Who is the mastermind behind Meghan Markle's style transformation? Meet the women helping the royals make the best-dressed lists

The Royal Family make fashion headlines – good and bad – wherever they go. However, these style choices are rarely made alone. 

Professional stylists have become an essential part of shaping their image. 

Some have been so successful that they’ve styled multiple generations of royals – for instance, the Queen Mother’s former dresser now styles Queen Camilla. 

Here, the Mail’s Royals section spotlights the women working behind the scenes to craft some of the most iconic looks and sartorial success stories. 

Jamie Mizrahi

Rumours have been swirling since March that Meghan Markle has hired former Juicy Couture creative director, Jamie Mizrahi, as her stylist. 

Meghan is said to have requested a Hollywood glow-up to coincide with the launch of her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

The Duchess of Sussex and Mizrahi, who both live in Montecito, were spotted having dinner in November 2023.

A source at the time told The Mirror: ‘They were deep in conversation. It looked like Meghan is going for a restyle and Jamie is the go-to stylist for every Hollywood A-Lister.’

Mizrahi has built an impressive portfolio dressing a host of stars, such as Riley Keough, Katy Perry and Adele. 

Rumours have been swirling since March that Meghan Markle has hired former Juicy Couture creative director, Jamie Mizrahi, as her stylist

From the summer, Meghan’s style has turned towards streamlined silhouettes and muted hues

Attending the G9 Ventures Summit in July, Meghan wore a St Agni linen vest and trousers

In 2017, at the age of 29, Mizrahi was appointed Creative Director of Juicy Couture, with the brand making its runway debut at New York Fashion Week the following year. 

She also co-founded Kit Undergarments with Simone Harouche, the designer she had previously assisted when she first moved to LA. 

In 2022, Mizrahi’s career reached new heights when she was asked to work on Adele’s wardrobe for her hugely successful Las Vegas residency. 

She commissioned 20 custom couture gowns to be made for Adele, which were then archived. 

Over the past few months, Meghan’s style has taken a notable turn, preferring streamlined silhouettes and muted hues.  

Mizrahi has in the past discussed how she helps her clients reinvent themselves, which may have attracted Meghan in the wake of her new career move with American Riviera Orchard.

Speaking to Fashionista interview, she explained: ‘I do a little research on them: the roles that they’re about to play, who they are as a person, what they wear in their street life and what they’ve worn on the red carpet. I compose a document – what the media has perceived as their best looks and what I think looks great on them as far as highlighting their best outfits and where they look the most comfortable.

‘Then I’ll compose a mood board of press looks, day looks, inspiration; next I’ll do evening, red carpet looks. Then I’ll do street style, hair and make-up.’

Annie Miall

Australian-born Annie Miall is credited with transforming Zara Tindall from a professional equestrian to a style maven.

After a career in human resources and leadership coaching, Miall acquired her fashion knowledge working on the shop floor and as a buyer, according to her website.

Her styling company, which has been running for ten years, prides itself on its ‘friendliness and understanding’. It describes itself as ‘just good friends delivering a discreet and convenient service’.

Australian-born Annie Miall is credited with transforming Zara Tindall from professional equestrian to style maven

The down-to-earth stylist encouraged Zara Tindall to select tailored pieces that skim her figure

Zara looked the epitome of chic on the highly anticipated first day of Royal Ascot in a Laura Green dress and Sarah Cant hat

The down-to-earth stylist encouraged Zara to select tailored pieces that flatter her figure, recommending designers such as Laura Green, who spent 10 years at Princess Diana’s favourite brand, Catherine Walker.

A prime example was at this year’s Royal Ascot, where Zara showcased elegant dresses by Laura Green and Rebecca Vallance, complemented by bespoke headwear from Sarah Cant. 

Georgia Pincus

Former PR executive Sophie, now the Duchess of Edinburgh, was always seen in business attire until she sought the help of stylists Georgia Pincus and Pandora Delevingne.

Sophie has undergone a significant wardrobe transformation, favouring demure dresses and chic trouser suits.

Pincus also chose more glamorous cuts for the Duchess, opting for maxi and midi-length dresses to accentuate her slender physique.

Former PR executive Sophie, now the Duchess of Edinburgh, was always seen in business attire until she sought the help of stylist Georgia Pincus, pictured

 Sophie has undergone a significant wardrobe transformation, favouring demure dresses 

The former stylist, who lives in Ascot, has been friends with Sophie since she married Prince Edward in 1999.

She studied fashion at the Paris College of Art and later set up her own consultancy, styleu, working with famous clients, including Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington.

However, Pincus gave up working as a stylist, and has since set up her own yoga studio, qualifying as an instructor and sharing blogs focusing on nutrition and wellness.

Pandora Delevingne

As a former personal shopper at Selfridges and mother of model Cara, Pandora Delevingne was instrumental in changing the Duchess of Edinburgh’s look.

