Kate’s (fashion) wonders of Wimbledon since 2011

By Rebekah Absalom

08:32 30 Jun 2024, updated 08:46 30 Jun 2024

Although its not clear if she will make an appearance at Wimbledon this year due to her cancer treatment, the Princess of Wales has always excelled in the fashion stakes at the tournament. 

Having been a royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, Kate is a regular spectator at the prestigious championships and typically presents the trophy to the men’s final winner.

Kate has attended Wimbledon every year, apart from in 2013 when she was pregnant with Prince George and in 2020 when it was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

While Kate has been known to wear classic tennis whites, her style has evolved over the years and she now opts for longer dresses, full skirts and bold hues. 

Notable outfits include the polka dot Alessandra Rich dress at the 2022 event and a deluxe mint green Balmain blazer in 2023.

Here, we review Kate Middleton‘s Wimbledon fashion evolution over the years. 

Balmain, 2023

Kate is renowned for her literal dressing, so the elements of this outfit on day two of Wimbledon last year didn’t come as a surprise to royal watchers.

Yet she chose a luxurious blazer from Balmain, a brand not typically associated with the royal.

Kate paired the mint double-breasted design with a white pleated skirt and trusty accessories: a Mulberry bag, Gianvito Rossi heels and Shyla London pearl earrings.

The retro-themed outfit brought to mind a Catherine Walker blazer dress that her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, wore to Trooping the Colour in 1988.

Self-Portrait, 2023

The Princess of Wales exuded elegance in Self-Portrait, selecting a beautiful boucle and chiffon dress from the brand for the 2023 women’s singles final.

Its distinctive lime hue offered a refreshing interpretation of courtside glamour, while harmonising with Wimbledon’s colour scheme. 

Kate recycled her favourite Gianvito Rossi shoes, an Emmy London clutch and Cassandra Goad earrings to go with the dress. 

Roland Mouret, 2023

Kate was the epitome of elegance in an emerald green pencil dress by Roland Mouret as she presented Carlos Alcaraz with the men’s singles final in 2023. 

The royal added a touch of glamour with Milina London green onyx earrings and her Halcyon Days bangle.

To draw attention to her dress, Kate selected neutral accessories, including Gianvito Rossi pumps and an Emmy London clutch. 

Roksanda, 2022

In 2022, Kate looked stunning on centre court in a vibrant Roksanda dress for the women’s singles final. 

It was the same outfit that she wore during her tour of the Caribbean with Prince William the same year.

The demure design was a bespoke version of the ‘Brigitte’ dress, incorporating a full skirt, fitted bodice and short sleeves, with an elaborate fabric bow. 

The royal elevated her ensemble with Gianvito Rossi heels and Kiki McDonough citrine and diamond flower drop earrings.

Alessandra Rich, 2022

The final royal appearance at Wimbledon 2022 delivered a significant moment: Kate and William brought Prince George to his first match. 

The beaming mother displayed her penchant for polka dots in a graceful dress by Alessandra Rich.

This silk creation featured a classic spot print, set against a navy backdrop, complemented by a bow embellishment at the neckline.

Kate added two-tone pumps from the British brand, along with her sapphire and diamond parure.

Alessandra Rich, 2022

Kate attended the ninth day of Wimbledon 2022 with Prince William. 

She repeated her sky blue Alessandra Rich dress, initially worn during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, for the occasion.

The eye-catching polka dot design featured a belted waist, puffed sleeves and knife pleats. 

Kate expertly accessorised with a Mulberry bag, In2Design earrings and Finlay & Co sunglasses.

Beulah, 2021

The Princess debuted her blush Beulah ‘Ahana’ dress at Wimbledon in 2021, when she attended two finals with her father, Michael.

The British brand has a loyal royal following; this dress had previously been seen on Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

Kate teamed the flattering fit-and-flare style with Aldo shoes, a Josef clutch and sparkling diamond earrings by Mappin & Webb.

Alessandra Rich and Smythe, 2021 

It was a welcome return to Wimbledon for Kate in 2021 after the championships were cancelled in 2020.

Eschewing her usual attire, the royal opted for a smart Smythe blazer and polka dot skirt by Alessandra Rich on day four of the championships.

She completed her sophisticated aesthetic with a coordinating Mulberry bag, Jimmy Choo court shoes, Simone Rocha pearl earrings, and necklaces from Spells of Love and Daniella Draper.

Emilia Wickstead, 2019

At the 2019 men’s finals, Kate debuted an Emilia Wickstead dress in a charming baby blue hue. 

