The Princess of Wales’ absence at the annual Buckingham Palace Garden Parties can already be felt this summer.
A typically glamorous affair, the garden parties are always a sartorial spectacle as royals and guests don their finest regalia to enjoy tea, sandwiches, scones and strawberries on the lawns of the landmark royal residence.
Known for her unmistakable elegance and penchant for formal wear, Princess Kate’s style is never not on point when she graces the steps of Buckingham Palace to greet guests.
From her candy coloured Emilia Wickstead tea dress to her Cinderella-blue belted coat by Christopher Kane, HELLO! rounds up each and every one of Princess Kate’s garden party looks through the years.
© WPA PoolPastel pink Emilia Wickstead dress, 2012
One year after her magical wedding to Prince William, the Princess of Wales made her Buckingham Palace garden party debut in a pastel pink ‘Alice’ dress by one of her favourite occasionwear designers, Emilia Wicksted.
Kate paired the pleated dress with a titled blush pink hat designed by Jane Corbett, along with accessories from L.K.Bennett.
© WPA PoolLemon delight, 2013
The next time Princess Kate attended a Buckingham Palace garden party she was pregnant with Prince George.
The royal’s blooming baby bump was disguised beneath a lemon-yellow textured coat by Emilia Wickstead.
© WPA PoolIvory lace and pearl accessories, 2014
Princess Kate departed from her candy coloured streak the following year, slipping into an ethereal lace bodycon dress by Alexander McQueen.
The neutral-toned dress was a rare fashion move for the royal, who rarely wears cream-hues by themself.
© Dan KitwoodCream delight, 2016
Two years later, the Princess of Wales once again opted for a neutral dress, looking like a fashion darling in a ruffle-adorned mini dress with a peplum detail.
A fan of fashion repeats, Princess Kate wore the same bespoke Alexander McQueen dress to Prince George’s christening.
© WPA PoolA vision in Cinderella blue, 2017
Prince William’s wife was a vision in a belted cloud blue dress by Christopher Kane. With long sleeves, a collared neckline and smart, structured skirt, Princess Kate looked smart and sophisticated in the pastel-hued number.
Adding to her whimsical summer wardrobe, Princess Kate wore the dress with a tilted beret-style hat from Lock & Co called the ‘Sweet Delight.’
© WPA PoolA royal Barbie, 2019
Long before Greta Gerwig made dressing like Barbie mainstream, the Princess of Wales was a pink delight in an Alexander McQueen double-breasted coat dress. This colour was popular in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe, who also attended that year.
© WPA PoolCool in coral, 2022
After the pandemic, Princess Kate looked divine in celebratory coral for the first Buckingham Palace garden party in two years. A vision of summer, the mother-of-three turned heads in another dress by Emilia Wickstead.
Proving her penchant for marvellous millinery, the royal paired her look with a flamingo-toned ‘Lyssa’ hat by Jane Taylor.
© WPA PoolRegencycore in 2022
No doubt inspired by Bridgerton, the Princess looked mesmerising in a cloud number, recycling one of her favourite bespoke dresses designed by her private dressmaker.
Complete with sophisticated bishop’s sleeves, a pie-crust neckline and elegant button-down bodice, the royal’s flowing dress was the perfect ensemble for a summer soirée at Buckingham Palace.
© GettyPicture perfect in 2023
Recycling one of her most famous outfits formerly worn to Ascot in 2019, the Princess looked stunning in a coordinating blouse and skirt designed by Elie Saab, which she paired with a fabulous Philip Treacy hat.
Bringing the sunshine to an overcast May day, the royal looked picture-perfect in her powder blue ensemble.