17 Times Royals Bared Their Legs
It doesn't happen often...
![Royal's legs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zJdjePfLt5MRVrmSZzYC6R-415-80.jpeg)
When Kate Middleton stepped out in a pair of shorts for the inaugural King’s Cup regatta (which she and her husband, Prince William, hosted), she made headlines for her fashion choice. Why? Because it was her first time wearing shorts as a royal. Royal ladies aren't big on showing their legs in general, and certainly not in shorts. Here are some of the most notable instances of royal women showing some leg—both before and after joining the royal family.1. 2.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
![Princess Diana](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MNV9SnXnxhHTpMbv6ze48k-415-80.jpeg)
Princess Diana
Diana notably wore shorts when she hit the gym.
![Kate Middleton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s45hSii5cBG9T9WuKzc3Gk-415-80.jpeg)
Kate Middleton
Before she became a Duchess, Kate wore this statement-making ensemble to a themed fundraiser.
![Meghan Markle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aVT4pXbwqKNUpWMdYqsLQk-415-80.jpeg)
Meghan Markle
Back in her acting days, Meghan was no stranger to showing some leg.
![Kate Middleton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/nHuiv3MugVqFJF8qweUPbk-415-80.jpeg)
Kate Middleton
Kate showed some leg in a short (by her current standards, at least) skirt at her university graduation.
![Meghan Markle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rZxY6k6W4Mi4wAF8TTFUik-415-80.jpeg)
Meghan Markle
Meghan wore this fun, short shift dress to the 2013 USA Upfronts.
![Meghan Markle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zy4VTtivdTe3DZ3wUu24rk-415-80.jpeg)
Meghan Markle
Here's another of Meghan's shorter looks from her Suits days.
![Princess Diana](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qZQAxSvojnNJycbrbsyp5m-415-80.jpeg)
Princess Diana
Princess Di had not problem wearing short shorts to the gym.
![Kate Middleton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jetqZADZpJAboJKoPbtNDm-415-80.jpeg)
Kate Middleton
When Kate flashed some thigh at a royal engagement in 2013, it wasn't exactly by choice, but royal legs are such a rare sight, this actually makes the list.
![Kate Middleton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zg3tJkMECjeR6x2FovTRLm-415-80.jpeg)
Kate Middleton
Kate showed a little leg in a very class way in this high/low ballgown.
![Princess Eugenie](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZyiVyiwoKBzR4Q2b9gvZYm-415-80.jpeg)
Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie stepped out in shorts and tights in New York City.
![Meghan Markle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sEZzpoQRSCVy4xABydptfm-415-80.jpeg)
Meghan Markle
Before she joined the royal family, Meghan Markle went through a shorts and blazer phase.
![Meghan Markle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fjqbQKUyMz6bY4WCjNg5pm-415-80.jpeg)
Meghan Markle
Another look from Meghan's "shorts and blazers" summer.
![Kate Middleton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3TwPyQSxVF7rYBzKoQMQBn-415-80.jpeg)
Kate Middleton
Before she married Prince William, Kate took part in the early aughts' trends, like denim mini-skirts.
![Princess Diana](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8ihdK7Su447JCz7EPThiPn-415-80.jpeg)
Princess Diana
If you think spotting a royal in shorts is rare, imagine the unlikelihood of a bikini sighting. Diana was photographed in one at the beach in the '90s.
![Meghan Markle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dcPoU3iBF9JZFqGRWXBmXn-415-80.jpeg)
Meghan Markle
Meghan's, erm, uniform for Deal or No Deal was a red mini-dress that bared plenty of leg.
![Kate Middleton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iWsVyLEdUKbCw8E52eu2in-415-80.jpeg)
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton wears longer skirts these days, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans when it comes to showing off your gams.
![Kate Middleton](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PTPVUN4wL92WBX7WDSR8tn-415-80.jpeg)
Kate Middleton
Kate wore her first pair of shorts as a member of the royal family for the 2019 King’s Cup regatta.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published