Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are considered the most photographed women in the world, but there are a number of images from before they married into the royal family that people haven’t seen. Check out these rare pics of Diana, Kate and Meghan from before they were royals:
45. Kate at the Wedding of Hugh Van Cutsem and Rose Astor – 2005
Middleton made her public debut as Prince William’s girlfriend at the wedding of Hugh Van Cutsem and Rose Astor at Burford Parish Church in Burford, England in June 2005. She looked so sophisticated in this cream coat with a black and white skirt and a fancy black fascinator.
Photo by Indigo/Getty Images44. Diana Meeting Grace Kelly – 1981
In 1981, Lady Diana Spencer met Grace Kelly for the first time at an event in London’s Goldsmith Hall. This was her first public engagement as Prince Charles’ fiancé. Princess Grace reportedly gave Diana some advice that evening about entering the British royal family: “Don’t worry dear – it’ll only get worse.”
Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage43. Kate at the Bluebird Store Opening – 2006
Kate attended a launch party in 2006 for the opening of the King’s road shop, Bluebird. She dressed to impress in this colorful dress, which featured pink, purple, blue and yellow flowers with a light pink blazer, a dark pink purse and purple shoes.
PAP Photo/Ian West/PA42. Meghan at the Summer TCA Party – 2011
In 2011, Markle attended the Summer 2011 TCA Party with the cast of Suits, which must have been a pretty big deal for her. Prior to this, Markle hadn’t had any big breaks. This was a first for her.
Shutterstock41. Kate at the Wedding of Camilla Parker Bowles’ Daughter – 2006
In 2006, Kate attended Camilla Parker-Bowles’ daughter Laura’s wedding to former underwear model Harry Lopes with Prince William. This was a really big step in their relationship and meant that Kate was completely accepted in royal circles.
Photo by Tim Ockenden – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images40. Diana at the Young England School – 1980
Before marrying Prince Charles, Diana had a job at the Young England School in Pimlico as a teacher’s assistant. This was a pretty big deal. She was reportedly the first woman in British history to have held a paying job before marrying the heir to the throne.
Photo by PA Images via Getty Images39. Kate at the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco – 2009
Middleton attended the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco, a fundraising event in aid of the Children’s Hospital in Oxford, back in 2009. She organized the event in memory of her friend Thomas Waley-Cohen, who died from bone cancer in 2004 when he was just 20 years old.
AP Photo/Johnny Green/PA38. Meghan Out and About for Celebrity Candids – 2015
Meghan was out and about in New York City for Celebrity Candids in this photo. She was such a natural. How many other people can dress to the nines like this, pose for photographs and look completely comfortable?
Derek Storm/Everett Collection37. Diana at Cadogan Place Gardens – 1968
During the summer of 1968, Diana visited Cadogan Place Gardens in London. This photo appears to have to be taken on what would have been her seventh birthday. She looks absolutely precious in this little red dress with a matching headband and a blue cardigan. Even as a child, she had style.
Photo by PA Images via Getty Images36. Diana at a Fundraising Concert at Goldsmiths Hall – 1981
All eyes were on Princess Diana during her first public appearance at a fundraising concert at Goldsmiths Hall in London in 1981. In this photo, one can see the sea of photographers in front of her as she stands there in a beautiful black taffeta dress. It was just the beginning of what would be a very crazy life in the spotlight.
Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images35. Kate Out and About in London – 2007
A day before her 25th birthday, Middleton was out and about in London in a brown coat, a dark pair of jeans and a perfect blowout. She must have been doing some dry cleaning, hence the red wool coat she’s carrying around.
Press Association34. Meghan at DirecTV’s 8th Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl – 2014
In 2014, Markle participated in DirecTV’s 8th Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl. This is where she met one of her closest friends, Serena Williams. On The Tig, Markle wrote, “We hit it off immediately, taking pictures, laughing through the flag football game we were both playing in, and chatting not about tennis or acting, but about all the good old fashioned girly stuff. So began our friendship.”
© Steven Bergman / AFF-USA.COM33. Diana as a Bridesmaid at Her Sister Lady Jane’s Wedding – 1978
In 1978, a young Diana was a bridesmaid at her sister Lady Jane’s wedding to Robert Fellowes. She was just 16 years old in this picture. While Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles ended in divorce, her sister’s marriage is still going strong more than 40 years later.
Press Association32. Diana Stalling Her Car – 1980
In 1980, the beautiful young aristocrat couldn’t escape the press. Here she is in her new car, a Mini Metro, outside the school in Pimlico where she worked as a teacher’s assistant. She stalled her car and had quite the expression on her face.
