The RHS Chelsea Flower Show at The Royal Hospital Chelsea in London starts today, and we are looking forward to seeing all the details from the beloved horticultural display. The royal family attends the event every year, and although the Princess of Wales's attendance isn't always guaranteed, she has visited over the years, always looking nothing short of resplendent.
Dressing for the Chelsea Flower Show
While there isn't an official dress code for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, smart-casual attire is widely preferred, and wearing a floral print is greatly received.
© Getty"Florals are an absolute must when it comes to visiting the Chelsea Flower Show - whether one goes for a big, dramatic print or something smaller and more delicate, it's fitting for the occasion," personal stylist Susie Hasler tells HELLO!.
"It's one of those rare events where a floral dress never looks like you've tried too hard," she notes.
© GettyPrincess Kate is a long-time Chelsea Flower Show fan
As a fashion editor who has specialised in royal style for almost nine years, I have a pretty good idea of what Princess Kate will wear if she visits. Although she wore a pair of Massimo Dutti trousers once, in 2019, this was a rarity; a dress is usually what she opts for.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesKate wore a pink ME+EM dress at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2023
One of my favourite looks was her pink ME+EM dress from 2023. The punchy colour really set the tone of the early summer event. If she decides to stick to this feminine shape for 2026, I could see her donning this style by one of her favourite brands, Beulah London.
The royal loves feminine, fluid dresses like this style from Beulah London
The 'Yahvi' dress is a fabulous choice for the summer, and the long sleeves will also protect her if the temperature drops. "Bright colours work beautifully; a sunshine yellow, a peachy pink or a fresh sage green," Susie says. "You want to feel joyful in what you're wearing, like you belong among the blooms," she notes.
Kate wore an Erdem floral dress in 2019
Kate's choices over the years haven't been particularly edgy or modern. The royal's look is all about timeless elements and stunning fabrics that she can rewear again and again. In 2019, the royal wowed in an Erdem dress that perfectly illustrated this notion. Similarly, this folk-style dress by Pink City Prints has Kate's fashion ethos written all over it - it has a classic shape and a delicate nod to the floral feeling of the show.
Printed dresses in sumptous fabrics like this Pink City Prints number oozes sophistication
Susie says that guests should "always pick classic over edgy, as this isn't really the occasion to experiment with anything too directional or too fashion-forward.
"Chelsea has a certain timeless elegance to it, and an outfit should reflect that - polished, pretty and a little bit garden-party," she explains.
The royal is a fan of belted styles, rather like this Needle & Thread design
We all know that the royal loves to wear a belted style - this timeless cut flatters the shape and creates a sleek silhouette. Summer dresses that feature a midi hem are always Kate-approved, and I'm sure this is a shape she will explore at the show should she attend.
Wearing a floral dress, like this pretty River Island design, is ideal for an event like the Chelsea Flower Show
This Needle & Thread London cotton gown embodies the graceful dressing that Kate is synonymous with, and if the royal wanted to release her inner flower child, this River Island dress is etched with a glorious ditsy print in pastel blue, and reminds me of the Emilia Wickstead dress Kate sported in the summer of 2019.
© Getty ImagesWe hope to see Princess Kate this year
It hasn't been confirmed if the royal will be attending this year, but anything is possible, given that Kate is a huge fan of the great outdoors and has been a visitor to the show before. As Susie tells us, "The overall style goal is to look like you belong in the gardens - effortless, elegant and very much in full bloom."
Much like Princess Kate!
