Princess Kate is a fashion queen in 80s Commonwealth Day dress - and Queen Elizabeth's wedding diamonds

As head of the Commonwealth, Charles issued an annual message to the 56 member-nations, which will hold their biennial Commonwealth meeting this year during the first week of November in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.

Inspired by the meeting's theme – accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous Commonwealth – the service celebrated collaboration as the defining strength of the modern family of nations.

Charles and Camilla arrived first, followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales, alongside 1,800 guests at the annual event.

Kate, 44, looked as stylish as ever in her formal outfit, which consisted of a glorious navy blue Catherine Walker coat dress, which featured bold 80s style shoulder pads and delicate pleated skirt detail.

The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis wore her trademark brunette hair in a lightly curled style, and her makeup looked as fresh and flawless as always. 

The royal also sported the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings that originally belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, gifted to her for her wedding in 1947.

We loved Kate's hat, which was also navy blue and had a netted finish. In previous years, the royal has donned a plethora of dazzling headbands and pillbox hats, as well as classic, circular creations with sweeping brims.

As a fashion editor who has been specialising in royal style for over eight years, I enjoy seeing Kate's look for this event each year. Here are some of my favourites from the past.

Kate stole the show in 2022 in an eye-catching, royal blue dress coat by royally-loved label Catherine Walker. Then known as the Duchess of Cambridge, the royal wore her hair in a long, loose style with perfectly coiffed curls, and she topped off her crowning glory with a vibrant blue, Jackie O-style hat.

In 2023, Kate looked elegant in a tailored jacket and suit set from fashion designer Erdem. The midi pencil skirt featured a flared, mermaid hem that fanned out elegantly as she walked. This style and her tailored peplum jacket were from the designer's pre-fall 2023 collection. Both pieces were designed in a navy blue colourway and had delicate embroidered flowers. The pieces were the epitome of modern dressing.

Stepping into Westminster Abbey wearing a spectacular scarlet ensemble, Kate gave a masterclass in monochromatic dressing as she chose to recycle her vibrant bow-adorned coat dress by one of her most-loved designers, Catherine Walker. The royal teamed the statement look with a striking red pillbox hat, made by former milliner, Gina Foster.