Princess Kate Middleton has opted for a striking monochrome ensemble for today’s Trooping the Colour, marking her first public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis.
First glimpsed through a car window, the 42-year-old looks beautiful in a white dress, with a statement bow detail, and matching hat.
The knee length dress is by Jenny Packham, while the hat is designed by Philip Treacy – who regular creates unique headwear for the Royal Family.
Follow the latest Trooping the Colour updates on our live blog
Kate’s dress is very similar to a Jenny Packham outfit she wore to the Prime Minister’s Lunch in 2023, ahead of King Charles’ coronation.
We know Kate likes to recycle her favourite outfits, so it seems she’s given the outfit an upgrade for this special occasion, adding on a new belt and bow detail.
She also accessorised the dress with a broach and delicate pearl studs.
The earrings appear to be the Cavolfiore pearl studs by Cassandra Goad, which she wore for Prince Louis’ christening in 2019.
They are 8ct pearl and diamond earrings and, while no longer available, originally cost £4490.
The brooch is the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch, worn as Kate is the Colonel of the Irish Guards.
She also carried a black clutch bag.
The Princess of Wales has been undergoing chemotherapy as she continues her recovery.
It was originally believed that she would not be attending the centuries old Trooping the Colour event this year due to her health battles – but confirmed in an Instagram update on Friday night that she was ‘looking forward’ to being there.
‘I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,’ she wrote.
Kate was joined by husband, Prince William, 41, and their three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
She was then seen again in the carriages with the children as they travelled down The Mall in central London, on the way to the birthday parade. Meanwhile Prince William rode on horseback.
The Princess has appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at every Trooping the Colour event since 2011 (bar the two years it was downsized due to Covid in 2020 and 2021), and always opts for an elegant look.
Last year, she wore a custom high-collared button-up coat dress by Andrew Gn and hat by Irish designer Philip Treacy – a favourite among the Royals.
Kate completed her outfit with sapphire drop earrings that used to belong to Princess Diana.
For her very first Trooping the Colour, 13 years ago, she chose a white coat dress by one of her favourite British designers, Alexander McQueen.
Kate often wears Alexander McQueen for big occasions: during the King’s Coronation celebrations in May last year, she wore a red two piece Alexander McQueen suit.
Kate said in her recent statement that she hopes to join a few more public engagements over the summer – but said that she knows she’s ‘not out of the woods yet’.
‘I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty,’ she said. ‘Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE : Lady Louise Windsor recycles a favourite summer dress to a grey Trooping the Colour
MORE : Princess Charlotte adorably coordinates with mum Kate as they opt for 2024’s biggest fashion trend
MORE : Louis, George and Charlotte join Kate for her first appearance of the year
Sign up to our guide to what’s on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions. London’s best bits in your inbox
Share this with