The Real Reason The Queen’s Been Wearing Sunglasses Lately

The Queen's impeccable style does not go unnoticed. While we may rush to buy Kate Middleton's dresses on Net-A-Porter, or sulk when our attempts at mimicking Meghan Markle's style are foiled by yet another case of 'sold out at Marks & Spencer', Queen Elizabeth II's distinctly regal flair is untouchable.

And while we've been taking note of the Queen's attire at various engagements over recent weeks, we couldn't help but notice that she had been accessorising a little differently. Did anyone else notice that she's been wearing sunglasses a lot?

Well, stylish as they may be (the small sunglasses trend is legitimate, it seems) the Queen's sunnies were more than just a fashion statement, she has actually been wearing them for practical reasons following surgery on her eye.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen underwent eye surgery at King Edward VII hospital to remove a cataract last month and, as a result has been wearing sunglasses to protect her vision. A spokesperson said: 'I can confirm that the Queen successfully underwent a short planned procedure to treat a cataract last month'.

The condition tends to be hereditary and was experienced by the Queen Mother who had to undergo a similar surgery to remove cataracts at the age of 95.

While sartorially out of character for a member of the royal family, wearing the sunglasses in public has meant that the Queen has been able to continue her royal duties rather than cancel any engagements in the wake of her operation.

The Queen did not appear to be wearing sunglasses at the Trooping The Colour celebrationsthat marked her 92nd birthday this weekend, however, so it seems she has made a healthy recovery and is able to ditch the shades for a while.

MORE: For More Style Inspiration Courtesy Of The Queen, Here's Every Time She Wore Millennial Pink Better Than We Did

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