Kate Middleton made a radiant return to the royal garden party circuit on Tuesday, May 20, hosting the first one of the year at Buckingham Palace alongside Prince William.
After a period away from public duties for cancer treatment, during which time, in January 2025, she announced that she was in remission, her appearance marked a significant moment. Her carefully chosen attire spoke volumes, showcasing a masterful approach to diplomatic dressing.
For Tuesday’s fete, the Princess of Wales, 43, was a vision in a vibrant yellow dress by Emilia Wickstead, which was perfectly complemented by a matching Philip Treacy hat.
The combination was highly strategic and deeply rooted in royal tradition. Following the sartorial practice perfected by the late Queen Elizabeth II, Middleton seemingly selected the bright yellow hue to ensure maximum visibility among the thousands of guests gathered on the palace lawns.
As Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, explained in the 2016 documentary The Queen at 90: “[Queen Elizabeth] needs to stand out for people to be able to say ‘I saw the Queen.’ Don’t forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, 10, 15 deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen’s hat as she went past.”
The late monarch herself once famously declared: “If I wore Beige, no one would know who I was!”
This philosophy clearly guides Middleton’s formalwear, allowing her to connect visually with the public even in vast crowds.
The Emilia Wickstead dress itself was also a testament to her consistent preference for elegant, well-tailored designs from British labels that you can wear on repeat. Indeed, the Princess of Wales wore the exact same ensemble to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Wickstead, a New Zealand designer based in London, is a go-to for the royal and is known for her modern yet classic silhouettes. The princess’ choice of yellow, a color often associated with joy, optimism and new beginnings, carried an additional layer of meaning given her recent health journey.
Her Philip Treacy hat, a name synonymous with sophisticated royal millinery, added a touch of refined grandeur, ensuring her visibility and upholding the tradition of formal garden party attire.
This vibrant ensemble also signaled a shift from her more muted sartorial choices in February, when Kensington Palace clarified a statement it released regarding concerns that Middleton’s style overshadowed her charity work was unfounded.
Before the palace backtracked, conversation was at an all-time high about the importance of Middleton’s wardrobe choices to the economy and fashion designers.
Over the years, she has frequently taken to British labels, which in turn have given invaluable exposure to labels like Emilia Wickstead, Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham, all of whom have experienced what’s famously coined “The Kate Effect” — a significant spike in orders for any item she wore.
Middleton’s choice to dress in a bold, impactful color for such a significant public event reinforced her presence and role. While earlier appearances may have prioritized understated elegance to keep focus on her charitable endeavors, her latest garden party look was all about making a joyful, visible statement of her return and continued dedication to service — and style.
Joining Prince William, 42, who looked dapper in a suit and top hat, Middleton circulated among the guests, exemplifying the royal family’s tradition of mingling with those recognized for their public service.
The Princess of Wales’ outfit not only adhered to royal protocol but also served as a symbol of continuity and renewed engagement, demonstrating once again that every element of her wardrobe is a carefully considered component of her diplomatic presence.
