The Princess of Wales looked spectacular at the Coronation of King Charles III on the 6th of May 2023.
After weeks of speculation over the dress code, whispers that she’d wear flowers in her hair, and the fear that we’d see her in attire no more glamorous than daywear and a hat, we royal watchers were enthralled to see the Princess step out in an ensemble befitting such a magnificent event.
Kate selected a long white gown and a glittering decorative headpiece. Not technically a tiara—but certainly headgear worthy of a coronation. She exuded regality.
As expected, Kate turned to Alexander McQueen for her gown. They’re her atelier of choice for such high-profile occasions. I didn’t doubt for one minute that she’d go with the British design house.
According to Sky News’s Sarah Hewson, the gown is made from ivory silk crepe with silver bullion and threadwork embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs—symbols of the four countries of the United Kingdom.
Kate’s grand headpiece was a collaboration between Alexander McQueen and milliner Jess Collett. It featured intricately embroidered three-dimensional leaves, also crafted from silver bullion embroidery thread.
Over the gown, Kate wore her ceremonial robes. They signify her position as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. The ensemble comprises a mantle of blue and red satin representing the order’s star on the left-hand side. Also, note the order’s insignia—the Royal Victorian Order’s livery collar and the cross medallion hanging from the chain.
In terms of jewellery, Kate wore Princess Diana’s diamond and pearl earrings. The iconic earrings were a favourite of the late princess, who wore them on a number of occasions throughout the 90s.
Middleton Maven thinks Kate wore a new pair of Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps in white silk satin under her grown. I suspect she’s correct.
If Middleton Maven is correct, this will be Kate’s 11th pair of Gianvito 105 pumps, as far as we know! She’s clearly a fan, and the style is her go-to.
Princess Charlotte looks completely adorable in an Alexander McQueen dress and matching cape. Her hairband is similar to her mother’s and is also Jess Collett creation. I have a full write-up of Charlotte’s ensemble on this page.
The Wales family, Edinburghs and Princess Anne on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the flyover:
I think I’m as exhausted as the Royals today cheering from my livingroom in Vienna! Kates and Charlottes outfits are so fine and beautiful and enchanting, I just love them. Especially that they match 🙂 really cute! And I think it was a good choice to honor Diana by wearing her earrings.
I love the earrings and that is it.
That head piece is a huge NO from me, for many reasons. Ugh, I have embarrassment for her. If ever there was an event for real tiaras, it’s here – not a fake wannabee out of sequins that looks like Caesar’s crown. As far as head gear goes, Sophie looked the best. Not a fan of these voluminous robes, but I guess that is part of the tradition.
At least Louis was allowed to wear long pants to this event. I like his ensemble a lot!! Charlotte’s dress is a miss for me; I’m reminded of the Pope in that sort of design. George looked great.
All the kids are adorable and it’s a big day for them.
I certainly had hoped there would be an exception for senior royals in order to undermine the official dresscode a bit and be allowed to wear a tiara – I mean, the royal family owns serious bling!
But I liked Catherine’s headpeace, especially given the designer’s connection to Charles https://twitter.com/PrincesTrust/status/1654840735537983489
The royal family should worship at Kate’s feet! I think this thought came to me as I watched the various emotions play on everyone’s faces. The king seemed quite impressed by the solemnity of the occasion, the moment he fulfils his destiny, I suppose. Camilla was as uncomfortable as ever and seemed constantly worried she’ll loose her head gear. And then there is Kate. It’s the first, and probably only, time we see her in the Princess of Wales regalia. I think the choice to not wear a tiara was the right one. Just imagine the ensemble with one. Or add her tiaraed head from another occasion to the rest: the added head gear would fight everything else for attention! Both she and William seemed affected and I think there were a couple of moments when they certainly looked like “the next time around that’s us up there”, with all the responsibility and life changed that would imply. And then we move on to the balcony and she has that moment talking to Louis with so much tenderness on her face, bringing back humanity and warmth in a solemn historic moment. This is what she does for that family.
I’ve read recently that Queen Consort Camilla was concerned that Kate would upstage her by her choice of dress, will she wear a tiare or hat etc…….even though we couldn’t see her beautiful dress under her robes I’m sure it was as gorgeous as she is. To top it off with her amazing headpiece of vines and flowers she pulled it off like a future Queen. She definitely was the center of attention over Camilla. The matching between Kate and Charlotte shows the close mother daughter bond they share. Kate showed she’s not only a Princess but an wonderful mother, wife and a great example to women all over the world showing we can have what we want and we are capable of doing so much for ourselves and others.
Catherine looked beautiful,but I still haven’t seen a picture of her gown as the ceremonial robes hid it.
I really loved the headpiece she wore, although I did think it was rather sad that she wasn’t allowed to wear a tiara. The headpiece was beautiful, and it reminded me of the headpieces worn by Princess Elizabeth’s wedding attendants – in fact, I kind of thought that it was designed like that for that reason. I am also wondering if we will ever get to see the rest of her gown, since all of the photos have her wearing the mantel over it. It sounds like it was so beautiful and having the symbols embroidered on it is also a tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s coronation gown. I think she was so thoughtful to make sure nearly everything she wore belonged to or paid tribute to her husband’s mother and grandmother. She is so beautiful and so elegant – I love everything she wears!
Oh, I was so impressed with Kate! Everything about her exudes perfection. She seems to be really good at every role she carries out. I absolutely adore Kate and think one day, God willing, she will be an excellent queen! Her husband should be really proud of her. What an excellent choice he made marrying her!
Her name is the Princess of whales. Not Kate Middleton
The Queen has to realize that Princess Kate is not trying to show her up in what she wears or does.It’s that Kate is younger and has less baggage.The more the Queen goes after her in a negative way the more the people realize this I not the way of a queen to act. Believe me everyone is being watched . The Queen looked Beautiful for the coronation. Smile more ,and show everyone how happy you are to be the people s Queen ,,,,, Tell yourself how bless]ed you are to be where you are .And what it took to get there.
Thanks for your wonderful coverage, as always 🙂
Re the mystery of Catherine’s dress in the official photograph – same dress, worn the other way round??? Sounds unlikely I know, but that’s my theory, and I’m sticking to it 😉
Yes – Please someone give us a close-up with details of Catherine’s and Charlotte’s gowns.
Yes, Catherine, Princess of Wales. I am concerned that since no one uses her correct title she will be known as Kate Middleton until her death. King William V and Kate Middleton. Why won’t anyone change from Kate to Catherine?