Celebrity style lessons: What to wear to meet the Queen

Just what *should* one wear to meet the Queen? Let these celebrities advise...

Just what should one wear to meet the Queen? It’s a sartorial dilemma that many an A-lister has faced over the years, as they've collected their various medals and ribbons for services to the arts. Some go super-conservative, some treat it like a red carpet soiree, and some use it as the chance of a lifetime to try to make a, ahem, lasting impression on her majesty. We’re looking at you, Lady Gaga... 

Angelina Jolie 

Let’s start with one of the best, shall we? Angelina Jolie received an Honorary Damehood from the Queen back in October 2014 and looked pitch-perfect in her putty coloured Ralph and Russo couture suit. 

Marilyn Monroe 

When the queen of the silver screen met the actual queen, she vamped it up, as standard. Here they are together at the royal film premiere of Battle Of The River Plate in 1956. Just as important, we think, is that we love what Her Majesty wore to meet Marilyn. 

Jennifer Lopez 

At the Royal Variety Performance in 2001, JLo met QE2. She slicked her hair into a chignon do, wrapped up in a forest green halter dress and – wait – is that the Tiffany necklace that we all wore for best in the noughties? Nice work, Jennifer. 

Kate Winslet 

When Kate received her OBE At Buckingham Palace in November 2012, she made sure she looked the part. Her fit and flare skirt suit was made specially by Alexander McQueen – a solid choice from a British designer brand that was sure to impress Her Majesty. 

Lady Gaga 

Oh Gaga. Only you would have thought to don scarlet PVC and a slightly bondage eye mask to meet the royals, at the 2009 Royal Variety Performance. 

Ellie Goulding 

Ellie’s ensemble was, shall we say, slightly more sensible than Gaga’s as she meets the Queen at a reception to celebrate young people in the performing arts in May 2011. Her white shift dress and sparkly court shoes certainly seem to have put a smile on Her Majesty’s face. 

Benedict Cumberbatch 

Benedict Cumberbatch was given a CBE in November 2015 and put his best tails on for the occasion. His wife Sophie Hunter kept things simple in a Burberry lace dress. 

Miley Cyrus 

Before she became America’s wild child, Miley was totally up for events like the Royal Variety Performance in Blackpool. Here she is, all dressed up to meet Her Majesty. 

Halle Berry 

When the Queen attended the Die Another Day film premiere in 2002, Halle Berry was totally ready for the possibility of meeting Her Majesty, even remembering to wear her best opera gloves. 

Helen Mirren 

It must be pretty daunting to meet the Queen when you’ve impersonated her in film. But Helen Mirren (and her name tag) are totally holding their own at this reception for the dramatic arts in February 2014. 

Elizabeth Taylor 

The Elizabeths met back in 1976, during a state visit to America. Clearly, there was competition over who could rock the biggest jewels. 

Image: Reginald Davis/Rex Features. 

David and Victoria Beckham 

These two. Back in November 2003, the then-England captain David was accompanied by his then-WAG wife Victoria when he received his OBE. 

The look, we think you’ll agree, is a Beckham fashion moment of vintage standards.