The ‘Jordin’ style featured a square neckline, twisted strap detailing and an elegant pleated skirt that fell to the shin.

Kate added her much-loved Josef clutch and In2Design pearl earrings, along with a pair of Aldo heels, for the longest Wimbledon final in history.

Suzannah London, 2019

The Princess championed summer chic when she arrived at Wimbledon in 2019 on day two wearing Suzannah’s iconic ‘Flippy Wiggle’ dress.

Channelling the all-white dress code, her 1940s-inspired dress was crafted from Italian crepe, with a skimming fit and fluid skirt.

Kate accentuated her look with Gianvito Rossi pumps, Catherine Zoraida fern hoop earrings and a raffia ‘Wicca’ bag from Alexander McQueen.

Jenny Packham, 2018

Kate conducted her first engagement with Meghan Markle at the All England Club in 2018.

The Princess showed her light-hearted spirit in a tennis ball-printed dress by Jenny Packham as she chatted to the former Suits actress.

Kate accessorised with Gianvito Rossi heels, a Dolce & Gabbana bag and her beloved In2Design pearl earrings.

Dolce & Gabbana, 2018

All eyes were on Kate Middleton when she wore a Dolce & Gabbana dress to the final day of Wimbledon in 2018.

Hailing from the resort 2017 collection, the cheerful yellow crepe design featured ruffled sleeves, a figure-hugging fit and knee length.

She carried the Italian brand’s sought-after ‘Sicily’ bag and donned exquisite diamond earrings from Asprey London.

Dolce & Gabbana, 2017

In her early years of royal appearances, Dolce & Gabbana was frequently worn by Kate. 

On the opening day of Wimbledon in 2017, she showcased a black-and-white polka dot dress from the label, with block-heeled sandals by Office and a Victoria Beckham handbag. 

Combining a square neckline, three-quarter length sleeves and a full skirt, Kate’s striking dress was effortlessly flattering.

Catherine Walker, 2017

Kate turned to one of her go-to designers, Catherine Walker, for the 2017 men’s singles final.

The royal wore a bespoke version of the label’s ‘Fleurs Sauvages’ dress, which boasted a botanical print across the skirt. 

She complemented her outfit with a ‘Quincy’ bag by Victoria Beckham and Cassandra Goad ‘Temple of Heaven’ earrings. 

Alexander McQueen, 2016

In 2016, the Princess of Wales showcased a custom dress, based on Alexander McQueen’s AW16 collection.

It was emblazoned with a quirky print, designed by Sarah Burton, which explored the notion of the obsessive collector with depictions of lipsticks, skulls and butterflies.

Kate added her Brora gold charm earrings, premiered in Bhutan, an LK Bennett clutch and Gianvito Rossi pumps. 

LK Bennett, 2015

Kate stood out from the crowd on day nine of Wimbledon in 2015.

The royal’s extra-bright LK Bennett dress proved to be particularly flattering with its short sleeves and A-line silhouette.

She accessorised with a playful leopard print clutch by Diane von Furstenberg and Mirabelle ‘Lolita’ earrings.

Jonathan Saunders, 2014

For the men’s singles final in 2014, Kate showcased colour and pattern.

Wearing a geometric dress by Jonathan Saunders, the royal appeared ready for summer as she cheered on Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

She kept her accessories to a minimum, opting for an LK Bennett clutch and Kiki McDonough gemstone earrings.

Zimmermann, 2014

The Princess of Wales made a Wimbledon comeback in 2014, having missed the event the previous year due to being pregnant with Prince George.

Her white Zimmermann ‘Roamer’ dress was originally worn on a trip to Australia earlier that year.

The delightful broderie anglaise style featured latticework along the hem, waistline and shoulders.

Kate added a punch of colour with her bag, carrying a woven fan clutch from Anya Hindmarch.

Alexander McQueen, 2012

Kate joined her husband, Prince William, for the men’s quarter-final match in 2012.

She wore a sailor-inspired dress by Alexander McQueen, previously worn during the couple’s 2011 tour of Canada. 

The cream knitted dress incorporated navy stripes at the waist and cuffs, as well as a traditional tie-neck.

The royal completed her look with diamond and sapphire earrings and a navy quilted clutch by Jaeger.

Temperley London, 2011

In 2011, the newly-married Princess made her first Wimbledon appearance as a member of the Royal Family. 

Kate selected a tiered white dress from Temperley London, adorned with petal detailing on the shoulders and a pleated skirt, inspired by tennis attire.

She carried a snakeskin printed clutch and a coat in preparation for any unpredictable British weather.

It was a fitting choice for her royal debut.