Catherine, Princess of Wales and the French State Visit

It has been such a joy to see the Princess of Wales back in action this year following her treatment for cancer. From her attendance at the recent State Dinner in honour of President and Madame Macron of France to quieter visits to private patronages and causes close to her heart, Her Royal Highness has looked happy, healthy, and always so elegant. Below are a few of my favourite recent looks, in no particular order.

A Royal Return to Fashion

A recent highlight for me was seeing HRH in Dior’s “New Look.” Much like our late Queen, Catherine has mastered the art of diplomatic dressing. She selected an iconic French house (and style) to greet the Macrons upon their arrival at RAF Northolt. The house of Dior has a longstanding relationship with the Royal Family. The late Princess Margaret was a devoted client. Margaret was famously captured in Dior for her 21st birthday portrait by Cecil Beaton. She was also the guest of honour at the famous Blenheim Palace Dior presentations of 1954 and 1958. Other royal fans of Dior include the late Queen, the late Marina, Duchess of Kent, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. However, this is the first time we’re seeing Catherine in Dior, and the moment did not disappoint. She wore the "80 Montaigne Rose Des Vents" Bar Jacket with the airy “Or" skirt (designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, circa 2024), creating a soft and dreamy effect that suits her perfectly.

Catherine in Dior's 'New Look'. Photo by Samir Hussein (Town and Country Magazine).

A Stunning State Dinner

Another memorable fashion moment from the French visit was Catherine’s exquisite formal look for the State Dinner at Windsor Castle. The Princess selected a stunning dark red gown with cape detailing by Sarah Burton for Givenchy. Burton, who designed Catherine’s historic wedding gown, as well as many of her most iconic looks to date, recently moved from Alexander McQueen’s atelier to the house of Givenchy. This was the first occasion that Catherine has worn a Sarah Burton creation since the move. It was another masterstroke of fashion diplomacy, choosing a French house led by a British designer with whom she has a longstanding relationship. This choice symbolizes the close ties between Great Britain and France. She completed the look with Queen Mary’s Lovers Knot tiara, Diana's Nigel Milne pearl bracelet, the Greville chandelier earrings, and her family orders along with her GCVO sash, signifying her position as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

The Prince and Princess of Wales attend the State Dinner at Windsor Castle in honour of President and Mme. Macron. Catherine wears Givenchy by Sarah Burton. Photo: Getty Images from Vogue.

Wimbledon Elegance

It was delightful to see HRH attending Wimbledon again this year with Princess Charlotte. Mother and daughter kept cool in the sun with white Wimbledon fans. The Princess of Wales wore a bespoke Roksanda dress in a striking royal blue, paired with her LK Bennett straw hat (a favourite of mine!).

The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte attend Wimbledon. Also in attendance but not pictured were Prince William and Prince George. Catherine wears a striking custom dress by Roksanda with her effortlessly elegant LK Bennett straw hat. Photo by Karwai Tang, Getty Images, from Harpers Bazaar.

Garter Day Glamour

For this year’s Garter Day ceremony, Catherine re-wore a look I adore. The contrasting textures of tweed and chiffon create a lovely effect! She donned her Self-Portrait tailored skirt suit in cream. This look seems to be a favourite of HRH as well, as she has worn it several times this year. Most recently, she wore it in May for the VE Day Commemoration Concert, which was another memorable fashion moment. HRH accessorized that day with pearls from the vintage jeweler Susan Caplan, her quilted Chanel handbag, and a large black velvet bow in her hair.

The Prince and Princess of Wales attend the VE Day Commemoration Concert in May 2025. Catherine wears Self-Portrait, a romantic favourite that she also wore to this year's Garter Day Ceremony. Photo by Getty Images from Town and Country.

A Heartfelt Visit

On a more casual note, HRH recently visited the RHS Wellbeing Garden at the Colchester Hospital. She spent time with cancer patients, a cause close to her heart after her own recent treatment. During this visit, she planted the beautiful “Catherine’s Rose,” named in her honour and symbolizing the healing power of nature. For this occasion, HRH selected a casual linen blazer by Blazé Milano, paired with Ralph Lauren’s timeless Capri blouse, slim brown trousers by Joseph, and her signature Veja “Esplar” sneakers. Her fashion choices perfectly reflect her warm and approachable nature. The joy she spreads during these more intimate visits is deeply moving.

Catherine visits the Colchester Hospital to meet with cancer patients and to plant the newly bred Catherine's Rose, a symbol of healing. Photo: WPA Pool, Getty Images, from Harper's Bazaar.

A Cheerful Garden Party

Lastly, Catherine stunned in her buttercup yellow Emilia Wickstead “Elta" dress for the May 20th Buckingham Palace garden party. This was a repeat look, previously worn for the 2022 Service of Thanksgiving in honour of our late Queen during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This was the first time since her cancer diagnosis over two years ago that Catherine has attended one of the Buckingham Palace garden parties. It was wonderful to see her looking happy and healthy in such a cheerful colour.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, followed by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. Photo: WPA Pool, Getty Images, from Harper's Bazaar.

Looking Ahead

Hopefully, more spectacular looks from the Princess of Wales are yet to come! Her fashion choices continue to inspire and uplift, reflecting her unique identity and the purpose she embodies. As we celebrate her journey, I look forward to seeing how she continues to blend elegance with heartfelt connections in the world of fashion.