Kate Middleton spent time with mothers and babies at HMP Styal on Tuesday, learning how Action for Children supports them in prison.
The Princess of Wales, Patron of Action for Children, visited HMP Styal in Cheshire to learn more about the support available for new and expectant mothers in prison.
Dressed in a brown checked coat layered over a knitted skirt and polo neck sweater, the Princess spoke with staff, former residents, and current inmates to hear about their experiences.
The Mother and Baby Unit provides a dedicated space for women to bond with their children during the first 18 months.
During the visit, the Princess met with staff and former residents to hear about their experiences within the unit. She then visited the on-site nursery, where babies and young children living at the prison can learn and play.
Later, she spoke with a group of current inmates about the challenges of raising a child in prison and the support they receive from Action for Children.
While walking through the prison grounds, the Princess was greeted by inmates calling from their windows. Some used the opportunity to raise concerns about funding for women in the justice system. She acknowledged their presence with a wave and continued her visit.
HMP Styal is one of four UK prisons that operates The Clink, a restaurant open to the public, designed to provide inmates with hospitality training and employment opportunities after release. The initiative, backed by Lady Edwina Grosvenor, has been widely praised for its success in reducing reoffending rates.
The Princess visited one of The Clink’s restaurants in 2023, during a visit to HMP High Down.
The visit aligns with the Princess’s long-standing work in early childhood development. She has spoken previously about the importance of a child’s earliest years and the role secure attachments play in shaping future well-being.
This visit marked the Princess’s fifth engagement in a prison to date. Her first visit took place in 2015, to HMP Send. She visited HMP Eastwood Park a year later. In 2020, she returned to HMP Send, and as I mentioned above, she visited HMP High Down in 2023.
Let’s take a look at Kate’s outfit now:
The Princess delivered another elegant winter look for her visit to HMP Styal.
She brought back her long, tailored tartan coat by Blazé Milano. The rich chocolate brown piece features a subtle burgundy check, structured silhouette, cinched waist, double-breasted buttons, and peaked lapels. As with all Blazé Milano designs, the coat is finished with the brand’s signature curved pockets.
As regular readers will have noticed immediately, the coat is a re-wear. The Princess wore it last month during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital (below).
We believe she debuted the piece in 2021. At the time, many—myself included—assumed it was a jacket. She was photographed seated in a car, so the length of the garment was not visible, and Blazé Milano’s website stocked a jacket version of the coat in this fabric.
Unfortunately, neither the jacket nor the coat is available for purchase today. However, for reference, a Blazé Milano double-breasted coat in similar materials typically retails for around $3,000 USD.
Blazé Milano isn’t a staple in Kate’s wardrobe, but she does own at least one other piece from the brand—a beige striped blazer.
The Italian label is renowned for its elevated tailoring, blending menswear-inspired structures with feminine details. Founded by three former fashion editors, the brand has gained a reputation for impeccable craftsmanship.
Under the coat, the Princess opted for a classic polo neck sweater in a burgundy hue.
After some discussion with Susan from WhatKateWore.com, we believe she could be wearing her Kiltane cashmere polo neck in ‘Bordeaux’. I’m not convinced, but the colour does seem to match in some photographs in other publications.
If correct, this would mark the fourth time Kate has worn the piece publicly. We believe she debuted the sweater in 2022 at the Rugby Quarter Final and has since incorporated it into several looks.
The 100% cashmere sweater originally retailed for £99 at Kiltane.com but is sadly sold out in Bordeaux. However, the brand continues to offer the same style in a range of other colours:
We believe the Princess owns at least one other sweater from the Scottish heritage brand.
A Scottish label specialising in luxury cashmere and fine wool garments, Kiltane is known for timeless knitwear. The brand combines traditional materials with modern styling, making it a fitting choice for Kate’s wardrobe.
The Princess of Wales Closet on X.com might have identified Kate’s skirt, from French favourite Sézane. I think that’s a safe bet. We know the Princess wears the brand and owns the same skirt in a different colour.
The ribbing does look similar to my eye—but I cannot say for certain that it’s the same skirt. I haven’t seen enough of it to confirm. Hopefully, the Princess will wear it again and we’ll know for sure. Perhaps with a matching sweater so she can recreate this iconic Sézane style moment:
Let’s assume it is that skirt as it seems likely, and I’ll tell you some more about it:
Crafted from merino wool and organic cotton, the Naelle knit skirt features a flattering elasticated waist and a midi-length silhouette, offering a refined yet relaxed aesthetic.
The skirt originally retailed for £135 but has since been reduced to £95. Unfortunately, the chocolate brown and cream shades worn by Kate are now sold out, though the design remains available in green and purple.
The green version, in particular, feels like a natural fit for the Princess. I could imagine her wearing it to an engagement with William for an event related to Earthshot. (Her wardrobe choices at these engagements often incorporate thoughtful nods to sustainability and environmental themes.)
Kate has embraced knit skirts in the past, I assume she favours their sleek silhouette and comfortable fit. She has previously worn similar designs from brands such as Gabriela Hearst and Iris & Ink.
Let’s look at those dazzling gold and pearl earrings next. They’re new (to us at least! We haven’t seen them before).
I believe she sourced them from Katherine James Jewellery (or somebody close to her did, if they were a gift for instance). I did some sleuthing online and found a listing for a remarkably similar pair on the jeweller’s website:
The pair listed are crafted from 18ct yellow gold earrings and feature a cluster of creamy pearls set within an intricate gold design, reminiscent of coral. The earrings, described as “mega-sized”, originally retailed for £995.
If my suspicions are correct, and Kate has acquired these earrings from Katherine James, it’d be the first time she has worn anything from the company—at least, as far as we know! The brand specialises in exquisite vintage-inspired designs.
As they’re vintage, I’m guessing it’s highly unlikely you’d be able to source another pair.
Founded by jewellery enthusiast Katherine James, the brand is known for its vintage treasures. Katherine started the business after realising her love for collecting gemstones had outgrown her budget. Over the years, she built a network of jewellers and dealers, carving a unique space in the industry with her evocative descriptions and personal approach to selling jewellery.
Today, she’s based in Hatton Garden, London’s historic jewellery quarter. The brand continues to celebrate antique craftsmanship, sustainability, and unique heirloom-quality pieces while embracing lab-grown diamonds and vintage restorations.
OK let’s look at Kate’s boots now. The Princess brought back her brown suede Gianvito Rossi boots. The sophisticated design features a large block heel, pointed toe, and side zipper.
Kate debuted the boots at a rugby match in November 2022, and since then has worn them publicly on seven other occasions. This is the eighth time we’ve spotted her wearing them in public to date.
Gianvito Rossi has confirmed that these boots were custom-made for the Princess. While a bespoke creation, they share strong similarities with the ‘Glen’ boots in Texas brown from Rossi’s mainline collection. The key difference? Kate’s boots feature a pointed toe, whereas the ‘Glen’ boots have a rounded toe.
Kate favours Gianvito Rossi’s footwear—she owns at least 23 pairs from the Italian desgner. In addition to her brown suede boots, she has the same style in black and blue, plus a further pair of ‘Rhyme’ boots in burgundy leather, and 19 pairs of heels.
Renowned for impeccable craftsmanship, sleek silhouettes, and refined elegance, Gianvito Rossi has become one of Kate’s go-to footwear brands over the last few years. The Italian designer is known for his modern yet timeless aesthetic, with styles that blend seamlessly into the Princess’s wardrobe.
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