Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has cemented her status as a royal fashion icon, and her enduring partnership with British designer Jenny Packham has played a pivotal role in this accolade. Since her wedding to Prince William in 2011, Catherine has made Jenny Packham's creations a staple in her wardrobe, whether attending galas, film premieres, or fulfilling her daily royal duties. Her affinity for Packham's designs is evident in the countless times she has been photographed in them.
For their recent return to London's Royal Albert Hall for an awards show, Catherine opted to restyle a white one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown, previously worn at the BAFTA Awards in 2019. She refreshed the ensemble with black evening gloves and striking gold statement earrings.
In recent years, Middleton has used her appearances on the red carpet as a platform to promote sustainability. At the 2020 BAFTA Awards, she famously wore the same white and gold Alexander McQueen gown she had worn to a state dinner in Malaysia back in 2012. In December 2022, she attended the Earthshot Prize ceremony in a vibrant green dress rented from an online platform.
On this occasion, Princess Kate dazzled in a Jenny Packham creation—a long, elegant white gown featuring an asymmetrical neckline gathered into a knot over one shoulder, cascading into a graceful waterfall effect behind her. The dress boasted a mid-waistline and flowed loosely into a skirt that moved effortlessly as she walked. Complementing the gown were shoulder-length black satin opera gloves, a sleek black clutch, and understated gold heels that peeked from beneath the hem.
Adorning her ears were oversized statement earrings crafted from cascading copper petals, styled in a chandelier design that framed her shoulders. Her hair was styled down, enhancing her natural beauty with a subtle smokey eye and a mostly natural makeup palette.
Prince William accompanied Catherine, dressed in a dashing black suit adorned with a velvet jacket featuring ornate fabric buttons and wide lapels. He paired this with a classic white button-down shirt and a sharp black bow tie, completing his sophisticated ensemble.
The BAFTA Awards hold particular significance for the royal couple, who had skipped the event in recent years due to undisclosed reasons and Prince Philip's passing in 2021. Their last appearance in 2020 saw Kate Middleton resplendent in a white and gold Alexander McQueen gown, while in 2019, she wore pearl and diamond earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana.
Reflecting on previous BAFTA red carpet moments, the Duchess has consistently chosen Alexander McQueen creations. In 2017, she graced the event in a bespoke black floral gown from the fashion house, featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, a fitted bodice, and a voluminous tiered skirt. Her hair was elegantly swept up, drawing attention to her pear-shaped chandelier earrings.
Even during her pregnancy with Prince Louis in 2018, Kate made a memorable appearance at the BAFTAs, opting for a deep green cap-sleeved ensemble by Jenny Packham. Her outfit included a black ribbon accentuating her baby bump, complemented by stunning emerald jewelry and black Prada heels.
In 2020, adhering to the evening's sustainable dress code, Kate shimmered in an Alexander McQueen gown she first wore to a state dinner in Malaysia in 2012. She accessorized with earrings and a necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels, alongside gold Jimmy Choo heels, reaffirming her commitment to both timeless fashion and environmental responsibility.
