Kate Middleton debuted a new designer for tonight’s reception at St James’s Palace, marking 125 years of Cancer Research UK.
The Princess of Wales wore a red heart print dress by American brand Rodarte. The piece featured a rose embellishment on the lapel. She paired the midi-length dress with matching accessories and sparkling ruby jewellery (click to skip down to fashion info).
The Princess joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for the event, along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The King hosted the reception in his role as Patron of Cancer Research UK. The Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra are the charity’s Joint Presidents.
The evening was designed to highlight the charity’s impact and to showcase the work of the researchers, clinicians, volunteers and partners who contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Guests were shown immersive installations charting the charity’s past impact, current work and future innovation, with the King, Queen and Princess viewing visual representations of how technological innovation is transforming cancer research.
During the event, Kate spoke with TV Presenter Davina McCall (below, in blue). She is a high-profile CRUK supporter.
Davina had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2024, which she had removed. She was then diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. She was given the ‘all clear’ last autumn.
The TV host told the Princess that King Charles called her after she announced her initial diagnosis in 2024.
She got in contact with the King following his diagnosis, too.
The Princess also spoke with Sebastien Bowen, husband of journalist Deborah James, who became known as “Bowelbabe”.
Deborah spoke openly about her incurable bowel cancer and was given a damehood during a home visit by Prince William shortly before she passed away in 2022.
The Princess also met with pop star Ronan Keating and his wife Storm.
The singer told Kate that he lost his mother to cancer in the ‘90s. He set up a foundation in her name and hosts a charity ball each year to help fund the Cancer Awareness Roadshow.
Ronan and Storm spoke highly of Prince William, telling Kate that they “love” him. Kate replied, “So do I”, which made everybody chuckle.
Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation, dedicated to saving lives through research.
Its heritage stretches back to 1902 and the founding of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, with Cancer Research UK in its current form created in 2002.
The charity’s impact is hard to overstate: cancer survival in the UK has doubled over the past 50 years, and today 8 in 10 people who receive cancer drugs in the UK are given a drug developed by or with Cancer Research UK.
No doubt, the reception held personal significance for both the King and the Princess, who have both received treatment for cancer over the last few years.
Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024, following major abdominal surgery, and underwent a course of chemotherapy. In January 2025, she shared the good news that she was in remission.
King Charles was diagnosed with cancer at a similar time in 2024 and continues to receive treatment for the disease, but has been “responding well“.
Let’s discuss Kate’s look now.
Kate’s outfit:
The Princess opted for a red and white ensemble for tonight’s reception, debuting a new midi dress by Rodarte—an American label.
Kate’s never worn this brand before—I think it supports my recent theory that the Princess will visit the United States in July. Rodarte is headquartered in Los Angeles, and the company’s clothing is all manufactured in the US, too.
(Last month, the Princess debuted a skirt by an American designer, too. I believe she’s researched/shopped US brands ahead of a rumoured trip next month.
Either way, Rodarte was a surprise—I was confident it was a new Alessandra Rich piece—the aesthetic is very similar. Very Kate!
The vibrant cherry red dress features a deep V-neckline with contrasting white lapels, and short white gathered puff sleeves trimmed with white turn-back cuffs. The dress is nipped in at the waist with a matching fabric belt. It’s made from 100% silk twill.
The piece blends 1940s ‘tea dress’ with modern Dolce Vita glamour. The corsage adds a romantic, vintage-inspired flourish.
At the time of writing, you could still buy the dress in most sizes at MyTheresa for £1,428 GBP (20% off. Was £1,785). For our American readers, it’s listed for $ 1,412 USD (20% off. Was $1,765).
Let’s move on to Kate’s jewellery, now. She wore what I assume are ruby and diamond drop earrings (shown below on Armistice Day last year).
Nothing is known about the earrings, unfortunately. Kate debuted during the VE Day events last year.
The Princess paired the drop earrings with another unidentified piece—a pendant (again, assumed to be ruby surrounded by diamonds). I believe it’s the necklace she first wore in Poland, in 2017.
Another item that was never identified—though some suggested it was a G. Collins & Son’s piece.
The Princess finished the look with familiar accessories—her red Gianvito Rossi 105 heels and her Miu Miu bow clutch in a matching shade.
The Princess first wore the suede pumps a decade ago, and has worn them a dozen times in public since (assuming they’re the same pair, and she didn’t order a replacement at some point!). They feature a sharp pointed toe and a 105mm heel.
Kate owns the shoe—a signature style for Gianvito Rossi—in 11 different colours.
The red shoe remains available to buy from Gianvito Rossi’s official website for £695 GBP / $850 USD.
We also first spotted the Princess with the bag in 2016, during a visit to Vancouver.
She’s carried on five other public engagements, including today’s reception. The piece is crafted from plush suede.
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