The Princess of Wales made her return to the polo after a three-year hiatus last week, cheering on her husband, Prince William, at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor.
King Charles' eldest son took part in the charity match – an activity he used to do alongside his brother, Prince Harry. Kate stepped out to watch from the sidelines and looked resplendent in a dress we hadn't seen her step out in before.
© Max MumbyShowing off her impossibly toned arms, Kate donned a fabulous frock by one of her favourite brands, which she has consistently worn throughout her royal career - Temperley London. Known as the 'Stirling' dress, it was crafted in a vest-style shape and featured a full skirt.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesCut from a black-and-white gingham jacquard, it made a striking style statement. The always timeless gingham print is reintroduced every summer, as it's traditionally made from breathable fabrics like cotton, which are ideal for keeping cool in a heatwave.
According to the royal fashion website, Kate Middleton Styled, "The dress comes from one of Temperley London's past-season collections, believed to date to around 2019/20." It appears that Kate purchased this dress years before its polo outing.
Twinning with a royal
Sophie Hunter, the wife of Benedict Cumberbatch, donned the same dress two days before Kate, on day nine of Wimbledon. The only difference was that she added a waist-defining belt in the same fabric, whereas Kate appeared to forgo hers.
© GettySophie, 48, styled her dress with metallic-trimmed sunglasses and white stiletto heels as she took her seat in the Royal Box.
Temperley's farewell
Two days before the polo, Alice Temperley announced she was stepping away from her eponymous brand. Alice, who attended the Royal College of Art and Central Saint Martins, founded the label in 2000.
Taking to Instagram, the designer said: "I HAVE LEFT TEMPERLEY LONDON. Today, it has been announced. I have left. I am enormously proud of everything I have built there."
The designer added, "Temperley London has been the creative home of my life for over two decades. The time is right for me to pursue an exciting new direction — one that allows me to follow long-held passions, with the people I love, on things that feel completely true to who I am as a designer. I will reveal more on this exciting new adventure in due course."
