Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends King Charles III's Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 9, 2023 in London, England.

Princess Kate recycles famous dress for romantic outing with Prince William

The Princess of Wales looked incredible in a power blue Elie Saab ensemble

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Georgia Brown
Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
May 9, 2023
Share this:

The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised guests at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday when they made an unexpected appearance at King Charles' garden party - and Princess Catherine looked utterly breathtaking.  

Recycling one of her most famous outfits formerly worn to Ascot in 2019, the Princess looked stunning in a coordinating blouse and skirt designed by Elie Saab, which she paired with a fabulous Philip Treacy hat. Bringing the sunshine to an overcast May day, the royal looked picture-perfect in her powder blue ensemble.

WATCH: Princess Kate recycles her most famous Ascot dress at garden party

 The Princess of Wales' garden party outfit in detail 

Complete with a bespoke 'Macramé Pussy Bow Blouse, and 'Embroidered Tulle Skirt' from the coveted Lebanese designer's Resort 2019 collection, the royal mother-of-three's silhouette-skimming gown was the perfect choice for a spring day. 

Prince William looked equally suave in a morning suit and top hat. 

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend King Charles III's Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 9, 2023 in London, England.© Getty

Princess Kate styled her chocolate brown tresses in neat chignon, which was perfectly coiffed beneath her pastel blue headwear. As for accessories, the elegant royal donned an impressive set of glittering diamonds, including her priceless sapphire and diamond engagement ring which formerly belonged to the late Princess Diana. 

Get the Princess of Wales' look

The couple mingled with around 8,000 guests at the palace, with a military band playing background music. Guests enjoyed cups of tea, sandwiches and slices of cake, while taking a stroll around the gardens. 

The Princess of Wales mingles with a guest© Getty

Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s when Queen Victoria began what were known as "breakfasts", although they took place in the afternoon. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales' surprise outing comes after a busy weekend of events in light of King Charles III's coronation. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends King Charles III's Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 9, 2023 in London, England.
The radiant royal recycled one of her most famous dresses

As expected, Princess Kate's sartorial elegance reigned supreme across the schedule of events. From her bespoke Alexander McQueen silk gown to her red hot power suit and linen Reiss blazer, the royal's unrivalled wardrobe didn't fail to impress. 

While the royal didn't get her highly-anticipated tiara moment during the coronation, Princess Kate did don a glittering bespoke headpiece made in a collaboration between milliner Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen. 

Sweetly, Princess Charlotte matched her mother in a custom Alexander McQueen look, too – a dress and cape in ivory silk crepe with ivory satin stitch embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs. 

The Princess of Wales' most stylish moments over the coronation weekend

Princess Kate waving at the Coronation from the balcony© Getty
Princess Kate dazzled at the coronation in a custom Alexander McQueen gown
Princess of Wales headpiece© Getty
Kate wore an embellished headpiece by Alexander McQueen
Kate Middleton smiling wearing a red coat© Getty
Princess Kate looked fabulous in red to attend an engagement in Soho ahead of the coronation celebrations

SHOP: 7 Princess Kate-worthy powder blue blazers to shop this summer

Princess Kate looked lovely in red© Getty
Princess Kate looked lovely in a red Alexander McQueen suit at the coronation concert
The Princess of Wales waving during a walkabout meeting members of the public on the Long Walk near Windsor Castle© WPA Pool
The Princess of Wales rocked a Reiss blazer during a surprise walkabout on the Long Walk near Windsor Castle
Princess Kate wore skinny cargo pants from G-Star Raw
The Princess wore skinny cargo pants from G-Star Raw during the Big Help Out on Monday

Shop our stunning edit of blue dresses to channel Princess Kate's go-to spring colour this season... 

  • blue crochet midi dress mango

    Mango Belted Blue Dress

    Mango's blue shirt dress features floral openwork detailing, with a waist-cinching belt to round off the spring look.

  • blue dress new look

    New Look Frill Blue Dress

    New Look's blue dress is the perfect staple for spring, with a shirred bodice and the prettiest frill detailing. 

  • blue smock dress nobodys child

    Nobody's Child Smock Blue Dress

    For a flattering blue dress that can be styled with trainers, chunky boots, or heels, Nobody's Child's relaxed smock dress is perfect. 

  • reformation floral blue dress

    Reformation Floral Blue Dress

    A floral dress is a must-have for any spring wardrobe, and we think Refromation's gorgeous fitted midi is worth the investment.

  • blue corset flower dress asos

    ASOS Blue Scribble Print Dress

    For a shorter style, try ASOS's floaty midi that features a lace-up front and scribble floral print.

  • boden blue dress

    Boden Seersucker Blue Dress

    Boden's textured blue midi dress is the perfect piece for days in the park this spring, and it would effortlessly stylish teamed with a pair of white trainers. 

  • blue floral dress and other stories

    & Other Stories Blue Wrap Dress

    Wrap dresses are one of the most flattering styles around, and we're loving this blue floral midi with romantic floaty sleeves and a waist tie. 

Don't want to miss a story? Sign up to The Royal Life newsletter to get your weekly dose of royal lifestyle inspiration.

Sign up to Royal Style and discover the latest royal fashion moments

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royal Style

See more