Skip to main contentSkip to footer
princess kate smiling in green suit© Getty Images

Princess Kate defies expectations in Victoria Beckham flares and ruffles

The Princess of Wales presented the Queen Elizabeth II award for British design

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Phoebe Tatham
News and Features Writer
Updated: May 13, 2025
Share this:

The Princess of Wales was the epitome of elegance on Tuesday as she stepped out to present a prestigious award in London.

Princess Kate attended an event hosted by the British Fashion Council at London's 180 Studios to celebrate the impact of young British creatives and the UK's fashion industry, while also recognising designers championing sustainability.

princess kate walking in green trouser suit © Alamy Stock Photo

Kate's fashion

Exuding sophistication, the stylish royal, 43, rocked a moss-green suit designed by Victoria Beckham

It featured a pair of 70s-inspired flared trousers, complete with statement pockets, and a matching single-breasted jacket in the same olive hue.

Elevating her ensemble, Kate teamed her razor-sharp tailored pieces with a white ruffled shirt, dark brown pumps and some elegant pearl drop earrings. 

While Kate is rarely spotted wearing Victoria's designs, she has previously worn a handful of items from the brand, including a pair of sunglasses and a handbag. 

princess kate in green suit © Alamy Stock Photo

As for hair and makeup, Princess Kate wore her chestnut locks down loose in gentle waves, and opted for a radiant beauty look with lashings of mascara and sweeps of bronzer. 

kate presenting award to designer© Getty Images

Presenting the award

During the event, the royal mother-of-three was on hand to present The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to winning designer, Patrick McDowell.


princess kate talking to designer patrick © Getty Images

'It's a huge privilege and honour'

Of their award, Patrick, 29, said: "It's a huge privilege and honour. Throughout her tenure she's been an amazing advocate of British fashion and really flies the flag for British fashion.

"She also looks incredible and is a real style icon. It is extra special to receive an award from her today."

Patrick founded their eponymous label in 2018 after graduating from Central Saint Martins. Their brand is renowned for crafting made-to-order garments with unexpected materials and surprising silhouettes. 

The designer has since dressed an array of famous faces, including singer Lady Gaga and actresses Keira Knightley and Sarah Jessica Parker.

princess kate talking to designers© Alamy Stock Photo

The prestigious gong, now in its eighth year, is presented to an emerging British fashion designer who exhibits exceptional talent and originality, while also demonstrating value to the community and strong sustainable policies. 

kate talking to group of people© Getty Images

Kate also visited the winning designer's pop-up studio to find out more about their sustainable designs.

She later viewed designs of recipients and shortlisted designers from the BFC Foundation's designer initiatives: BFC NEWGEN, BFC Fashion Trust, BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund.

Elsewhere, the royal was shown a pattern for a new style of jacket called Wales Bar and when she asked "why Wales?" was told it was named in her honour.

kate shaking hands at fashion event© Getty Images

The award's history

These initiatives are funded by the BFC Foundation and help to support the British fashion industry by offering education, grants and business mentoring.

The first ever Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was presented to renowned designer Richard Quinn back in February 2018.

Other previous winners include menswear designer Saul Nash, Priya Ahluwalia, Rosh Mahtani of Alighieri, Bethany Williams and Foday Dumbuya of Labrum London.


Princess Kate's commitment to sustainable fashion

The Princess of Wales is continuing to fly the flag for sustainable fashion. Aside from supporting initiatives and awards such as the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, Prince William's wife also looks to champion slow fashion in her own day-to-day life.

In a stand against overconsumption, Kate is particularly committed to recycling her wardrobe. Over the years, she's re-worn numerous outfits, including her beloved pink Emilia Wickstead dress which she memorably wore twice in one month.

The Princess of Wales in a pink fit and flare dress© Getty Images
The Princess of Wales often wears Emilia Wickstead, including during an appearance in 2018

Beyond this, she makes deliberate choices when choosing designers, and often wears items from companies that are known to be ethically made and that support charities.

WATCH: Princess Kate presents award at event hosted by the British Fashion Council

ROYAL FAN? JOIN THE CLUB

Welcome to The HELLO! Royal Club, where thousands of royal fans like you get to delve deeper into the wonderful world of royalty every day. Want to join them? Just click the button below for a list of club benefits and joining information.

Sign up to Royal Style and discover the latest royal fashion moments

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royal Style
See more