The royal family’s ski fashion through the years is something to behold
The ability to ski is pretty much a rite of passage for members of the royal family, who are famously fond of their annual trips to some of the world’s most exclusive resorts.
Favourites through the years have been Lech in Austria, and Klosters in Switzerland, both traditional and very upmarket, with some of the most expensive chalets going.
Princes William and Harry have been hitting the slopes since they were nippers – and a browse back through the royals’ winter holiday snaps shows just how much ski fashion has changed over the years!
Here’s a look at how the royal family absolutely owned Eighties and Nineties skiwear…
Late-Eighties
Princess Diana, Prince Charles and the Duchess and Duke of York in Klosters in 1987
The world will never be able to top Eighties ski fashion, when those dazzling all-in-one suits were introduced. Of course, Diana sported the most chic outfit of this royal party – a black onesie with a florescent green and pink pattern.
The Prince and Princess of Wales on a ski holiday in Liechtenstein in 1984
Two years after William was born, Charles and Diana had a skiing break on the slopes of Liechtenstein. Helmets were never the norm in ski resorts at this time – but bulky mittens certainly were. The royals would have had to wear quite a few layers under their all-in-ones to keep warm, because clothing technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today.
Early-Nineties
Princes Diana in Lech, Austria, in 1992
Prince Harry showing everyone how it’s done in 1991
Kids’ skiwear became very cool in the Nineties – featuring a lot of clashing colourful panels and geometric patterns. And of course, young Harry and William were ahead of the game.
Prince Harry leads Prince William and cousin Laura Fellowes down the nursery slopes in Lech (Martin Keene/PA)
Puffer jackets took off in the Nineties too. Many featured a belted waist, but Princess Diana made sure she stayed warm in this bright red oversized puffer. It’s worth noting that goggles weren’t seen as necessary ski attire at this time, and many people, like the royals, only wore sunglasses on the slopes.
Princess Diana in Lech, Austria, in 1993 (Martin Keene/PA)
In 1994, William and Harry reached peak Nineties ski fashion – complete with patterned bandanas and reflective shades. Dad Charles even sported a neckerchief, but appears to have a favourite sturdy grey all-in-one which he’s worn on many, many ski trips.
The Prince of Wales with his sons on the slopes of Klosters, Switzerland, in 1994
Mid to Late-Nineties
The Duchess of York skiing with her daughter Eugenie in Klosters in 1995
The Duchess of York and her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie (now newly engaged, of course) have spent many winters skiing. We particularly love Fergie’s loud, patterned onesie with clashing green necktie. On the other hand, Eugenie made a very stylish four-year-old on the slopes, with coordinating belt, helmet and boots. And is that a bum-bag we can see?
Prince Harry snowboarding in 1996 in Klosters
Snowboarding became fashionable in the Nineties and Harry, being the trendier Prince, tried it out. Both brothers upgraded from onesies to two-pieces in much more subdued colours by the time they were in their teens, when salopettes became the go-to style. Although Charles still wouldn’t let that grey all-in-one go.
The Prince of Wales and Prince William on a button lift at Klosters in 1998
The Noughties
Charles, William and Harry on the Madrisa ski slopes above Klosters in 2000
The early-Noughties saw many skiers mixing and matching different coloured ski jackets with trousers, but generally styles were more subdued than in the Eighties and Nineties. Although William did make a bold choice with his purple Patagonia jacket…
This hat trend never caught on
Prince Charles and William took a father-and-son trip to Klosters in 2004, and although Charles mixed it up this time with a navy all-in-one, he made a questionable fashion choice with this night cap.
Now
Kate and William being cute in the snow in 2016
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have continued the tradition of royal skiing holidays, but instead they take their family to France. In 2016, they dressed George and Charlotte in very cute onesies (and much more modern than any of the outfits William sported as a child!) for their trip to Courchevel.
Princess Charlotte shows us how to match your hat with your shoes
Kate is wearing the practical-yet-fashionable Sorel snow boots and a stylish fitted jacket with a faux fur trim. And let’s take a moment to appreciate the father-son and mother-daughter colour coordination here…
The Press Association
Latest posts by The Press Association (see all)
- 5 new books to read this week - November 23, 2024
- 3 easy Mary Berry recipes to make this season - November 22, 2024
- In Pictures: Party stalwart kept New Labour in touch with traditional supporters - November 21, 2024
- 6 easy indoor exercises to try this winter – and why they are good for you - November 19, 2024
- Martin Clunes: I can’t afford to retire – I’ve got too many horses - November 19, 2024