Alongside Georgie Pincus, she found expensively-cut outfits for Sophie, creating a more relevant, youthful aesthetic.

As a former personal shopper at Selfridges and mother of model Cara, Pandora Delevingne (pictured here with Sarah, Duchess of York) was instrumental in changing the Duchess of Edinburgh’s look

Attending a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2023, Sophie exuded glamour in a Suzannah dress, crafted from Guipure lace and featuring a fit-and-flare silhouette

Since taking on the title of Duchess of Edinburgh last March, Sophie’s style has reached new heights

Delevingne was diagnosed with bipolar 30 years ago and, speaking to the Daily Mail in 2020, described her life as a recovering addict.

She said that for much of her life she was ‘searching, always searching to fill a hole I was never able to fill’.

In 2017, Delevingne was taken to Bela Vista in Mozambique – a deprived area where family life was shattered by civil war – and was inspired to launch the Bela Vista Project, a charity intent on improving the lives of those who live there.

Since Delevingne’s involvement, 60 children have been fed and clothed, a children’s day shelter has been built and a fresh water point has been installed, according to the website.

Jacqui Meakin

Formerly the dresser for the Queen Mother, Jacqui Meakin is now responsible for Queen Camilla.

She has worked with Camilla since her wedding to Charles and helped assemble a new working wardrobe.

While still counting on her fashion favourites, such as her trusted Sole Bliss heels, Camilla’s chic pastel palette and distinctive hats have created an air of regal elegance.

Formerly the dresser for the Queen Mother, Jacqui Meakin is now responsible for Queen Camilla

While still counting on her fashion favourites, Camilla’s chic pastel palette and distinctive Philip Treacy hats have created an air of elegance

Meakin has also assisted Camilla in curating a glamorous collection of occasionwear,  including this bespoke Dior haute couture gown that she wore at a Versailles banquet

During her recent tour of Australia and Samoa, much of Camilla’s attire was recycled from previous engagements and tours, with only three new dresses introduced.

The thoughtfully curated outfits and accessories demonstrated Camilla’s commitment to sustainability and her fondness for reusing pieces. 

Meakin has also assisted the Queen in creating a glamorous collection of occasionwear, boasting gowns by Dior, Bruce Oldfield and Vivienne Westwood, along with coveted Chanel handbags.

Natasha Archer

Natasha Archer joined the Prince and Princess of Wales as a personal assistant in 2007.

Married to royal photographer Chris Jackson, she attended Uppingham boarding school, before reading Hispanic Studies at King’s College London.

According to insiders, Archer was promoted to become Kate’s stylist and was initially tasked with making her look more ‘regal’ as per the late Queen’s request.

She has curated several of Kate’s tour wardrobes, including those for New Zealand and Canada, helping her evolve from a girl-next-door to a Queen-in-waiting.

In 2016, Archer began dressing Prince William since Kate was reportedly ‘fed up’ with him wearing the same outfits.

According to insiders, Natasha Archer was promoted to become Kate’s stylist and was initially tasked with making her look more ‘regal’ as per the late Queen’s request

Prince William and Kate have often harmonised their fashion choices. For instance, when Kate wore a burgundy polka dot dress during an engagement in Southport, William complemented her look with a jumper in a matching hue

Natasha Archer has curated Kate’s wardrobe, helping her evolve from a girl-next-door to a Queen-in-waiting

At the 2021 red carpet premiere of No Time To Die, William and Kate outshone even the Hollywood stars

Preferring online shopping, she assists the royals in planning outfits for official engagements by sourcing from a range of High Street and designer brands.

The couple have often harmonised their fashion choices. For instance, when Kate wore a burgundy polka dot dress during an engagement in Southport, William complemented her look with a jumper in a matching hue. 

Similarly, at the 2021 red carpet premiere of No Time To Die, they looked dazzling with Kate in a Jenny Packham caped gown and William donning a velvet tuxedo.

In 2019, Archer was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her services to the Royal Family.

Virginia Chadwyck-Healey

Virginia Chadwyck-Healey became known as Kate’s ‘secret weapon’ and reportedly began working with the royal while Natasha Archer was on maternity leave.

The talented stylist is the daughter of the 3rd Lord Strathalmond and an old friend of William and Kate, attending their wedding in 2011.

Speaking of the occasion, she said: ‘To my great surprise, I found myself included in the fashion reviews as one of the ‘best-dressed wedding guests’,’ after she wore an Emilia Wickstead watermelon pink skirt and a bubblegum pink trapeze-sleeve silk top.

‘Royal protocol had to come first, but I wanted to feel like I had an identity amid the sea of celebrities, friends, military personnel, foreign members of state and, of course, the Royal Family.’

But she added: ‘To my mother’s horror, I didn’t wear tights.’

