Princess Kate's hardest-working dress is her 'if in doubt' style staple


The Princess of Wales rewore one of her most iconic looks when she marked St David's Day with a special video message


Kate Middleton smiling in houndstooth dress© Samir Hussein/WireImage
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
March 2, 2026
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The Prince and Princess of Wales marked St David's Day by sharing a video on Instagram, in which they showcased their impressive Welsh-speaking abilities.

The stylish short film was shot at Frogmore House on the Windsor Replica Luxury Handbag Park estate, and we loved that Kate donned a festive red houndstooth dress by Alessandra Rich for the occasion. The chic midi style featured a V-shaped neckline, dramatic Chelsea collar, long sleeves, a gentle drop waist, and a pleated skirt.

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The dress is a beloved piece from her style archives, having made its debut in 2021 during her visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Kate in red houndstooth dress and black face mask© Getty Images
Kate visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 2021 wearing the same dress

Kate's recycled Alessandra Rich dresses

Princess Kate visits the D-Day exhibition at Bletchley Park on May 14, 2019 in Bletchley, England wearing an Alessandra Rich dress© Getty

The royal is a long-time lover of Alessandra Rich dresses

During my eight years on the royal fashion desk at Best Quality Designer Handbag , I've noted Kate's steadfast loyalty to her favourite labels, building a wardrobe of cherished designer items she often recycles. Alessandra Rich is a prime example of this.

The 44-year-old has nine dresses from the Italian label, and I would describe them as her most 'hard-working' silhouettes, as she consistently restyles them to feel entirely fresh for every occasion.

One of the signature features of an Alessandra Rich dress is the wide, Peter-Pan collar, a fashion fixture the princess clearly loves to embrace.


Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Princess Kate's best outfits over the past ten years
Kate's check dress was an Alessandra Rich number© Getty

Kate wore a grey check dress by the brand

2025

In 2025, Kate wowed onlookers with her grey, plaid print style, featuring voluminous puff sleeves and a statement neckline. We loved the modern yet elegant design, with its bold statement buttons and structured shape. The dress was a past-season buy, worth around £2,000, so it was as if Kate had been waiting for the perfect opportunity for its first public appearance.

Britain's King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince George, Catherine, Princess of Wales,© Getty Images

Kate wore a black dress by Alessandra Rich at the 2025 Festival of Remembrance

Also in 2025, Kate debuted a black Alessandra Rich dress at the Festival of Remembrance. The vintage-style item featured a contrasting white collar and was a mindful choice for the solemn occasion.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for Day 9 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)© Getty

Kate wore the bright blue design in 2022 at Wimbledon

2022

In 2022, Kate took her seat in the Royal Box on Centre Court at Wimbledon to watch Novak Djokovic play Jannik Sinner in the men's quarter-final. Her eye-catching Alessandra Rich number was designed in a pretty azure blue, crafted from silk crepe de chine with pleated detailing on the bodice, gathered sleeves, shoulder pads with ornate buttons, and a belted waist. She wore it a month earlier, the Big Jubilee Lunch, which was part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Kate Middleton polka dot dress

Kate gave her Alessandra Rich dress the 'My Fair Lady' touch in 2022

During Royal Ascot in 2022, Kate wore a white long-sleeved Alessandra Rich piece with a contrasting black dotty pattern. She paired it with suede brown court heels and a black and white headpiece. Kate then rewore the style the following year at the Garter service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Her charming headpiece evoked many comparisons to Audrey Hepburn's character from the iconic film, My Fair Lady.

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