Meeting the Queen is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that most celebrities can only dream of—whether that's attending a special event or receiving an OBE.
So on a day that will stick in your memory for the rest of your life, it's important to impress with a suitable outfit. But how does anyone decide what that outfit could be? Much like deciding on what to wear for a wedding, meeting the Queen requires some serious planning. Do you go simple or elegant? Is a hat necessary? Or do you stick to your signature style regardless?
From Gillian Anderson to Lady Gaga, and Helena Bonham Carter to Kate Winslet, we take a look back at what our favorite celebrities wore to meet the Queen.
What celebrities wore to meet the Queen...
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren has been lucky enough to meet the Queen twice. She won an Oscar for the portrayal of Her Majesty in the 2006 film The Queen and met her in real life firstly in 2011 at a reception for the dramatic arts at Buckingham Palace. And then again in 2014 alongside David Attenborough.
For her second meeting, Helen opted for a navy blue, long-sleeved, figure-fitting dress that coordinated with the Queen's blue outfit perfectly.
Anna Wintour
The editor-in-chief of US Vogue was awarded a Damehood at Buckingham Palace in 2017, in recognition of her services to fashion and journalism. Anna looked chic and sophisticated for the important meeting, dressed in nothing less than head-to-toe Chanel Couture teamed with Manolo Blahnik heels.
Eddie Redmayne
Eddie Redmayne received an OBE for services to drama, following the release of his film Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. Eddie looked dapper as he picked up his award in a bespoke Alexander McQueen suit, consisting of a tailcoat, pinstriped trousers, and a grey waistcoat. He was also joined by his wife Hannah who wore a black Chanel peplum dress.
Angelina Jolie
Angelina stunned in a Ralph and Russo couture suit as she received an Honorary Damehood from the Queen in October 2014.
The iconic actress was given the honor to mark her humanitarian work and her endeavors to end sexual violence in war-torn countries.
Angelina enjoyed a private audience with the Queen for around 20 minutes and her then-husband Brad Pitt and their children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox were also able to meet Her Majesty.
Carey Mulligan
Actor Carey Mulligan was told last minute she was going to meet the Queen in person during a reception for British Film Industry at Windsor Castle, back in 2013.
The Promising Young Woman star wore a royal blue dress with a pencil skirt teamed with a brown belt and coordinating court heels for the big event, but happened to have a wardrobe malfunction moments before her moment with the Queen.
Recalling how the hem of her dress was falling down and explaining she had to borrow a safety pin to fix it.
Speaking to the Express, Carey added, "I did my own hair... I just completely freaked out. And then this guy came up to me and he said, 'Ms, Mulligan, I just wanted to let you know the hem of your dress has fallen down. Would you like a safety pin?' And I was like, 'Yes, I need a safety pin!'"
"If I met the Queen without a hem on my dress... my mother would behead me."
Elizabeth Taylor
The two Elizabeth's sported similar outfits when they met in 1976 with the Queen and Liz Taylor both opting for pearlescent green numbers with plenty of jewels.
Her Majesty met the American actress, who died in 2011, and her husband, John Warner, at a gala dinner in Washington DC.
Henry Holland and Agyness Deyn
Model Agyness Deyn and designer Henry Holland met the Queen in 2012 at an event at the Royal Academy of Arts. Agyness wore a bold houndstooth dress in turquoise and navy blue while Henry opted for a smart three-piece suit with a woolen tie and pin brooch.
Talking about the even Agyness told Vogue, "I have always wanted to meet the Queen—I couldn't believe it when Henry called me about it. I rang my mum and said: 'Mum, I'm actually going to meet the Queen.' I'm not a royalist as such, but I love the royal family. I think the Queen's really cool. I love how she dresses—she always looks so demure."
Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson met Queen Elizabeth at a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the year Charles Dickens was born. Gillian chose a simple navy blue dress paired with a blue satin handbag for the royal meeting years before she was to star in The Crown season three opposite Olivia Colman who played the Queen in the hit show.
Kate Winslet
Kate wore an Alexander McQueen black peplum skirt suit to meet the Queen as she received her OBE at Buckingham Palace.
Reflecting on the event she said, It was such an honour to meet the Queen, it was my first time."
Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter
Benedict was given a CBE in November 2015 and wore a dapper tail suit, while his wife Sophie sported a gorgeous Burberry lace dress.
The CBE is an “order of chivalry of British democracy” and honors accomplishment in the arts and sciences as well as charitable work.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga opted for a dramatic red latex dress with oversized shoulders when meeting the Queen at the 2009 Royal Variety Performance—slightly less conventional but reflective of her signature, unique style.
Helena Bonham Carter
Helena famously won a Bafta for her performance as the Queen Mother opposite Colin Firth in The King's Speech and then went on to play the Queen's sister, a role we'll miss in The Crown season 5 as Lesley Manville takes over.
Helena was invited to Buckingham Palace in February 2012 to collect a CBE and wore an eye-catching tartan outfit—fitting in with her fabulous style.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez wore an emerald Marilyn Monroe inspired dress to meet Queen Elizabeth in 2001, at the Dominion Theatre.
Her slicked-back long hairstyle and Tiffany necklace ensured her look was polished to perfection.
Kylie Minogue
Kylie's been lucky enough to meet the Queen a couple of times but wore a shimmering gold, sequinned dress at the Royal Variety Performance in London in 2012 for her first.
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