Princess Kate made a style statement as she stepped back into the public spotlight on Saturday to attend King Charles’ birthday celebrations in London after announcing her

The princess opted for a monochrome ensemble with a strong thematic tie to one of cinema’s most-celebrated fashion moments for her highly anticipated appearance, which was only on Friday evening.

Kate appeared in a closefitting, long-sleeved dress designed by Jenny Packham with a black-and-white striped belt and corsage detail, which paired with the black piping around the neckline. The princess also wore a black-and-white wide-brimmed hat designed by Philip Treacy.

The striped corsage element ties the look aesthetically to the famous Royal Ascot costume worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 movie musical My Fair Lady.

Hepburn’s costumes for the movie were designed by the royal family’s favorite 20th-century photographer, Sir Cecil Beaton. He won an Oscar for his efforts, which have inspired several high-fashion designers and collections in the decades since.

Kate is widely regarded as one of the most-stylish members of the royal family, regularly winning praise from the fashion press and followers for her outfit choices for high-profile engagements.

The princess is estimated to be worth with fans eager to replicate her outfits or acquire duplicate items she has worn through retailers.

has become one of Kate’s most highly anticipated fashion appearances since her marriage 13 years ago. For the majority of these, she has to provide her outfit.

In 2023, Kate’s close fashion ally, Sarah Burton, who designed the princess’ wedding dress,

Jenny Packham is another of Kate’s favored fashion designers and has made a number of Kate’s celebrated outfits. These include the worn to the 2021 premiere of the James Bond movie No Time to Die.

Kate’s outfit on Saturday for the Trooping the Colour celebrations is close in style to a similar Packham dress first marking Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation. It is possible that the royal has had the dress updated for reuse, a recycling model she had adopted with other outfits in recent years.

Kate’s Trooping appearance marks the first time that she has attended a public event since Christmas Day, and comes after the release of a providing an update on her health.

The princess was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier in the year, and she has confirmed she is still receiving chemotherapy treatment. Kate hopes to be able to attend a small number of events over the summer when she feels she is able to.

“My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home,” Kate said.

“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.”

William Brown is Regalrumination.com‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly , at and read his stories on Regalrumination.com‘s

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