Kate refreshes Emilia Wickstead look for Buckingham Palace tribute

The clearest old-money tell was in the hemline. Catherine, Princess of Wales, revived an Emilia Wickstead dress from 2017 for a Buckingham Palace reception marking Queen Elizabeth II’s centenary, but the update was all about proportion: a longer midi length, three-quarter sleeves and subtle ruching where a heavy waistband once sat. The effect was softer and more fluid, yet still crisply tailored in the lilac shade she favors for formal occasions.

That is the quiet trick behind the best royal rewears. Instead of treating an older dress like a relic, the Princess of Wales let small alterations do the work, easing the silhouette without stripping away its polish. A longer skirt changes the line of the body immediately, and the switch from a firm waistband to gathered ruching turns a look from structured to supple. It is the kind of adjustment that makes repeat dressing feel intentional, not economical.

The setting underscored the formality of the moment. Reports said the Prince and Princess of Wales joined hundreds of guests at Buckingham Palace, alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla, for a reception tied to the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth. The Royal Family said the centenary was being marked through a series of commemorative events celebrating the late monarch’s life, service and enduring legacy.

Kate’s choice also fit the broader rhythm of her wardrobe. She has long returned to Emilia Wickstead for garden parties and diplomatic appearances, and the designer’s house language, modern silhouettes, strong colour and a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, suits that approach perfectly. The result is clothing that reads as current without chasing novelty, which is exactly why the same dress can return nearly a decade later and still feel right.

King Charles III issued his centenary message on 20 April 2026, saying, “my Family and I pause to reflect on the life and loss of a Sovereign who meant so much to us...” At Buckingham Palace, Kate answered that tone in fabric and silhouette: not with spectacle, but with a measured recalibration of a familiar dress, the kind of edit that keeps heritage dressing alive.