The Queen has never ever worn this item

Unlike Kate Middleton

Unlike Kate Middleton

You’ve seen the Queen in many glamorous ballgowns and bright power suits over the years, but if you think about it, there’s one thing you’ve never, ever seen her wear. It's something that probably 99% of us own and wear at least once a week too.

You see, her majesty, who turns 91 today, has never donned jeans in public. To be honest, we can’t imagine she’s worn them in private either.

In fact, Queen Liz has only ever worn trousers once while on duty, during her 1970 Royal Tour of Canada, where she wore a silk troupe suit by Ian Thomas, in a bid to modernise her look a little.

Other than that, she has a strict working wardrobe, which involves secret fittings and months of planning so she doesn’t wear the same colour for two engagements close together. She even has someone to break in her new shoes for her.

Now you might argue that she’s been spotted her in riding trousers or tartan trousers on her Balmoral estate, but that’s purely for practical reasons, and when she’s off duty.

On the other hand, while always looking on point in her high street and designer dresses, Kate Middleton does occasionally wear jeans for a more relaxed look on less formal engagements.

We'd like to think it's never too late to embrace the comfort of a good old pair of Levi's though.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.