sticking to a theme! Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis looked fashionable and ultra-futuristic in this Mary Katrantzou to the 2016 gala.
Elisabeth is a member of the German princely House of Thurn and Taxis and a longtime Vogue editor.
Princess Maria-Olympia (2016)
Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece looked incredible as she attended the Balmain and Olivier Rousteing after the Met Gala Celebration back in 2016.
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis (2012)
Princess Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis (center) embraced the volume in this colorful Valentino high-low dress at 2012’s event. The night’s theme was “Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations.”
Princess Lee Radziwill (2010)
Princess Lee Radziwill of Poland looked ultra-elegant in this off-white dress and colorful jewels at the 2010 Gala. The night’s theme was “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.”
Lee Radziwill, who was born Caroline Lee Bouvier, is the younger sister of Jackie Kennedy and was married to Prince Stanisław Albrecht Radziwiłł from 1959 until 1974.
Queen Rania of Jordan (2007)
Under the theme “Poiret: King of Fashion,” Queen Rania of Jordan showed up in this black and navy dress at the 2007 Gala.
Andrea Casiraghi (2006)
Charlotte Casiraghi’s brother Andrea also attended the star-studded event back in 2006. At the event, the Monaco royal showed up with his now-wife Tatiana Santo Domingo. The theme was “Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion.”
Princess Marie-Chantal (2001)
Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece walked the 2001 Met Gala with none other than Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani. She wowed in this one-shoulder Celeste blue gown. The theme was “Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years.”
Princess Lee Radziwill (2001)
Also at the 2001 gala, Princess Lee Radziwill proved white is her color yet again in this beaded jumpsuit.
Princess Alexandra Von Furstenberg (1997)
Princess Alexandra Von Furstenberg of Germany attended the 1997 gala with her mother-in-law and fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg. The night celebrated the legacy of Gianni Versace.
Princess Diana (1996)
Princess Diana was absolutely glowing at the 1996 Met Gala in this navy figure-hugging John Galliano for Dior dress with black lace details. The theme of the night was “Christian Dior.”
By this time, Diana was separated from King Charles III and was one of the most high-profile stars due to public fascination in her post-divorce life.
Princess Ala von Auersperg (1986)
Princess Ala von Auersperg attended the 15th annual gala in 1986 in this very ’80s black and gold gown. The theme was “Dance.”
Princess Ala is a member of the princely Austrian family, the von Auerspergs, who once ruled over the Principality of Auersperg.
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