Princess Kate is the belle of Belfast wearing a never-before-seen tartan skirt


The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Belfast in style in an unannounced outing, with Catherine donning a designer-led look


Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, visits Belfast© Samir Hussein/WireImage

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Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
Updated: 1 hour ago

On Friday morning, the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Belfast. The royal couple spent the day meeting organisations and young people working together to create pathways to employment, stability, belonging and opportunity for those at risk of homelessness.

Catherine seemingly took a leaf out of the late Queen Elizabeth II's style book, donning a colour associated with the Emerald Isle. The late monarch often incorporated national emblems or colours into her outfits, paying tribute to the country she was visiting.

Person in a black coat and plaid skirt holding an umbrella shakes hands with another person.© Getty
The Princess of Wales looked beautiful in her tartan Emilia Wickstead skirt

Catherine chose an elegant green tartan pleated skirt by royally-adored brand Emilia Wickstead. She added a striking white ruffle blouse and layered up the look with a black coat by Alexander McQueen, cinched together with a large buckle belt. The royal also carried a green handbag by Mulberry - the 'Small Amberley Satchel'.

Prince William and Kate Middleton walking in the rain with an umbrella.© Getty
Catherine carried her green Mulbery bag

The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis once again showed off her fashion-forward style credentials, particularly with the tartan skirt.

Catherine carried the  'Small Amberley Satchel' by Mulberry
Catherine carried the 'Small Amberley Satchel' by Mulberry

The trusty tartan print has returned for AW26, nodding to the heritage trend that we often see our favourite royal ladies embrace. From flannel shirts to sleek coats, the striking check is here to stay.

Get the tartan look

Catherine's skirt is a past-season buy, so it appears she has been keeping it for the right moment. There are some wonderful similar styles available with the same classic heritage check.

This Nobody's Child tartan skirt features the same pleated finish
This Nobody's Child tartan skirt features the same pleated finish

 The Nobody's Child 'Blue and Green Tartan Pleated Midi Skirt' features a similar, high-waisted shape, and if you want to go full-on check, Smock London's Glen Check tartan dress is a daring yet chic way to embrace the trend top-to-toe. 

Smock London's Glen Check tartan dress embraces the trend top-to-toe
Smock London's Glen Check tartan dress embraces the trend top-to-toe

Catherine's crystallised tartan skirt

Steps ahead of the trend, Catherine has a huge collection of tartan pieces - in fact, some may say it's her most-worn print aside from polka dots, of course. 

In 2025, the royal welcomed members of the public and fellow royals to Westminster Abbey for her annual 'Together at Christmas' carol service, which was dedicated to "you and the love you have shown".

The Princess of Wales side on in green coat and tartan skirt© Getty Images
The Princess of Wales wore a tartan skirt to her 'Together At Christmas' carol service last year

Catherine's gorgeous forest green coat dress by Catherine Walker revealed a hidden, statement skirt underneath. Known as the 'Crystal-Embellished Pleated Wool Tartan Midi Skirt' by Miu Miu, it signalled her continual support for high-fashion pieces that blend prep-school chic with classic heritage. The skirt featured a bold tartan print in quintessentially festive shades of red and green, but the pièce de résistance was the addition of tiny crystals to add a touch of Christmas sparkle.

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