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kate middleton dress divides fans© Photo: Getty Images

Kate Middleton departs the Bahamas in yellow eighties-inspired dress - but it divides royal fans

The Duchess of Cambridge divided fans with her yellow Alessandra Rich dress

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Georgia Brown
Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
March 27, 2022
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The Duchess of Cambridge has boasted a truly eclectic wardrobe while in the Caribbean with her husband, Prince William - and her final look to depart the Bahamas was a total showstopper.

LOOK: Royal Style Watch: Kate Middleton's 11 most stunning looks on the Caribbean royal tour

Looking radiant as ever on Saturday with one final appearance on the tour, the 40-year-old royal put on a colourful display to leave Lynden Pindling International Airport in a sunshine yellow dress. Duchess Kate opted to wear one of her favourite designers, Alessandra Rich, accessorising with sleek Gianvito Rossi heels and a coordinating white clutch bag.

WATCH: Kate Middleton and Prince William caught with rare PDA moment on tour

The Duchess' striking 80s-inspired dress featured a sophisticated button-down design, exaggerated puffed sleeves and a feminine, peplum frill in a buttercup yellow hue.

The crystal-embellished buckle and faux pearl buttons are a nod to the decade's glamorous excess - and Kate may have wished to pay homage to the late Princess Diana with her striking look.

RELATED: Kate Middleton surprises in off-the-shoulder dress for Jamaican state dinner

kate middleton yellow dress© Photo: Getty Images

Kate embraced the 80s in an Alessandra Rich dress

Kate's enviable wardrobe has long been associated with her impeccable style. With a penchant for sleek, figure-flattering designs, neutral palettes and ultra-glamorous ensembles, the Duchess' wardrobe rarely goes a miss - though her latest look proved polarising amongst royal fans.

Divided in the comments on social media, fans were quick to share their thoughts on the mother-of-three's final tour look.

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"I almost never say this about Kate’s outfits, but I don’t like it. It’s too much," commented one fan. "I'm picturing Diana in the 80s!" wrote another. 

A third fan agreed: "There is way too much going on, the ruffles, the bow, the belt, the pattern. I don't see her in that dress. Not her style at all."

kate middleton prince william© Photo: Getty Images

Royal fans loved the "Caribbean vibe" of the Duchess' dress

Other royal fans were delighted with Kate's ultra-feminine yellow ensemble, with one declaring her look: "A smashing tribute to the '80s."

"Oh! This is beautiful and she wears it well!!!" wrote another. "The dress has personality and it lightens her up! I love it. I hope she wears more of this style. It is elegant, classy and very much what a beautiful royal should wear! Absolutely a charming dress."

alessandra rich dress

Alessandra Rich midi dress, £1,690 / $2350, Net-a-Porter

SHOP NOW

If you were a fan of Kate's 'Belted floral-print silk-jacquard peplum midi dress,' it's still widely available for £1,690.

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