How to narrow down the Princess of Wales’s fashion hits this year? In between the country chic styling, the diplomatic dressing and the elegant pant suits, there were a trio of state banquets that Catherine used to level up her sartorial skills.
Let’s take a look at some of the Princess of Wales’s biggest style moments this year.
JENNY PACKHAM AT THE GERMAN STATE BANQUET
With a trio of state banquets, the future queen knocked it out of the park in stately style. What gives the German state banquet look the edge is the tiara pairing: choosing Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet tiara, a tiara reserved exclusively for queens, added a level of elegance to Catherine’s look, which was already phenomenal thanks to the shimmering blue ombre Jenny Packham cape gown and the diamonds dangling from her earrings and bracelets.
CATHERINE GOES FOR GIVENCHY AT FRENCH STATE BANQUET
At the French state banquet in July, the Princess of Wales added French flair to Emmanuel Macron’s visit by wearing a gown by one of the most iconic French fashion houses: Givenchy. And an added bonus for royal watchers: Sarah Burton, her wedding dress designer and previously the head of Alexander McQueen, is now the creative designer for Givenchy.
Catherine’s billowing crimson gown was made of silk creponne with a caped back and pleats around the neckline and waist; she paired it with the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara, her go-to choice of tiara.
CHAMPAGNE CHEERS AT US STATE BANQUET
I love it when Catherine takes a risk or tweaks her usual style, and the Philippa Lepley champagne Chantilly lace evening coat worn over a silk gown at the US state banquet in September was the perfect balance of what we expect from the future queen and a twist that keeps you talking. The hand-embroidered Chantilly lace evening coat is stunning, adding a timelessness to the historic nature of the state visit.
CRUSHED EMERALDS AT THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE
So simple, so Catherine. This crushed velvet emerald green Talbot Runho gown was perfect for a festive outing like the glitzy Royal Variety Performance.
BOLD AND BLUE FOR TROOPING THE COLOUR
What a better start to summer than a bold, refreshing blue? The Princess of Wales’s St. Patrick’s Blue Catherine Walker coat dress was a great balance of sleek and regal and sunshine. After a grim 2024, it felt like Catherine was stepping back into a sartorial spotlight this year.
A NAUTICAL NOD TO NAME THE HMS GLASGOW
Catherine became Lady Sponsor of the HMS Glasgow a few years ago, and in May it was time to attend the naming ceremony for the ship. With a nod toward the nautical, Catherine’s navy Suzannah London coat dress with white piping was a perfect outfit, especially against the brilliant blue sky.
KATE GOES POSH
I’d love to give a nod to all of the pant suits Catherine wore this year, but the one that stands out in my mind is the Victoria Beckham olive green pant suit she wore to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. A pop of trendy colour, a ruffle-collared white shirt, and one of Britain’s best fashion bets? A perfect combination.
BACK TO NATURE FOR THE BEST ANNOUNCEMENT
Catherine’s love of nature is well-documented, and she returned to the forest to share the wonderful news that she’s in remission earlier this year. In a snap captured by Prince Louis on World Cancer Day in February, Catherine is seen in a country walking outfit: hat, long coat, pants and boots. It’s the perfect reminder that when she dials up the glam, she’s playing on a level few occupy, but when she’s in her element, she truly shines.
As Catherine prepares for her future role, it’s plain to see that her styling is becoming all the more regal. May it continue in 2026!
