Catherine’s Comeback! The Princess of Wales made a triumphant and brave return to public life with an appearance at the King’s birthday parade today. Appearing elegant in a Jenny Packham sheath, the English beauty was surrounded by her husband and children for a ride down the Mall in a Glass Coach and also stood for a wave on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony.
Throughout the summer event, the princess stayed close to her brood and was always near her three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
All eyes were on the princess who has been battling cancer since January and has not performed royal engagements since last year. Kate’s return was met with great fanfare and excitement. For the special outing, the Wales boys were dressed in suits and Princess Charlotte was seen in a sailor dress with a bow collar coordinating with her mom’s nautical themed design; the young princess also wore a white hair bow.
For the appearance, her first public outing in six months, the princess donned what’s thought to be an upcycled Jenny Packham midi. The skinny sheath is possibly her Packham dress from King Charles’ coronation celebrations which she previously wore for a reception and public walkabout in May 2023. The princess was outfitted in the slim colorblock dress at the Realm Governors General and Prime Ministers Lunch.
Though the dress is believed to be a rewear — the style echos both the designer’s Thetis embellished midi highlighted with a contrasting waistband as well as Packham’s Honeybee cocktail crepe peplum midi. Kate’s pencil dress has a similar silhouette and stripe detailing at the waist.
The princess’ new dress has a slightly maritime aesthetic with many royal watchers comparing Kate’s Trooping ensemble to Audrey Hepburn’s style in My Fair Lady. The recycled and updated Packham features an oversized bow ribbon accent at the shoulder and a grosgrain ribbon trim belt.
Kate paired the dress with a new Philip Treacy OC 155 hat with a wide white brim slant and angled feather. The slice headpiece features a black and white colorblock design.
In addition, the mom of three carried her beloved Mulberry Bayswater suede clutch — the princess has carried the ultra slim wallet with the brand’s signature turnlock closure since Remembrance Day in 2013.
The brunette princess also wore one of her favorite pairs of optic white pumps and donned her Gianvito Rossi 105 leather pumps with a heel height of 4.1 inches.
For accessories, the royal mom wore her Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore pearl studs — the 18 carat yellow gold pearl cluster earrings are inspired by young marketplace flower stalks of cauliflower. Famously the princess wore the statement earrings adorned with seven pearls and petite diamonds for Prince Louis christening ceremony in July 2018 (their debut appearance).
The princess paid homage to her new honorary colonel role by donning the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch. The art deco pin features the St. Patrick star and the regimental motto (‘Quis Separabit’ meaning ‘Who shall separate us’).
Finally, a picture of the Wales on the Buckingham Palace balcony along with King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as Duchess Sophie and her family. Princess Anne was also photographed on the balcony for the festivities.
Which outfit do you prefer — Trooping the Colour 2023 or 2024? Leave us a note in the comments!
