Royal ladies in polka dots: Kate Middleton, Princess Diana and more in this summer’s hottest trend


These stylish royals just love the spotted print


royals polka dots© Photo: Getty Images

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Tania Leslau
Tania LeslauFashion Features Editor
June 21, 2022

Thanks to The Duchess of Cambridge’s stylish appearance at Royal Ascot – polka dots are this season’s hottest trend. The equestrian event offered up an array of spotted frocks, from Duchess Kate to Princess Beatrice and more.

READ: Kate Middleton's polka dot obsession continues - 7 dresses she'd love that won't break the bank

Even her Majesty the Queen has long been partial to the playful print, particularly in the earlier years of her reign, and of course both Princess Diana and Sarah, Duchess of York were often spotted - literally – in dotty outfits in the eighties and nineties.

These days, both the Duchess of Sussex and Queen Letizia of Spain are also lovers of the vintage pattern, as are other royal women around the world. Keep scrolling to discover more…

The Duchess of Cambridge 

Kate Middleton in a black polka-dot dress and hat, smiling and holding a clutch.© Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge attended Prince Philip's Service of Memorial at Westminster Abbey looking ethereal in a black polka dot long sleeve dress complete with a high neck and long sleeves. The dress, by Alessandra Rich, nodded to the style of the seventies while retaining a contemporary elegance that the Duchess' wardrobe is closely associated with.

A woman in a white polka-dot blouse and floral hat smiles outdoors.© Photo: Getty Images

Duchess Kate attended the fourth day of Royal Ascot alongside her husband Prince William looking sublime in polka dots. The royal stepped out in a beautiful white and black number designed by Alessandra Rich – in a fashion moment that will go down in royal style history.

RELATED: Not over Duchess Kate's Ascot dress? This £12 dupe will stop you in your tracks

Princess Diana

Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing a white polka-dot dress and hat, holding a white envelope.© Photo: Getty Images

Fans spotted the similarities between Duchess Kate’s Ascot outfit to Princess Diana’s look for the same event back in 1988. The late princess sported a monochrome polka dot midi dress featuring a black spotted print set against a white backdrop, a high-rise neckline, long sleeves and a floating skirt – all elements that Duchess Kate channeled in her dress choice for the annual event this year.

The Duchess of Sussex

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a red polka-dot dress, waving on a wooden dock by boats.© Photo: Instagram

The Duchess of Sussex gave us major Pretty Woman vibes with this And Other Stories midi dress, worn during her royal visit to Australia in October 2018 - snapped as she strolled to her boat by a local business owner! She paired her outfit with a simple ponytail, a pair of Karen Walker sunglasses and her favourite Sarah Flint Grear sandals.

SEE: Kate Middleton is a vision of summer in polka dot dress for Royal Ascot

Sophie Countess of Wessex

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, in a red and white polka dot dress, stands with a woman in a purple dress, both smiling and holding papers.

Sophie went for a similar look just the month before Meghan, for her visit to the rare diseases unit at St Thomas's Hospital, London in September 2018. Her stunning silk wrap dress is by Diane Von Furstenburg.

Princess Beatrice

A smiling woman in a black polka-dot dress and hat stands in a garden.© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Beatrice followed in Duchess Kate’s footsteps for Ascot 2022 as she attended the final day of Royal Ascot alongside her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi wearing a regal printed dress. She looked gorgeous in a black and white polka dot dress by It-girl brand Saloni. Featuring the label's signature crystal bows along the bodice, short sleeves, a midi silhouette and a rounded neckline, the dress has become a statement piece among royals and celebrities.

DISCOVER: Princess Beatrice surprises in bold printed dress for Royal Ascot

The Queen

A woman in a polka-dot dress and hat presents flowers to a young child. Other individuals, including a man in a military uniform, stand nearby.

The Duchess of Cornwall

A man in a suit and a woman in a white dress walk together, both looking down.© Photo: Rex

Camilla has also opted to wear neutral polka dots in the past, including this chic mink-toned dress for a visit to watch the 2018 Wimbledon tournament. She carried one of her favourite handbags – her Fendi Peekaboo tote - and her go-to high heel nude shoes by Sole Bliss.

Sarah, Duchess of York

Sarah, Duchess of York, in a blue polka-dot dress, stands on grass with a crowd behind her.© Photo: Rex

Check out this throwback snap of Sarah Ferguson rocking a dotty shirt dress back in 1991. This photograph was taken during a summer day out at the Royal Berkshire Polo Club.

SEE: Sophie Wessex, Princess Beatrice and Duchess of Cornwall return to Royal Ascot for day two of the races

Princess Eugenie

Two women in elegant dresses and wide-brimmed hats stand on a green field at an event, with a crowd in the background.© Photo: Getty Images

It seems spots are the print of choice for the races, since Princess Eugenie also wore this sweet pencil dress at the 2011 Derby Festival at Epsom Downs racecourse.

Princess Margaret

Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, holds flowers in a formal group photo.

We love this beautiful photograph of Princess Margaret from 1954, as she met members of the Young Contingent Committee of the Victoria League at Victoria League House in Westminster.

Queen Letizia of Spain

Woman in white polka dot dress walking among crowd, smiling and waving.

The Spanish monarch wowed in this floaty black and white frock to visit the city of Bailen to mark the 210th anniversary of the Bailen Battle in July 2018.

READ: Princess Beatrice breaks royal ladies' Ascot tradition

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