Queen Camilla, 78, just brought back Y2K skinny jeans trend

Queen Camilla is typically rather old-school when it comes to her style: she sticks to the same designers, often Anna Valentine and Fiona Clare, is a champion of sustainable fashion through her outfit repeating, and projects a strong personal style rather than hopping onto trends.

However, every now and then, the 78-year-old surprises us with something a little more modern or playful, away from the more classically elegant styles to which she usually reaches. Whether it’s an unconventional accessory or unexpected texture on her dress, she proves time and time again that she is more than a fashion one-trick-pony.

For example, on Thursday, 19 February, she looked incredibly chic while holding an audience with Dame Anna Wintour at St James’ Palace, but also made an unexpected style move. Is there any better time to experiment with fashion than a meeting with arguably one of the most influential figures in 20th and 21st century fashion?

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Beneath her black V-neck midi dress, the Queen Consort appeared to be wearing a pair of dark grey skinny jeans, which, combined with her dress, represented her take on the Y2K revival trend that dominated the second half of last year.

Queen Camilla isn’t the only British royal to don skinny jeans

Even though skinny jeans were out of style before seeing a revival on Spring/Summer 2026 runways, one British royal lady was wearing them all throughout 2025: the Princess of Wales, who steadfastly ignored the fact that they had never been more ‘out’ and rocked them in their very own way.

Laura Sutcliffe, HELLO!‘s Fashion and Beauty News Editor commented on the 44-year-old’s love for the style, saying: “I, for one, love her for it. Yes, I’m probably a little biased as I am a big Kate fan, but it’s great to see someone as prolific as the royal, whose style is widely considered incredible, shunning the opinions of fashion critics and continuing to rock her favourite style of jeans, despite the negativity some have pushed on the style.”

Though she pointed out that “barrel jeans and turn-up jeans” were the trendier style at the time, our fashion expert explained that she believes skinny jeans are “universally flattering”. 

Laura continued: “You can dress them up with a fabulous off-the-shoulder, boho top and heels, adding some fancy statement earrings and oversized bag, or dress them down with a simple striped top and trainers for an active gal on the go look.”

It seems that Queen Camilla has followed in the Princess of Wales’ footsteps – perhaps the mother-of-three is a style icon within the royal family itself just as much as she is internationally!