Virginia Chadwyck-Healey became known as Kate Middleton’s ‘secret weapon’ and reportedly began working with the royal while Natasha Archer was on maternity leave (pictured at  William and Kate’s wedding)

Chadwyck-Healey is credited for implementing Kate’s modern style, such as this Gucci pussybow blouse, paired with flattering wide-leg trousers from Jigsaw, for a trip to the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre in Lambeth in 2019

Chadwyck-Healey worked as Executive Retail Editor for Vogue before setting up VCH Style in 2018, which focuses on fashion consultancy and styling, while promoting sustainable shopping habits.

The stylist herself was spotted rewearing her outfit from the royal wedding for Ascot in 2021.

She is credited for implementing Kate’s modern, sleek style, which kicked in when the Princess of Wales stepped out wearing a Gucci pussybow blouse paired with flattering wide-leg trousers from Jigsaw, for a trip to the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre in Lambeth in 2019.

A royal source told the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden at the time: ‘She has made a big difference to the Duchess’s wardrobe for public engagements and has helped give her a whole new sense of confidence.’

Olivia Buckingham

Thirteen years since she wore her controversial Philip Treacy ‘pretzel’ hat at Prince William’s wedding, Princess Beatrice was named the best-dressed person of 2024 by Tatler.

The dramatic turnaround for the Princess is partly down to celebrity stylist Olivia Buckingham, who introduced her to haute couture fashion.  

Hong Kong-born Buckingham is also the brains behind the style of Carey Mulligan, Poppy Delevingne and Nicky Hilton.

Buckingham boarded at Heathfield School, Ascot, before studying photography at the London School of Fine Arts.

She later began working for a public relations firm but left to become a stylist. Buckingham is a contributing editor to Hong Kong Tatler and Thailand Tatler. 

Princess Beatrice was named best-dressed person of 2024 by Tatler. The dramatic turnaround is partly down to celebrity stylist Olivia Buckingham

Last year, Beatrice wowed in an exquisite satin gown by Lebanese designer Reem Acra at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan

Beatrice’s current, refined style marks a departure from her earlier, more eclectic choices that comprised colour clashes and quirky headpieces

Last year, Beatrice wowed in an exquisite satin gown by Lebanese designer Reem Acra at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan.

Paired with the glittering York Tiara, it was one of the royal’s finest looks to date.

Beatrice’s current, refined style marks a departure from her earlier, more eclectic choices that comprised colour clashes and quirky headpieces.

Unlike the late Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton, renowned for their rainbow wardrobes, Beatrice favours soft, muted tones and delicate floral prints.

She frequently merges High Street with high-end, as she did for the BGC Group Charity Day in London, layering a smart Zara blazer over a dress by Italian designer Crida Milano.

Lady Emily Compton

In 2019, Olivia Buckingham partnered with Lady Emily Compton to launch Emily & Olivia, a styling service.

The duo assisted Beatrice in choosing a navy Self-Portrait gown for Lady Gabriella Windsor’s wedding in May 2019 and continued to help with other high-profile appearances.

In 2019, Olivia Buckingham (right) partnered with Lady Emily Compton to launch Emily & Olivia, a styling service

The pair styled Beatrice for Lady Gabriella Windsor’s wedding in 2019 and put together her Royal Ascot look, comprising a charming pastel blue lace dress by Maje and a Bundle MacLaren hat

Emily is a former society editor for Tatler magazine and the daughter of the Marquess of Northamptonshire.

She and Olivia selected Beatrice’s Royal Ascot look in 2019, comprising a charming pastel blue lace dress by Maje and a Bundle MacLaren hat.

The pair put together Beatrice’s Trooping the Colour outfit that same year, which provided an expert lesson in ladylike elegance.

Sarah Price

Exclusive stylist Sarah Price helped Princess Eugenie realise her vision of looking like a ‘contemporary princess’ when she tied the knot with Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

The bride stunned in two figure-skimming gowns, the first designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos, and the second by Zac Posen.

Both glamorous creations featured low backs to highlight a long scar from a procedure that Eugenie had to correct scoliosis – curvature of the spine – when she was 12 years old.

Exclusive stylist Sarah Price helped Princess Eugenie realise her vision of looking like a ‘contemporary princess’ when she tied the knot with Jack Brooksbank in 2018

The bride stunned in two figure-skimming gowns, the first designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos and the second by Zac Posen

The London-based stylist, originally from Dublin, runs the company Style Tonic and began working with Eugenie after they were introduced by a mutual friend.

She has been credited with introducing Eugenie to an ‘edgier’ look, with the royal wearing designers such as Osman, Paule Ka and Roland Mouret.

Price studied styling and fashion photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

Since graduating, she has worked as a personal stylist, with clients in the UK, US and the Middle East.

Source link