Every Time The Duchess of Cambridge Has Dazzled On The Red Carpet
It may have been two weeks ago now, but the world has yet to stop talking about *that* look from Kate Middleton at the London premiere of the latest Bond instalment ‘No Time to Die’. Arriving at the Royal Albert Hall alongside her husband and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Kate wowed the crowd in a golden Jenny Packham gown and circular statement earrings by O’nitaa. If there is one time in life you should aim to sparkle, it’s at a James Bond event, and given it’s been a long time since she had the chance to dress up, Kate really went for it.
Of course, the Duchess of Cambridge is known for her fashionable looks. From sporty to formal, she very rarely puts a step wrong and certainly knows how to dress to impress. In the past it was rather common for members of the Royal family to attend London-based movie premiers for British films, however, it is now a far rarer occurrence. In her ten years as a working member of the Royal family, Kate has attended a small variety of red carpet events, including movie premieres, but she has dressed impeccably for each and every one. Here is a comprehensive list of the times the Duchess has taking our breaths away on the red (or other coloured) carpet!
ARK Dinner
Image: Arthur Edwards/Getty
In June 2011, just a few months after their famous wedding, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Absolute Return for Kids dinner and for the blue carpet Kate stunned in a shimmering by the British designer Jenny Packham. The gown featured Swarovski crystals as was part of the brand’s Spring 2011 ready-to-wear collection. She accessorised with LK Bennet shoes and a Prada clutch bag. Considering this was one of the Duchesses first official events as a Royal, she certainly set the tone for a fabulous fashion future.
BAFTA Brits
Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Just one month later Kate would find herself on the red carpet, this time in LA, for the BAFTA Brits to Watch Event. Truly wowing Hollywood, Kate wore an Alexander McQueen lilac dress featuring a white belt to cinch in the waist. The Grecian inspired dress was not necessarily showy, instead, it was delicate and feminine. Overall it was a classic Kate look, understated and elegant.
The Sun Military Awards
Image: PA
Back in December 2011, the newly married Duchess of Cambridge alongside her husband and Prince Harry attended The Sun’s Military Awards at the Imperial War Museum. With her hair down and diamond jewellery on, she wore a custom Alexander McQueen black velvet gown. The gown was altered from a ready-to-wear item from McQueen which originally cost around £4000. The original piece featured a large sheer panel around the legs which would not have been deemed appropriate for the event, so the Duchess had the velvet bought all the way down creating a classy and subtly sexy look. We’re still in awe with this look and hope to see Kate bring it out for another wear sometime soon.
War Horse Premiere
In January 2012 it was finally time for the Duchess of Cambridge’s first film premiere, the movie adaptation of the Michael Morpurgo classic ‘War Horse’.For this glitzy event, Kate chose to wear a black lace dress by Temperley. The fitted gown featured a delicate black lace motif atop a nude underdress, creating a body-hugging silhouette.
Tusk Awards 2013
Image: Getty
A year and a half later we saw Kate on the red carpet once more, this time for the Tusk awards. Kate, who had given birth to Prince George just two months prior, wore yet another shimmering Jenny Packham gown.
Mandela: The Long Walk To Freedom
Image: Rex
December 2013 saw the Duchess of Cambridge in an understated white Roland Mouret gown with thigh-high leg split at the premiere of ‘Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom’. After originally wearing this dress back in 2012, Kate chose to style the dress with a loose ponytail and chunky necklace. A very 2013 look!
Spectre Premiere
Image: David M. Benett
In October 2015, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended the premiere of the James Bond hit ‘Spectre’. For this major film premiere, Kate chose to wear yet another Jenny Peckham gown, this time in a delightful duck egg blue shade. The gorgeous gown featured a diamante waistband and, sheer sleeves and an open back.
Streetcat Named Bob Premiere
Image: Getty
November 2016 saw Kate wearing a cult favourite dress amongst celebrities by the brand Self Portrait. The maxi length white gown looked elegant on the Duchess as she arrived at the Curzon Mayfair for the charity event which was in support of Action on Addiction, a charity she is a patron of.
42nd Street
Image: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty
In April 2017, the Duchess of Cambridge attended the opening night of the classic musical 42nd Street at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane. For the event which was in aid of EACH, a charity of which she is patron, Kate wore a burgundy Marchesa Notte dress. The mid-century silhouette was perfect for the location and situation of the event!
BAFTAS 2017
For the 2017 BAFTA awards, Kate chose to wear an off the shoulder floral Alexander McQueen gown, with a large updo and large earrings. The dress, which featured a tiered skirt, has been worn by Kate since with added shoulder pieces.
BAFTAS 2018
Image: Getty
By this point, you may have noticed that Kate rather likes Jenny Packham gowns! While pregnant with Prince Louis, she wore a delightful forest green dress with a subtle black belt, a nod of support to the #TimesUp movement.
Tusk Awards 2018
Image: Samir Hussein/Getty
For the 2018 Tusk Conservation Awards in London, the Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear a turquoise Jenny Packham gown that she previously wore in 2012 for another red carpet outing, the Our Greatest Team Rises Gala dinner. The dress, made out of silk and chantilly lace features an ornate lace back and delicate cap sleeves.
BAFTAS 2019
Image: Getty
In February 2019 it was once again time for the annual BAFTA awards in London. For the glamorous occasion, the Duchess wore a white one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown and, as usual, looked charming.
BAFTAS 2020
Image: Matt Crossick
For the last red carpet event attended by the Duchess before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she wore an Alexander McQueen gown that she first wore on tour in Malaysia in 2012. For the 2020 BAFTA Awards, Kate chose to add shoulder pads to the gown, a look she has come to favour greatly in recent years.
No Time To Die Premiere
Image: Chris Jackson/Getty
And, of course, the most recent red carpet event attended by the Duchess was the ‘No Time To Die’ premiere. Wearing a breath-taking gold sequined Jenny Packham gown, Kate commanded the world’s attention, and we still can’t stop speaking about it. The caped gown featured a sheer overlay which she accessorised with a pair of classic nude pumps.
