Kate Middleton often glides down the red carpet in feminine and frothy frocks and always looks like the personification of princess perfection. While only the most dedicated royal watchers recall all the designers and dresses Kate has worn over the years, even the most ardent fans aren’t able to detect her funny fashion habit.
The Princess of Wales loves to play a bridal blinder and will wear sweeping and beautiful ballgowns that are actually wedding dresses. Often the creation of dressmaker Jenny Packham, Kate’s most ethereal and memorable gowns could’ve been brought from a bridal boutique.
Here are 8 Times Kate Middleton Secretly Wore a Wedding Dress on Royal Duty:
- Something Borrowed, Something Blue
For a Royal Variety performance in November 2017, the future Princess of Wales brought the dress drama in a shimmering baby blue gown — William’s wife looked stunning as she walked the red carpet in an illusion gown covered with crystals and sequin. The glamorous evening design bore a striking resemblance to a wedding dress from Packham’s A/W (autumn/winter) 2017 runway collection. Plus, Kate’s floral motif gown secretly hinted at the gender of royal baby Prince Louis (born April 2018).
2. A Bride is Born
Offering serious Disney princess energy, Kate looked exquisite in an icy cowl neck gown for a Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2018. The ethereal dress features romantic see-through cap sleeves, allover silver crystal embellishments and a glittery beaded belt. Originally a bespoke design created exclusively for Kate, the gown was later added to Jenny Packham’s Bridal 2021 Collection.
3. Save the Date
For a concert in 2012, the princess wowed in floor sweeping teal gown by Jenny Packham. The silk chiffon gown featured a sheer lace back, lace cap sleeves and a Swarovski beaded belt. Named the ‘Aspen’ gown — the iconic dress was a modified version of a design from Packham’s Spring 2012 bridal collection.
4. Wifey Wonder
Living out her ballerina and bridal dreams, Kate looked incredible in this emerald maxi based on British fashion designer Jenny Packham’s ‘Wonder’ gown. The confectionary creation was a hit with royal fans who deemed the dress one of Kate’s best looks of all time. Echoing Packham’s contemporary and couture bridal dresses, this was a flawless fashion moment for the princess.
5. Blushing Bride
While not being given the designation of a bridal dress, this upcycled avant garde ruffled gown could’ve passed for a matrimony moment. Kate wore this Alexander McQueen statement dress for portraits released by the palace in January 2022. The wedding wannabe was constructed of repurposed silk jacquard, lace, organza and tulle.
6. Here Comes the Bride (in Green)
In a floor grazing dark olive off-the-shoulder gown with a black sash, Kate was a sartorial sensation at the BAFTAs in February 2018. The gothic green gown in silk chiffon bore a striking resemblance to a bridal look from Packham’s Spring 2015 runway collection.
7. To Have and To Hold
Call it a bridal blitz! Bringing her best shine and sparkle to a state banquet, the princess looked exquisite in her floor-length ivory ‘Elspeth’ dress by designer Jenny Packham in November 2022. Princess Kate’s stretch crepe gown with beaded shoulders and cape-sleeves was actually a design created for wedding womenswear. Indeed, the goddess gown was part of Packham’s 2023 Bridal Collection.
8. Happily Ever After
While technically not yet on royal duty, Kate was the epitome of ‘beautiful bride’ in her Alexander McQueen long sleeve lace wedding dress. Worn on April 29th, 2011, Kate donned the custom French Chantilly lace and white satin dress (which cost a reported $434,000) to make the leap from bachelorette to bride.
