Princess Kate's style showdown with Mandy Moore in matching off-the-shoulder gown


One incredible designer dress - two standout wearers. This asymmetrical dress was designed by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and was worn by Princess Kate and Hollywood star Mandy Moore


The Princess of Wales pictured in the Royal Box on Centre Court for the Gentlemen's Singles Final during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 12th, 2026.© Getty Images
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
13 hours ago
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The Princess of Wales has had so many iconic style moments; sometimes it can be hard to keep track.

Back in 2016, Kate made her mark in the fashion world when she donned a striking red Preen gown during an evening engagement in Canada when she and husband Prince William toured the country.

Kate Middleton attends a Goverment of British Columbia reception at Government House on September 26, 2016 in Victoria, Canada, wearing a red dress by Preen© WireImage
Princess Kate wowed Canada in her red dress by Preen

Stepping out in the brand's 'Finella Midi Dress' during a glitzy bash held at Government House in Victoria, the then Duchess of Cambridge teamed the resplendent style with the Queen's diamond maple leaf brooch, a red suede Miu Miu clutch and matching stilettos. Her hair was teased into a low chignon, showing off her drop earrings by Soru, while her make-up consisted of a bold, smoky eye, a subtle sweep of bronzer, nude lip gloss and a statement brow.

Kate wearing Soru earrings in 2016 during royal tour of Canada wearing red dress© Pool
Kate's dress had an off-the-shoulder cut

The dress was from Preen's pre-fall/winter 2016 collection, and the brand was taken aback that she chose to wear the design, which had a subtle, off-the-shoulder cut.

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Thea Bregazzi, one of Preen's two designers, told Harper's Bazaar: "We're so thrilled, she looks so elegant. This dress is designed to be both classic yet modern, perfect for the Duchess."

Justin Thornton, Preen's other designer, added: "We had no idea she was planning to wear the dress; it was a wonderful surprise! We knew she loved our designs but hadn't found the right occasion to wear them."

Mandy Moore's royal flush

Hollywood star Mandy Moore may have taken some style from Kate, as almost a year later, in 2017, she stepped out in the very same dress, only hers was designed in a piercing sapphire blue.

Mandy Moore wore Kate's dress in royal blue© FilmMagic
Mandy Moore wore Kate's dress in royal blue

The mother-of-three donned the frock at a screening for her show, This Is Us, in Los Angeles. She carried a box clutch and added strappy silver sandals.

Actress Mandy Moore attends the "This Is Us" FYC screening and panel at The Cinerama Dome on June 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. © FilmMagic
Mandy accessorised the dress with strappy sandals and a box clutch

Coincidentally, that same year, Mandy hosted an event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, donning a floor-length dress by one of Kate's favourite designers, Jenny Packham.

Mandy wore a Jenny Packham dress in 2017 - a label famously loved by Princess Kate© picture alliance via Getty Image
Mandy wore a Jenny Packham dress in 2017 - a label famously loved by Princess Kate

The brunette beauty's dress featured a cream slip, covered with an eye-catching red netted overlay.

Mandy and Meghan

Although Mandy hasn't ever discussed the Princess of Wales, she is thought to have a special bond with Kate's sister-in-law, Meghan Markle

Actress and singer Mandy Moore attends Step Up's 2025 Inspiration Awards at the Skirball Cultural Center on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.© Getty Images
Mandy met Meghan in 2006

In an interview with Access, the actress quipped: "'Ok, Meghan and her ex-husband [Trevor Engelson] was a producer on a movie that I worked on, so I met her back in 2006 and spent a lot of time with them, a lot of time with her. She [Meghan] is a lovely, generous woman and I'm so excited to see how her life has evolved, and she seems truly happy."

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