Kate Middleton Dazzles in Yellow Emilia Wickstead Dress at Garden Party
Kate Middleton gracefully returned to the royal garden party scene on Tuesday, May 20, hosting the year’s inaugural event at Buckingham Palace alongside Prince William.
After a hiatus from public engagements for cancer treatment, during which she revealed her remission in January 2025, her presence marked a notable milestone. Her thoughtfully selected ensemble conveyed a powerful statement, reflecting her adeptness in diplomatic attire.
For Tuesday’s gathering, the Princess of Wales, 43, dazzled in a bright yellow dress by Emilia Wickstead, artfully paired with a matching Philip Treacy hat.
This combination was deliberate and steeped in royal tradition. Following the sartorial strategies of the late Queen Elizabeth II, Middleton appeared to choose the vibrant yellow shade to enhance her visibility among the crowds gathered on the palace lawns.
As Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, stated in the 2016 documentary The Queen at 90: “[Queen Elizabeth] needs to stand out so that people can say ‘I saw the Queen.’ When she appears, the crowds are often deep, and someone wants to say they glimpsed a bit of the Queen’s hat as she passed by.”
The late monarch famously quipped: “If I wore beige, no one would know who I was!”
This philosophy clearly influences Middleton’s formalwear, facilitating her visual connection with the public even amidst large crowds.
The Emilia Wickstead dress illustrates her unwavering affinity for elegant, well-crafted designs from British labels that can be worn multiple times. Notably, the Princess sported the same outfit to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Middleton at Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Samir Hussein/WireImage
Wickstead, a designer from New Zealand based in London, is a staple for royalty and is celebrated for her modern yet timeless shapes. The Princess’s choice of yellow—a color often linked to joy, optimism, and fresh starts—held extra significance given her recent health experiences.
Princess Kate Middleton is a champion of outfit recycling. One notable example is her blue Alexander McQueen coat, which has made several appearances since its debut in 2014. This versatile piece has been shown in public four times, showcasing impressive longevity for a royal.
Her Philip Treacy hat, synonymous with sophisticated royal millinery, added an aura of refinement, ensuring her prominence while honoring the formal garden party dress code.
This striking ensemble also marked a departure from her more subdued fashion choices in February, following Kensington Palace’s clarification that concerns about her style overshadowing her charitable commitments were unfounded.
Prior to the palace’s clarification, there was significant discussion regarding the impact of Middleton’s wardrobe on the economy and fashion designers.
Over the years, she has frequently donned British brands, which has afforded significant exposure to labels like Emilia Wickstead, Alexander McQueen, and Jenny Packham, all of which have experienced what has been dubbed “The Kate Effect”—an increase in orders for any piece she wears.
Following Kensington Palace’s decision to no longer disclose details about Princess Kate Middleton’s wardrobe, a genuine royal fashion crisis ensued. A spokesperson for the Palace indicated that the decision stemmed from the princess’ wish to redirect focus away […]
Middleton’s decision to wear a bold, striking color for such a prominent public occasion emphasized her presence and influence. While past appearances may have favored understated elegance to highlight her charitable work, her latest garden party attire was a celebration—an emphatic statement about her return and ongoing dedication to service and style.
The Princess of Wales greeted guests during the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Aaron Chown – WPA Pool / Getty Images
Accompanied by Prince William, 42, who looked sharp in a suit and top hat, Middleton engaged with guests, embodying the royal family’s tradition of connecting with those commended for their public contributions.
The Princess of Wales’ outfit not only adhered to royal protocol but also symbolized continuity and renewed commitment, highlighting that every aspect of her wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated expression of her diplomatic presence.
