The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, made a striking departure from her signature style at a major royal festive event this week. On December 16, 2025, she attended the pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace alongside Prince William and their children, opting for a bold and relaxed look that captured the holiday spirit.
A Festive Departure from Tailoring
Known for her impeccably fitted tailoring and smart silhouettes, Princess Kate swapped her usual style for a flowing, silky maxi dress in a vibrant festive red. The choice marked a deliberate shift towards comfort and elegance for the celebratory palace gathering. The dress in question was a re-wear of an Alessandra Rich design from the brand’s AW19 collection, a piece she had previously worn in 2019 while filming with Mary Berry for A Berry Royal Christmas.
She accessorised the elegant look with Van Cleef & Arpels clover-shaped earrings and added a playful touch with a black velvet hair bow from Miu Miu. This combination achieved a demure yet fun interpretation of festive red dressing, perfectly suited for the season's indulgent feasts.
Finding the Look on the High Street
While the original Alessandra Rich dress has long been sold out, fashion retailers offer several affordable alternatives for those inspired by the royal's festive ensemble. The high street provides a range of options that capture the essence of Kate's look.
Cupshe offers the Picnic Day Polka Dot Maxi Dress for £36, featuring a red colourway with a white polka dot print, long voluminous sleeves, and a keyhole neckline. For a more luxe feel, Finery London’s Polka Dot Midi Tea Dress at £49 presents a similar aesthetic with a larger dot print and puff sleeves.
Other notable alternatives include:
- Roman’s Red Heart Print Ruched Midi Dress, on sale for £35.
- Boden’s Lisa Long Sleeve Tea Dress, reduced from £166 to £83 in a pink and red combination.
- Coast’s Long Sleeve Chiffon Pleated Wrap Midi Dress, now £95, offering an elegant and dramatic silhouette.
Royal Style Sets the Festive Tone
Princess Kate’s appearance at the Buckingham Palace lunch reinforces her status as a key influencer in festive fashion. Her ability to re-wear and re-style significant pieces from her wardrobe also highlights a move towards sustainable fashion choices within the royal family. With the festive season being one of her favourite times to dress for, royal watchers and style enthusiasts can undoubtedly expect more inspiring looks from the Princess of Wales in the lead-up to Christmas.
