The Princess of Wales has worn many fabulous skirts over the course of her 15 years in the British royal family, but there is one that so many royal fans have forgotten. In March 2022, Prince William and Kate were photographed arriving at Philip S. W Goldson International Airport to start their royal tour of the Caribbean to mark the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, with the then-Duchess of Cambridge dazzling in royal blue.
Stepping out of the royal plane, Kate, now 44, wore a cobalt look by Jenny Packham, a diplomatic nod to royal blue, one of Belize's national colours. The ensemble featured a figure-skimming pencil skirt that grazed the knee with a coordinating peplum top. The bodice was cinched at the waist to create the fit-and-flare silhouette, and the top also featured three-quarter length sleeves, a Chelsea collar and structured shoulders.
Princess Kate's monochrome moment
© GettyKate opted for a true monochrome moment in how she chose suede heels and a clutch in the exact shade of blue to match her skirt. She also wore her 'Two Drop Sapphire and Diamond Pendant Necklace' and the earrings to match.
© GettyShe debuted this set in 2020 during a meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, at Buckingham Palace, and the pieces were constructed from sapphires dating back to 1981, when Princess Diana was gifted a suite of sapphire and diamond jewellery by the Saudi royal family as a wedding gift.
© GettyThree days later, Kate was seen leaving Belize by aeroplane, and this is the airport look that overshadowed her cobalt moment in public memory. She donned Belize's remaining national colours, white and red, in the form of a belted Yves Saint Laurent jacket and Alexander McQueen wide-leg trousers.
How to make a pencil skirt cool in 2026
© GettyWhile for many, pencil skirts are a thing of the past (they peaked in popularity in the 1980s but made a comeback in the early 2010s), there are ways that we can follow Kate's lead and revive them for 2026.
© GettyOriona Robb, a luxury stylist with more than 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, tells us how. "This power look is a masterclass in how a pencil skirt can feel modern, authoritative and feminine all at once, with sharp tailoring and confident colour doing the heavy lifting rather than trend-led gimmicks," she says. Keep scrolling for her top tips for making pencil skirts look in vogue for this year…
- "Prioritise structure and fabric: Look for heavier, sculpting materials that hold their shape and feel intentional, not office-basic.
- Balance with modern proportions: Pair with a sharp peplum, cropped jacket or softly structured top to create contrast and avoid the silhouette feeling dated.
- Lean into colour or texture: A bold shade like blue, forest green or oxblood instantly refreshes the pencil skirt, while texture adds depth.
- Keep accessories streamlined: Minimal heels and a clean clutch or top-handle bag keep the look powerful and contemporary rather than corporate."
