All 6 Stunning Gowns Kate Middleton Has Worn To The Royal Variety Performance So Far

I always look forward to Kate Middleton’s Royal Variety looks.

It’s one of the few times a year we can expect a high-octane, red-carpet-worthy look. Think sequins, sculpted shoulders and sweeping capes.

Fancy a reminder of her 6 looks to date? Enjoy:

All Kate’s Royal Variety Performance Gowns

Let’s start with the Princess’s most recent appearance:

2025 – Emerald Elegance

Kate’s 2025 appearance delivered pure red-carpet confidence — a blend of classic glamour and sharp, modern styling.

For this year’s performance, the Princess chose a deep emerald velvet gown by Talbot Runhof, the German label known for sleek lines, sculptural draping and quietly dramatic eveningwear. The off-the-shoulder portrait neckline and smooth, uninterrupted column silhouette gave the whole look a regal quality.

It felt rich, wintry and incredibly polished.

Kate finished the ensemble with dark green velvet Manolos and a silver Jenny Packham clutch, plus two serious pieces of royal sparkle: the Greville diamond chandelier earrings and Queen Mary’s diamond bar choker bracelet. The jewellery alone took the look into full gala territory.

2023 – Poseidon Princess

Kate’s most recent outing was a masterclass in modern royal dressing.

For the 2023 performance, the Princess stepped out in a breathtaking Poseidon blue gown by Safiyaa. The label’s known for its precision-cut, sculpted silhouettes that create a strong and confident look—and Kate’s dress, with its clean lines, pronounced shoulders and unique cape sleeve detail delivered. The whole look said ‘modern royal.

The Princess wore blue heels in a similar shade (how perfect is that colour match) and carried a dazzling silver clutch that matched the gown’s beaded neckline.

The overall effect was statuesque and contemporary, a signal of the Princess leaning firmly into stronger silhouettes.

2021 – Sequinned Splendour

Kate’s 2021 appearance still lives rent-free in the memories of most royal fashion watchers.

The Princess attended the Royal Variety Performance wearing a sequin-drenched emerald green gown by Jenny Packham.

The vibrant colour and all-over sequins made the gown an instant standout.

It shimmered from every angle as she walked inside the venue, as the dress caught the photographer’s flashes, turning the entrance into a moment in itself. The rich green colour was a welcome jolt of joy following the more muted palette she’d embraced the year before.

What really made this look special was the styling. Kate made headlines by wearing her hair in elegant curls, swept to the side in a chic departure from her usual look, complemented by a dash of pink lipstick.

For me, this was the signal of a new, more confident style era.

2019 – Contemporary Contrast

Kate embraced drama in 2019 by wearing a floor-sweeping Alexander McQueen gown.

The design stood out for its striking, contrasting lace overlay and sweetheart neckline.

The sweetheart neckline was noteworthy, as it was an unusual choice for the Princess (we don’t see her wear the style very often).

The whole look felt very romantic and modern. This look remains one of her more fashion-forward moments to date.

2017 – Ice-Blue Brilliance

In 2017, Kate opted for a Jenny Packham classic: ethereal, softly embellished and stunningly delicate.

The gown’s sheer overlay was scattered with crystals that caught the light with every step, giving the impression of snowflakes drifting across the fabric. The perfect gown for a winter performance.

Kate paired the gown with heirloom diamond earrings and silver glittering shoes. This look worked because it was serene rather than showy.

2014 – Black Lace Sophistication

Kate’s Royal Variety debut set the tone for everything that followed.

The then-Duchess chose a timeless black lace Diane von Furstenberg gown, fitted through the bodice with sheer sleeves and a floor-length skirt.

She paired the gown with gemstone hoop earrings—in blue topaz for a pop of colour—and black suede platform heels. She finished the look with a beaded, vintage handbag. Perfection.

What will Kate wear to this year’s performance?

Let’s consider what Kate might wear to the 2025 Royal Variety Performance. Her track record suggests an affinity for lace and sequins, so it’s probable we’ll see these elements in tonight’s attire.

Colour-wise, the Princess has consistently leaned towards hues that whisper “evening elegance.” They are winter-appropriate without straying too far into the overtly festive territory. I suspect she’ll avoid the traditional reds of the holiday season in favour of a more subdued palette. A deep, celestial blue or a rich dark pink could offer that balance of sophistication and seasonal charm.

In terms of a gown rewear, the speculation is as thrilling as the event itself. Could we see the return of the dark blue beaded gown by Jenny Packham, a piece that has already had two splendid outings (below)?

Alternatively, perhaps we’ll see a repeat of this deep green lace gown by Temperley London?

Kate wore it to the 2017 Portrait Gala. It’s a contender for sure.

What about this vibrant magenta gown?

Kate wore it in 2022 in Belize. It presents as an enticing option, as the rich colour could work for the event. However, the Princess has historically chosen gowns with sleeves for the November event. (It’s cold in London this time of year!)

I guess we’ll find out on Tuesday!