Press Association31. Meghan at Prada’s The Iconoclasts Event – 2015
Markle attended Prada’s The Iconoclast Party in New York City in 2015. The actress was decked out in this Prada ensemble. Although the patterns that she was wearing clashed, Markle made the whole thing look chic.
Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images For Prada30. Diana on her First Birthday – 1962
Princess Diana was just a year old in this picture. While she had said that her childhood was incredibly unhappy, there’s no denying that her family was quite privileged. Her father, Earl John Spencer, was a wealthy landowner and his family had been closely linked with the royal family for several generations.
Photo by PA Images via Getty Images29. Kate at the Festival of British Eventing – 2005
After graduating from the University of St. Andrews in 2005, Middleton attended the Gatcombe Park Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park with her mother, Carole. She looked super casual in this brown jacket, turquoise sweater, brown hat and blue jeans.
Press Association28. Meghan at The Pink Elephant Night Club – 2006
Who knew that Mandy Moore and Markle were friends? Here they are back in 2006 at The Pink Elephant Night Club in Southampton. The two met through Trevor Engelson, Markle’s first husband. He was directing a film Moore was in called License to Wed, so she and the future Duchess became friends.
Shutterstock27. Diana at Broadlands – 1981
Before she was married to Prince Charles, the bride-to-be visited Lord and Lady Romsey at their country estate, Broadlands, in May 1981. She looked so fresh-faced in this picture in this green ensemble.
Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage26. Diana as an Infant – 1963
At the age of two, Lady Diana looked a bit like a doll. She had this beautiful porcelain skin with this beautiful blonde hair. She also dressed in the cutest way. How precious is this little dress with these buckle shoes?
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection25. Meghan at Miu Miu Women’s Tales 7th Edition – 2014
The Suits star was at Miu Miu Women’s Tales 7th Edition. She attended the screening for the short film Spark and Light, which starred Riley Keough. Markle looked super stylish in this outfit by Miu Miu. She was probably styled by her bestie, Jessica Mulroney.
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Miu Miu24. Diana Watching Prince Charles Play Polo – 1981
Prior to her wedding with Prince Charles, Lady Diana was already spending time at various polo matches watching her soon-to-be husband play. She looks so young and innocent in this picture – like she no idea how crazy her life was about to become.
Press Association23. Kate at Prince William’s Military Academy Graduation – 2006
When Prince William graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, his girlfriend was there with her parents watching. She showed up in a red wool coat and a large black hat. The fact that she was there was a big deal and had some speculating that the two might be getting engaged.
AP Photo/Tim Ockenden, pool22. Diana at Her Flat in London – 1980
Here is Princess Diana in September 1980. At this point, Prince Charles had already begun courting the 19-year-old aristocrat. This is a photo in Diana’s flat. She was clearly still figuring out her style. The big, puffy vest just didn’t go with the blouse and floral skirt.
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection21. Kate at the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival – 2008
The British beauty attended The Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival in 2008 in style. Here she is looking stunning in a navy trench with black tights, black boots, a black purse, a black scarf, and a black fedora.
Press Association20. Diana on Holiday in Itchenor, West Sussex – 1971
Back in the summer of 1971, Diana went on a vacation in Itchenor, West Sussex. Here she is barefoot with a croquet mallet. Although she was never that inclined academically, she was reportedly really good at sports, including swimming and diving, and was skilled at ballet and tap dance.
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection19. Kate at the Young Stalin Book Launch – 2007
While on a break from Prince William in 2007, Kate Middleton hit the town with her sister Pippa and attended the Young Stalin book launch in London. She was definitely showing William what he was missing with this lacy dress!
Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images18. Meghan on the Set of Fringe – 2008
Meghan joined the cast of Fringe during season two. She played FBI agent Amy Jessup, an attractive, brash and quick-witted junior agent. She was only on the show for two episodes before she completely disappeared without a trace.
Liane Hentscher / © Fox / Courtesy: Everett Collection17. Diana in London – 1980
This picture is from 1980 when Lady Diana was first romantically linked to Prince Charles. She’s in London near her flat as she is being trailed by photographers. She already knew a thing or two about fashion with her red blazer and pin-striped skirt.
Press Association16. Kate on Her 25th Birthday – 2007
On Kate’s 25th birthday, she stepped out wearing this black and white retro tunic dress from Topshop that retailed for about $78. After this photo surfaced, the dress completely sold out, proving that the royal girlfriend was quite the fashion icon.
