While the Olympics are considered the pinnacle of athletic competition, many who attend the multi-sport event garner as much attention as the athletes themselves. This summer in Paris, stars like Tom Cruise and Lady Gaga watched notable names like Simone Biles win gold alongside a sea of spectators eager to cheer on their favorite competitors.
In the summer of 2012, Princess Kate joined her fellow Brits to watch the athletes compete in the XXX Olympiad in London. For the occasion, the royal beauty wore many down-to-earth and casual spectator ensembles — from jeans to basic blouses and short sleeve polos, she kept her looks simple and comfortable. To attend the various recreation events she kept her style sport-centric; the princess frequently donned budget clothing from Zara and plenty of colorful skinny denim.
Here are Kate Middleton’s Best Olympic Outfits:
Olympic Games Buckingham Palace Reception (July 27, 2012)
For this occasion, Kate wore an icy blue silk and satin coat by Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane. She would later recycle the sophisticated topper for Order of the Garter 2014 and the Queen’s first official garden party in 2017. The princess paired the shiny bespoke coat with Kiki McDonough Lola blue topaz hoop earrings and a sandy suede box clutch by Alexander McQueen.
Welcoming the Olympic Torch at Buckingham Palace (July 28, 2012)
To greet the Olympic flame at Buckingham Palace during the Olympic Torch Relay, Prince William, Prince Harry and Princess Kate joined together to meet the torchbearers. For the occasion, Kate donned an Adidas London 2012 polo shirt in white, cobalt cropped skinnies from Zara (featuring a zipper detail at the ankle) and her beloved Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon navy suede wedges.
Cheering on Zara Phillips (Tindall) at the Equestrian Competition (July 30, 2012)
At the team jumping final at Greenwich Park, Kate cheered on William’s cousin in this casual look combining her 811 Skinny Jeans in navy by J. Brand with her Smythe Duchess blazer, Adidas polo shirt and Weitzman cork wedges.
Equestrian Finals Day 4 (July 31, 2012)
Kate returned the following day and wore a similar getup with the addition of a cashmere cream and navy striped knitted tank vest by Alexander McQueen. She also carried her Muse navy suede clutch by Stuart Weitzman. To add a little panache to the workwear outfit, the princess donned her official Olympics Adidas Next silk scarf.
Day 6 Tennis Game (August 2, 2012)
Kate and William cheered on Andy Murray in the quarterfinal of the men’s singles tennis tournament. During the outing, Kate wore her favorite wool crepe blazer in navy by Smythe paired with her Ridley electric blue stretch cady sheath. She carried her long envelope clutch by Stuart Weitzman in dark blue.
Olympic Swim Event (August, 3, 2012)
Celebrating the GB cycling team while also playing spectators at the aquatic center, Kate and William kept busy during the summer 2012 games. For the poolside event, the princess kept it simple in a Zara red blazer with gathered puff shoulders, a white polka dot blouse with frill sleeves (also by Zara) and her trusty Weitzman cork wedges.
Paralympic Events (August 30th 2012 and September 2 2012)
The princess wore her inky blue skinny 811 jeans from J.Brand and her Supernova Red Glide 4 Sneakers for various paralympics events. She was also spotted going to handball and gymnastics competitions in early August carrying her black Longchamp tote and donning her Annoushka pearl and diamond earrings.
Hockey Match Team GB vs. New Zealand, (August 10, 2012)
Looking radiant as she played sidelines spectator, Kate wore a white denim jean skirt by Zara to watch women’s hockey. In addition, she wore a white sleeveless team tank and accessorized with a Hobbs braided white belt. She paired the casual summer ensemble with her Weitzman wedges.
Paralympic Medals Ceremony (September 2, 2012)
The princess wore a two-piece Emilio Pucci ‘Punto Milano’ tailored navy blazer and pencil skirt for a medal awards ceremony.
Olympic Games Closing Ceremony (August 12, 2012)
For the closing ceremony with Prince Harry, Kate donned a blue Whistles formfitting petal print design dress. For accessories, she carried her Anya Hindmarch ‘Maud‘ black satin clutch.
