19 rare photos of Kate Middleton at Ascot throughout the years, showing her royal style never misses
The Princess was spotted with her mum at the famous races – here, we look back at how her Ascot style has changed
Yesterday saw the Princess of Wales make a jubilant return to Royal Ascot races (wearing a sunshine yellow Roksanda dress, previously spotted during her tour of Jamaica); sadly Kate was forced to miss the past two events due to her health troubles. This time around, she was joined by her mother, Carole Middleton, and husband, Prince William, for a day of horse racing.
Last year, Kate's name was mistakenly added to a programme, according to news reports, and when she didn't appear, concerns grew – however the Palace later issued a statement to say the Princess was never expected to attend.
Royal Ascot has long been one of the standout events in the royal calendar, with members of the Firm regularly turning out in their finest attire for the five-day racing festival. Since marrying into the Royal Family in 2011, Kate has used the occasion to showcase some of her most memorable fashion moments, from elegant lace dresses and striking monochrome ensembles to bold colours and statement hats. The annual event has also offered rare glimpses into the Princess's personal life, capturing candid interactions with relatives and moments of genuine joy away from more formal royal duties.
Here, we look back at the Princess of Wales' carefully chosen Ascot races outfits over the years, featuring some rarely seen images of her laughing with loved ones, peeking out of a carriage and being sheltered from the rain by her loving husband (well... it is England after all).
2016: Kate Middleton's first Royal Ascot visit
Catherine, who at the time was the Duchess of Cambridge, arrives for the second day of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on 8 June 2016. It's believed the dress is Dolce & Gabbana, the hat is by Jane Taylor London and shoes from Gianvito Rossi.
2016: Kate Middleton's first Royal Ascot visit
2016: Kate Middleton's first Royal Ascot visit
2017: White lace wins again
The Duchess was seen on day 1 with her mother, Carole Middleton, and wore white for her second Ascot appearance. This time around, the dress was from British designer, Alexander McQueen, and was shorter with a higher collar.
2017: White lace wins again
2017: White lace wins again
2018: Beautiful in blue
For her third year at the famous racecourse, Catherine wore a pale blue Elie Saab dress (and luckily Prince William was on-hand to accessorise her look with an umbrella against the elements!).
2018: Beautiful in blue
2018: Beautiful in blue
2022: Dots galore for the Duchess
After skipping a couple of years due to the pandemic, William and Catherine presented jockey Christophe Soumillon with the Commonwealth Cup on day 4 of Royal Ascot. She wore Princess Diana's earrings and a polka dot dress from Alessandra Rich.
2022: Dots galore for the Duchess
2022: Dots galore for the Duchess
2022: Dots galore for the Duchess
2023: Catherine's first Ascot as a Princess
To mark her first Ascot event as the Princess of Wales, Catherine wore a bold red Alexander McQueen dress, Philip Treacy hat and chic boho earrings by Sézane.
2023: Catherine's first Ascot as a Princess
2023: Catherine's first Ascot as a Princess
2026: The Princess returns after health difficulties
Looking like a burst of sunshine in her Roksanda dress, the Princess returned to Ascot after missing two years due to her health issues (she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment). This year, she was spotted laughing with both her husband and mother, and former England manager, Gareth Southgate (who, let's be real, is basically another form of British royalty at this point).
2026: The Princess returns after health difficulties
2026: The Princess returns after health difficulties
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