Photo by Lewis Whyld – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images15. Diana with her Younger Brother Charles – 1968
Princess Diana was closest in age with her younger brother, Charles, who was about three years younger than she was. Here the two of them are in 1968. Although it is hard to tell by the smile on Charles’ face, this was a rather unhappy time. Their parents had separated a year earlier and were going through an acrimonious divorce.
Photo by PA Images via Getty Images14. Kate at Her University Graduation – 2005
This picture is from June 2005 when the pretty brunette graduated from St. Andrews University with a degree in the history of art. As most people know, she met Prince William while she was studying in Scotland. They lived in the same residence, St. Salvatore’s Hall.
Photo by Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage13. Meghan at the Some Kind-a Gorgeous Style and Beauty Lounge – 2010
This photo is from 2010 at the Some Kind-a Gorgeous Style and Beauty Lounge. Even though Suits wasn’t yet on the air, Megan had already been cast on the show at this point. It would be almost a year later that the show would finally debut on USA Network and make Meghan a star!
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images For Benefit Cosmetics12. Diana at Polo Match at Windsor Great Park – 1981
Lady Diana attended a polo match at Windsor Great Park in July 1981 wearing a yellow pair of overalls. It’s a good look for the princess-to-be. She looks young, sweet and innocent, which is exactly what she was!
Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images11. Kate in St. Andrews, Scotland – 2005
This picture was taken shortly before Middleton graduated from St. Andrews University. Kate was out and about in St. Andrews with her father and was dressed really casually. Her cami top and low cut jeans are so 2005!
Photo by Indigo/Getty Images10. Diana at Park House, Sandringham – 1963
Princess Diana was born in Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk, and that’s where she spent a good part of her childhood. Here she is as a young child on the grounds of Park House in her pram. She looks absolutely precious!
Press Association9. Meghan at the ALMA Awards Gifting & Lifestyle Suite – 2006
Meghan was just a struggling actress when this photo was taken. She was at the ALMA Awards Gifting & Lifestyle, posing for some photos and looking at some merchandise in 2006.
©Evans Ward/jpistudios.com8. Diana at the Royal Ascot – 1981
The Royal Ascot is a tradition for the royal family. Princess Diana rocked a Bellville Sassoon outfit at her first appearance at the Royal Ascot in June 1981. It was definitely not her finest fashion moment ever, but it only got better from here!
Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images7. Kate at the Badminton Horse Trials – 2007
Prior to becoming a royal, the British commoner’s style was very preppy. Here she is at the Badminton Horse Trials in 2007 looking like she just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren catalog. The white jean skirt paired with the blue sweater and blouse is so preppy but still stylish.
AP Photo/Barry Batchelor-pa6. Meghan at the DPA Pre-Emmy Gift Lounge – 2009
When Markle was just a struggling actress who wasn’t getting many roles in Hollywood, she was attending small events – like this one! Here she is at the DPA pre-Emmy Gift Lounge at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills picking up some swag.
Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images5. Diana in Tetbury – 1981
Here Diana is before her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981. She wasn’t really taking any risks with her fashion back then and was dressed quite conservatively. During an appearance with Prince Charles in Tetbury, she wore an ivory blouse with a red polka dot blazer and red skirt.
Press Association4. Kate at the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival – 2007
The gorgeous brunette attended the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival in style in March 2007. She rocked this asymmetrical brown skirt with a pair of brown boots, a baby blue coat with brown detailing, and a brown beret. She topped the look off with a pashmina scarf.
Photo by Indigo/Getty Images3. Meghan at the Entertainment Weekly Pre-SAG Party – 2013
In 2013, the former television actress attended the Entertainment Weekly Pre-SAG Party, which was hosted by Essie and Audi and held at Chateau Marmont. The rising star looked super gorgeous in this multi-colored gown.
Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Entertainment Weekly2. Kate Training with the Sisterhood – 2007
After her breakup with William in 2007, beautiful Kate didn’t waste her time wallowing. Instead, she joined the sisterhood, a group of female athletes who were training to become the first all women crew to cross the Channel in a traditional Chinese dragon boat.
Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images1. Diana at Nicholas Soames’ Wedding – 1981
This photo is from June 1981 – a month before Diana married into the royal family. She was with Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother and Prince Charles leaving Nicholas Soames’ wedding. We love her red dress and matching hat!
Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images
