This week, both Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice caught fashion watchers’ attention and not for bespoke couture gowns. It was something a little more grounded – Zara ensembles.

In a rare turn, the royal sisters embraced accessible, high street style. It’s a move that speaks volumes about how their wardrobes are evolving behind palace walls. At the Frieze Art Fair on Wednesday, Princess Eugenie, 35, exuded understated sophistication in her Zara High-Waisted Pleated Midi Skirt in black

She paired the piece with her Chloé ‘Faye’ Burgundy Croc Leather Shoulder Bag.

Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice showcased a similar approach the day before, attending The Chancery Rosewood Grand Opening in London wearing a Zara Wool Coat.

She styled this with her Celine Nano Belt Bag in black and Tabitha Simmons ‘Alhambra’ satin pumps. 

Though neither royal’s Zara pieces were brand-new, the choice itself is telling: Zara has become royal women’s ultimate fallback with both Princess Kate and Meghan often rocking their affordable staples.

Their recent Zara outfits aren’t just chic choices; they’re a reflection of how modern royals are redefining what luxury really means.

For years, the royal family’s fashion narrative was built on couture and exclusivity. But now, the York sisters are showing that fashion can be affordable.

Zara, with its refined tailoring and trend-proof staples, has become the quiet hero of this shift.

Princess Eugenie’s pleated skirt and Beatrice’s wool coat prove that high-street finds can be worn, and re-worn, with the same grace and polish as any designer label.

The appeal lies in the balance between reliability and relatability. The high street offers the assurance of trusted fits and timeless cuts, but also the charm of familiarity – a connection between royals and the women who look to them for inspiration.

When Eugenie and Beatrice wear Zara, they’re not just dressing in a stylish way they’re sending a message: great fashion is for everyone.

It’s also a matter of reinvention. Ultimately, the high-street effect has made royal style feel more real. By stepping out in accessible brands, Beatrice and Eugenie aren’t diluting their status – they’re modernising it.