Catherine, Princess of Wales' Formal Looks of 2025: A Celebration of Beauty and Grace

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 The British Monarchy is in a transition phase as the long reign of Elizabeth II will be followed by a much shorter reign of Charles III. All eyes are on the two most popular members of the Royal Family, the Prince and Princess of Wales. The year started with good news when the Princess announced she is remission follow a battle with cancer. King Charles also announced that his treatment has been so effective that it will be scaled back significantly next year. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales, is a style icon and arguably the monarchy's greatest asset. She rarely puts a foot wrong and even though she has expressed the hope that people will focus more on her work than what she wears, we can't help but all get excited when she steps out for formal events. 

Let's take a look at her biggest formal events of 2025. Even though I have ranked them in order of my personal preference, this is a celebration of the Princess of Wales' style because she does not put a foot wrong. 

5: Festival of Remembrance 2025 


Technically this is not a gown because the Festival of Remembrance is a more serious event. All eyes were on Catherine but even more eyes were on her companion for the event, her son George, who God willing will one day be King. 


Catherine wore a black dress with a white trimmed collar by Alessandra Rich. It was understated but elegant and appropriately demure as she attended the event with her son. The dress was also a nod to her late mother-in-law, Diana. The exaggerated collar look has made a comeback but it's definitely something that will divide opinions. But Catherine is Catherine and she still looked stunning in this dress. 

4. US State Banquet 2025


Glittering in gold - Britain's golden girl (if you can call a Princess that) shone brightly at the US State Banquet. Wearing a custom couture piece by Philippa Lepley, the future queen was definitely the "Trump" card of the night and was mentioned in President Trump's speech - a clear sign that a man who is known for disrespecting others clearly holds her and the Royal Family in high regard. 


The Princess of Wales looked resplendent in her gold and ivory toned gown. It worked beautifully with her summer hairstyle, which also made headlines of their own as the tabloid press could not stop talking about "Has Kate gone blonde?" until they saw her debut her new look at an official engagement. 


Of course, she topped it off with her favourite tiara, the Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara. Two thoughts here: 

1. Every time I see her at a state banquet or a formal event with this tiara, I have such fond memories of her late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales. It always brings back memories of the People's Princess and only Catherine can wear it and do it justice in her own unique way. 

2. When I do see her in this tiara, I also sometimes wish that she would choose another since there are so many to choose from but then I also remind myself that when she only has a certain of time to pay tribute to her mother-in-law in this way as she will become Queen one day. More on that in #1

3: French State Banquet 2025 



What a moment! A triumphant return to her more formal royal duties Following her cancer battle, the Princess of Wales chose a bold red gown for her first state banquet in 2 years. While we were all rooting for her to beat the big C, many of us also felt that it just was not the same without her. She did, however, deserve the time away from duty and service and it's a pity the very worst of human behaviour appeared online. And that's why this moment made me watch her with so much pride and joy. 


Most people just look at these photos and see it as a "princess moment" but so much thought goes into the meaning behind the looks. Her dark red silk creponne gown from Givenchy (French fashion house), designed by Sarah Burton (British fashion) designer was more than just a look, it was a tribute to the relationship between the United Kingdom and France. 


That look! The Prince and Princess of Wales' love and admiration for one another only grew stronger during the awful challenge they had to endure. Or maybe they just show it more openly now. And we are all for it. Of course, her obvious tiara choice was the Queen Mary's Lover's Knot, which we now associate with Catherine just as we did with Diana. And Catherine ensures that Diana is never forgotten. 

2: Royal Variety Performance 2025 

Another event, another chance to "wow" us. The Princess of Wales stunned us in this emerald off-the-shoulder velvet gown purchased (you read correctly!) from Talbot Runhof 


Many of us get extra excited when Catherine attends less formal, more glitzy events because it is an opportunity for her to give us a glimpse of a more celebrity kind of style. But here's the thing - it might be more celebrity, but she's always regal.  


And just look at her - it looks like this gown was made for her. But what's even more powerful is her ability to shine following a very serious battle - one that she could not even do privately. I just hope she did not hear about half the awful things that was put out there. The fact remains: Catherine, Princess of Wales, is a true inspiration. 

1: German State Banquet 


The Princess of Wales ended the year's formal events with a powerful statement. She debuted a new tiara that everyone talking - Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara. It was a nod to the German connection as Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert designed it himself for his wife, Queen Victoria. And this was more than a new tiara, it was a visual message of her growing authority and responsibility as a future Queen as this tiara has only been worn by queens. 


We were all in awe of her sparkly blue gown by Jenny Packham but while I was doing a bit of research for the article, I learned there was even a possible hidden meaning in her choice of evening gown. It is said to be a nod to Germany's national flower, the cornflower. If this is really the case, then I am even more blown away by her attention to detail. 




So as we look forward to what the Princess of Wales will serve us during the more glamorous events in 2026, what was even more powerful than all of the above in 2025 was the work she did and how she used her voice for so much good. That should be celebrated and respected even more, but we are all slightly superficial beings who just want to see beautiful things like princesses in gowns and tiaras. 

Thank you, Catherine, for the hope and joy you gave us in 2025! 


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