Princess Kate's 5 riskiest thigh-split dresses that bent royal rules


The Princess of Wales has occasionally thrown out the royal rule book and worn bold gowns that showed off her toned legs


Kate Middleton walking on a red carpet, smiling.© Getty
Nichola Murphy
Nichola MurphyLifestyle Editor
51 minutes ago

Over the past few years, the Princess of Wales has been more conscious than ever about her fashion influence, choosing more muted workwear for royal engagements and not releasing her outfit credits in an attempt to keep the focus on her work.

As a global fashion icon, this hasn't stopped royal fans from tracking down her outfits and replicating them – especially on the rare occasions when she steps out in an evening gown!

The royal has experimented with different silhouettes, lengths and colourways since marrying Prince William in 2011, even opting to throw out the rumoured royal rule book and opt for gowns with a daring leg-split. Take a look at Princess Kate's most risque looks where she's showcased her toned legs…

Dinner date© Getty

Dinner date

Just one year after joining the royal family, the Princess had retained her more rebellious style, which she showed off at a dinner hosted by The Thirty Club. Kate was pictured arm-in-arm with Prince William, wearing a cream Roland Mouret gown, upping the ante of her demure neckline and long sleeves with an Angelina-style split that revealed her sparkly Jimmy Choo heels.

Kate Middleton in a white gown walking on a red carpet at an event.© Getty

Lady in lace

In 2016, the royal looked ethereal in white as she attended the UK premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob. The lace gown by Self Portrait featured long sleeves and a daring hemline that was split to her thigh, which showcased her rich, burgundy heels from Gianvito Rossi.

Princess Kate in a leg-split gown and Prince William in a blue suit© Getty Images

Mesh moment

During the royal tour of Bhutan during the same year, William and Kate opted for colour-drenched looks as they attended a private dinner with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Kate opted for a heavily embroidered mesh column dress from American designer Tory Burch, complete with bright orange and white beading that alluded to the country's flag. While Kate often embraces bright colour, she rarely opts for a keyhole neckline and two leg splits running up either side of the skirt.

kate alessandra rich dress

Daring daytime look

Princess Kate proved the time of day doesn't dictate your fashion rules. She opted for evening glamour when she visited the 'D-Day: Interception, Intelligence, Invasion' exhibition in 2019 in a navy and white polka dot dress from Alessandra Rich with a contrasting white colour, statement buttons and leg-baring button-up skirt.

Kate Middleton, wearing a green dress and white heels, walks outside a building.© Getty

Tea dress

Kate teased some skin with her Suzannah London tea dress as she visited the Anna Freud Centre for Mental Health Awareness Week in 2023. The emerald green Italian silk design featured a belted waist, cropped sleeves and a front leg split.

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