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Princess Kate's autumnal ra-ra skirt is her most playful hemline to date


The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis delighted fans with this fashion throwback from 2018


Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales takes part in a St Patrick's Day parade as she visits Aldershot Barracks on St Patrick's Day on March 17, 2012 in Aldershot, England. © Getty Images
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
October 6, 2025
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The Princess of Wales is very loyal to the unofficial royal fashion rules of hemlines. It's widely recommended that royal ladies opt for hemlines no higher than four inches above the knee. Of course, sometimes it can't be helped if a dress fit shows a little more than expected, and Kate did just this back in 2018 during a royal visit to the University College London. Prince William's wife looked radiant in a chic Paule Ka skirt suit that she had worn many times before.

The mother-of-three looked nothing short of fabulous in her burgundy get-up, which was both sleek yet fun. The cropped yet tailored jacket looked streamlined and modern, and the skirt looked as if it would billow around her if the princess gave us a twirl. The brunette royal was on point with her hair, too; she tied back her long locks up in a ponytail and secured it with a velvet ribbon. Divine!  

Kate Middleton visits a UCL Developmental Neuroscience Lab at UCL London on November 21, 2018 in London, England.© WireImage
Kate looked incredible wearing her Paule Ka skirt in 2018.

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Kate Middleton visits a UCL Developmental Neuroscience Lab at UCL London on November 21, 2018 in London, England.© WireImage

Kate looked so chic in her skirt

Sometimes, the idea of wearing a block colour in one hit can feel daunting. But Kate shows that it can be done; just go for tailored, unfussy pieces, for that timeless, classic look. 

Kate Middleton visits a UCL Developmental Neuroscience Lab at UCL London on November 21, 2018 in London, England.© WireImage

The Princess pulled off head-to-toe burgundy

Cranberry, burgundy, and wine tones are always fabulous to wear in the 'ber' months and capture the spirit of the season, with its distinctively warm, rich tones.

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Kate Middleton wearing a burgundy skirt in 2017 in South Wales© PA Images via Getty Images

Kate also wore the style in 2017 on a visit to South Wales

The royal actually wore the style just a year before in 2017. At an event in Wales, she recycled the burgundy skirt suit by the French brand. The double-breasted jacket and short skirt with horizontal ribbing made for the perfect Autumn/Winter look, complemented by its berry tones. Once again, she paired the look with black tights, a black rollneck, and her Stuart Weitzman ‘Halfnhalf’ boots. Her famous half-up, half-down hairstyle completed her elegant ensemble, and she also wore black gloves to keep out the chill.

Kate Middleton and Prince William,  in 2012 in London, England at Middle Temple© Getty Images

Kate debuted the same skirt suit in 2012


Kate first wore the style back in 2012. Looking happy and relaxed as she met recipients of a law scholarship set up in her name in London, she rocked her deep cranberry outfit as she greeted students. With her long hair looking glossy, well-kept, and lightly curled, she teamed the skirt with a pair of tights and high heels.

princess kate ready for fall© Getty Images

When the leaves turn and the air sharpens, few people step sartorially into autumn quite like Princess Kate, and over on the The HELLO! Royal Club, The Royal Shopper, Leanne Bayley, has revealed nine of Kate's best autumnal style tricks and how you can copy them affordably. Click on the button below to get Leanne's expert advice now.

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