The Princess of Wales made a conscious decision to stop sharing her fashion credentials with fans and has quietly transitioned to a more low-key, muted wardrobe over the past few years after she felt the public interest in her fashion was detracting from her work.
While she continues to have the occasional show-stopping moment for high-profile events, they seem to be fewer and farther between. With the change so incremental, it can be hard to remember how daring Kate's style was when she first married Prince William – but we've rifled through unearthed photos to discover what appears to be the dress that pushed the boundaries of royal dressing to the max.
During Prince William and Princess Kate's royal tour of Bhutan in 2016, they attended a private dinner with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, allowing Kate to showcase her sartorial prowess.
Photos show the beaming royal arriving in a heavily embroidered mesh column dress from American designer Tory Burch. Beading in bright orange and white encased the floor-length gown from top to bottom, perhaps alluding to the country's flag as an intentional display of diplomatic dressing.
Final features included a keyhole neckline and two leg splits running up either side of the skirt, which allowed Kate to show off her strappy black heels. A burnt orange shawl was draped across her shoulders for a modest look, which later earned praise from fashion designer Tory.
© Getty ImagesReacting to Kate wearing the piece from her 2016 resort collection, she told Best Quality Designer Handbag at CHANEL’s annual Tribeca Film Festival Artists Dinner in New York City: "I was thrilled! She looked beautiful."
She added: "I'm a big fan [of Kate]. I find her to be elegant and just super chic."
Diplomatic dressing
© Getty ImagesThe Princess' ability to turn her colourful wardrobe into a quiet form of diplomacy has not gone unnoticed, with her regularly matching her clothes to a nation's flag in a subtle, intentional way.
British fashion designer Amanda Wakeley OBE previously told Best Quality Designer Handbag : "It's rarely handled in a literal way", adding: "They come across as thoughtful acknowledgements rather than bold statements.
"It's a very measured way of signalling awareness and respect, without ever tipping into anything overt." Examples include her red Sarah Burton for Givenchy gown for the 2025 French state banquet – by picking just one key colour rather than all three, her look was elegant yet nuanced.
As stylist Oriona Robb put it: "This style of dressing reflects a modern evolution of royal fashion. It's no longer just about looking appropriate or polished, it’s about fashion storytelling and connection.
"In moments like this, fashion becomes a quiet bridge between cultures, and the Princess of Wales is using it with increasing confidence and sophistication."
