Five Times Princess Kate Perfected the Red Carpet Fashion Moment

Princess Kate is widely regarded as one of the most stylish royals that the British monarchy has ever had. Her brand power in the fashion industry, labeled the “Kate effect,” is demonstrated when items of clothing she wears cause a spike in demand among shoppers.

Though she may be known for wearing glamorous ball gowns and tiaras at official state events, during her 13-year marriage Kate has honed her style to suit every occasion, from charity visits to red carpet galas.

The princess has walked the carpet regularly, standing toe to toe with Hollywood royalty at premieres or award shows in a range of outfits from her favorite high-fashion designers.

So far this year, Kate has not made any official public appearances following abdominal surgery in January and a cancer diagnosis that she announced in March.

As Kate continues her time out of the public eye, Newsweek looks at five of her most recent red carpet looks and how she’s perfected the making of a memorable fashion moment.

Premiere of No Time to Die, 2021

Kate’s appearance at the 2021 world premiere of the James Bond movie No Time to Die is perhaps one of her most memorable fashion moments.

The princess dazzled in a gold-sequined evening gown designed by Jenny Packham, with a full-length cape flowing from the shoulders that glittered in the camera flashes on the red carpet.

Kate styled the look with a statement pair of golden earrings and a Grecian updo hairstyle.

Top Gun: Maverick Premiere, 2022

A year later, the princess attended another royal premiere in London, this time for the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 movie Top Gun, titled Top Gun: Maverick.

Attended by the movie’s star, Tom Cruise, and the rest of the cast, Kate walked the red carpet alongside Prince William, wearing a striking black-and-white, figure-hugging evening gown designed by Roland Mouret.

The princess kept her styling on the carpet minimal, wearing her hair in a slicked-back style with a simple pair of diamond drop earrings featuring small diamond stars.

Earthshot Prize, 2022

Kate walked the green carpet in December 2022 when she attended Boston’s Earshot Prize awards ceremony with William.

For the event, Kate paid homage to the green theme of the eco-awards, wearing a vivid green, boatnecked evening gown by British brand Solace London. It was subsequently reported that she had rented the gown from a London dress agency, again sticking to the environmental consciousness theme.

Kate pulled out the stops when styling the gown, debuting a heritage royal necklace that hadn’t been seen at a public event since the death of Princess Diana.

Kate wore what is called the Queen Mary’s Emerald Choker, a necklace made in the art deco style of the 1920s for William’s great-great-grandmother, Queen Mary, the consort of King George V.

The necklace was inherited by Queen Elizabeth after Mary’s death, and in 1981 she loaned the piece to Diana as a wedding present. Diana wore it in both a necklace and bandeau style across the forehead.

Kate wore the piece with a pair of her own diamond and emerald earrings.

BAFTA Film Awards, 2023

Kate and William attended the BAFTA Film Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2023. The couple have attended the annual event on several occasions since their marriage. William became president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in 2010.

Last year marked their first return to the event since the COVID pandemic. For the occasion, Kate showed her flair for recycling outfits she has worn previously, opting for an updated version of a white Alexander McQueen evening gown that she wore to the same event in 2019.

Royal Variety Performance, 2023

Kate’s most recent red carpet fashion moment was in November 2023, when she attended the annual Royal Variety Performance in London with William, accompanied by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel.

For the occasion, Kate debuted a striking new evening gown from the brand Safiyaa London. The cobalt blue design featured statement padded shoulders with floor-length split sleeves and a built-in crystal neck adornment.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

Do you have a question about King Charles III and Queen Camilla, William and Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We’d love to hear from you.