Carole Middleton was the ultimate It-girl on 11 March as she made her Cheltenham Festival 2026 debut. The mother of the Princess of Wales, 71, was spotted catching up with Prince William's cousin, Zara Tindall, as she rocked two incredible accessories.
The first will be familiar to long-time followers of Kate's fashion. Carole donned her daughter's blue fedora by Hicks & Brown featuring a feathered embellishment around the brim.
© PA Images via Getty Images
© GettyPrince William's wife last wore the hat in 2020 while attending Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate.
Meanwhile, Carole proved her fashionista status by carrying a Hermès 'Birkin' bag, the ultimate hallmark of an It-girl. Though 'Birkin' bags vary in price, a similar style currently features on Vestiaire Collective for £50,237.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesCarole's large designer bag perfectly matched her chocolate-brown suede boots, as well as her leather gloves. As far as the clothes were concerned, the royal's mother opted for a longline blue-toned grey check coat which she wore done up to brave the Gloucestershire breeze.
The wife of British businessman Michael Middleton completed her look with a faux fur scarf in a caramel hue and a pair of floral drop earrings. Her makeup look flattered her bronzed complexion perfectly as she opted for subtly smoky eyes and a rosy pink lipstick.
A stylist's verdict on Carole's 2026 debut
© James WhatlingLeanne Jones, a fashion stylist, is certainly impressed with Carole's designer accessory styling. "Nothing says class and high fashion quite like a Hermès 'Birkin' bag, so who better to carry one than the mother of the future queen?," she says.
"It's the most coveted handbag in the world, embraced by everyone from Victoria Beckham and the Hilton family to Kate Moss and, of course, the original muse herself, Jane Birkin. Owning one is a statement, and carrying one is a power move, instantly elevating any outfit."
Leanne adds: "Carole delivers a flawless head-to-toe look, balancing elegance with youthful energy. Her impeccable style is clearly a family trait, passed down to her daughters. The outfit is perfectly accessorised with the suede boots and blue fedora, beautifully complementing the bag, if not the whole ensemble."
Carole's last public sighting
© Max MumbyCarole's outing to Cheltenham Festival marked her first public outing of 2026, having last been spotted on 5 December 2025 at Kate's 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.
"Carole delivers a flawless head-to-toe look, balancing elegance with youthful energy"
© WireImageFor this festive outing, she looked elegant in a tartan coat by House of Bruar, teamed with Emmy London's 'Josie' heels and Stuart Weitzman's 'Muse Clutch in Navy Suede'. It is clear where the Princess of Wales gets her fabulous dress sense from!
