Ten Times the Royals Got Caught in the Rain and Looked Stylish Doing It
The British national anthem contains the famous phrase "long to reign over us," and in the U.K., known for its wet weather, the Queen and members of the royal family have often found themselves the ones being rained over.
Though the tight schedules of the royal family are planned with meticulous attention to detail, taking into account all eventualities—the British weather is never so predictable.
Wherever the royals go, there is a trusty umbrella nearby to ensure that no visit or engagement is ever rained off—especially if crowds of people get wet waiting to meet them.
Whether in the U.K or abroad, the British royals persevere through wind and rain choosing their outfits carefully to avoid any weather-related mishaps.
Here Newsweek rounds up 10 times the royals were caught in unexpected downpours and managed to look stylish despite it.
Umbrellas Fit for a Queen, Roehampton, March 29, 2007
The Queen is the ultimate professional when it comes to royal life. Over her 70-year reign she has learned never to let a few spots of rain or a deluge or two get in the way of her work. The monarch has become famous for her umbrellas which she has made specially to match her rainbow wardrobe by manufacturers Fulton in the U.K.
The style of umbrella used by the Queen is known as the 'Birdcage' and is made of clear PVC plastic which allows her to be seen even if her face is shielded from the rain.
Here the Queen found herself in an unexpected downpour on a visit to Roehampton, England in 2007. An umbrella was produced by one of her staff members which perfectly matched the color of her electric blue coat and hat.
Diana in a Downpour, Auckland, April 19, 1983
Princess Diana always knew how to look good—even on a gray and gloomy day. The Princess found herself outside on a wet day during a tour of New Zealand with Prince Charles in 1983. Wearing a pale yellow outfit which would have shown water marks, the princess donned an overcoat to protect herself and was shielded by a large canopy umbrella. The oversized coat and umbrella framed her face beautifully, making for a series of well published photographs taken by the wet press crew following the tour.
Kate Saved by Chivalrous Princes, France, July 1, 2016
Kate Middleton attended the centenary commemorations of the battle of the Somme in France with Prince William and Prince Harry in 2016. At an event held by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the heavens opened and the guests sitting outside all sought cover with umbrellas. Armed with the Queen's trusty birdcage umbrellas, both William and Harry jostled to hold one over Kate's head who was sitting between them, making for a fun photo opportunity.
An Elegant Tribute to Diana, August 30 2017
To mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, Kensington Palace (her former home) created an all-white garden dedicated to her memory. On the anniversary itself, William and Kate, together with Harry, were photographed inspecting the tribute. It was a wet day and Kate appeared resplendent in a floral print dress and elegant umbrella. The event was particularly poignant as it was the first appearance that Kate made after the announcement that she was expecting her third child.
Meghan's Loving Gesture, Dubbo Australia, October 17, 2018
On their tour of the South Pacific islands in 2018 shortly after their wedding, Harry and Meghan paid a visit to Australia. On a visit to the Dubbo area where Harry was due to give a speech the couple were caught in a rain shower. While Harry stood to address the crowd, Meghan joined him by holding an umbrella so that his notes wouldn't get wet. The couple broke into giggles over the situation and abided by the old adage "keep calm and carry on."
Good Growing Weather, New Zealand, October 30, 2018
On a 2018 visit to New Zealand, Harry and Meghan planted a tree at an event celebrating the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project. The rain had followed the couple from Australia a few days earlier and they found themselves again in need of an umbrella. Meghan maintained her composure despite the whipping rain shower and looked perfectly elegant in a smart blazer and jeans.
Rain or Shine in Blackpool, March 6, 2019
On a visit to Blackpool in March 2019, Kate found herself faced with torrential rain as she arrived at the city's famous tower. Despite the rain, crowds had still gathered to welcome her and never one to disappoint, the royal put up an umbrella and got on with the job. Kate's dark green coat and emerald green handbag were highlighted against the gray day and made for striking photographs taken by the press and crowd.
Rain at Royal Ascot, June 18, 2019
Royal Ascot takes place in June each year when rain is less likely to occur making the ground for the horses good to firm—ideal conditions for one of Britain's most prestigious race meetings. The rain can never be bested though and during the event in 2019 a shower arrived just as the royals were outside in the paddock. Kate was wearing a delicate blue Elie Saab tulle outfit and William saved the day by holding an umbrella over her until the rain clouds passed.
Iconic Rainy Role Image Making, March 5, 2020
On the evening of the Endeavour Fund Awards at London's Mansion House in 2020, a rainstorm took place which caused some difficulty for the guests of honor, Harry and Meghan. After an umbrella was found for the royals, they made their way into the event and the images taken that night have become some of the most iconic ever taken of the couple. The backlit raindrops and beaming smiles of Harry and Meghan combine to make an enduring royal image.
Caught in a Bahamian Deluge, March 25, 2022
Over 10 years into her royal life, there is little that can faze Kate Middleton. Yet on her most recent royal visit to the Bahamas there seemed to be a moment that shocked even her. Known for its beautiful sunshine, it was a surprise when Kate was caught in a deluge entering a primary school in the Bahamas. Though an umbrella was sourced for both Kate and William, the downpour was so heavy that the duchess's high heels flooded and the pair burst into laughter.
