It’s been an incredible year for Princess Catherine, and while nothing may top her stunning tiara moments from the last three months of 2024, she still celebrated her birthday in her trademark understated style—out of the spotlight. Kensington Palace remained tight-lipped about the Duchess of Cambridge’s birthday plans, only confirming that she planned to spend the day privately.
In previous years, her husband, Prince William, has whisked her away to romantic retreats. Now that she’s marked her birthday, fans eagerly await her next show-stopping moment. Let’s take a look back at one of her most memorable appearances, when she and Prince William graced the red carpet at the Royal Premiere of *Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom* in London. That evening, Catherine dazzled in a floor-length Roland Mouret gown, which featured a daring thigh-high slit. Known for recycling her wardrobe, the Duchess looked as stunning as ever, while William complemented her in a classic black tie look.
Despite the glitz of the night, their son, Prince George, did not join them for the movie outing. Ever the fashion icon, Catherine opted for a gown she had worn before—first seen at a private dinner in May 2012. This time, the new mom flaunted some serious leg, thanks to the dress's dramatic slit. Despite the bold look, she stayed modest with long sleeves, which were practical given the chilly 46-degree London weather.
Adding to her ensemble, Catherine accessorized with a $35 Zara crystal statement necklace, a sparkling contrast to the simple diamond drop earrings she had worn the previous year. The biggest surprise of the night, however, was her hairstyle—a sleek low ponytail, a rare choice for the Duchess, who typically wears her hair in loose waves. The ponytail allowed her jewelry to shine, making it a well-played fashion move.
Sources say that the couple, who share a love of Africa and became engaged in Kenya, were particularly excited to see the film, as part of it was filmed in the same country where William proposed.
In honor of the couple’s 13th wedding anniversary on April 29th, we’re also taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of Princess Catherine’s most iconic white outfits. Who could forget her stunning wedding gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen? The gown featured a lace neckline and sleeves, a sweetheart bodice, and a flowing train—an unforgettable moment in royal history.
One of her standout white ensembles was at the Royal Ascot in 2017, where she donned another Alexander McQueen creation, this time pairing it with a chic fascinator and sweet drop earrings. Catherine also wowed at the 2019 BAFTAs, stepping out in a one-shouldered white gown by Alexander McQueen, accessorized with Princess Diana’s exquisite earrings.
In another royal fashion moment, she donned a sailor-inspired dress for a day at Wimbledon in 2022, and in 2017, she impressed in a sharp power suit during an official visit to Poland. Catherine continued her streak of memorable fashion moments at the 2020 BAFTAs, where she once again turned heads in a white-and-gold Alexander McQueen gown, which she had first worn in 2012, perfectly in line with the event’s sustainability theme.
During a visit to India in 2016, Catherine wore a military-style white dress, looking poised and regal. She also glided along the red carpet at the UK premiere of *A Street Cat Named Bob* in November 2016, wearing a stunning lace gown with a full pleated skirt. A timeless classic, Catherine has also been known to favor designs by Susannah, and in 2019, she stepped out in an elegant off-the-shoulder white dress from designer Barbara Casasola for the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.
Rounding off her collection of breathtaking white outfits, Catherine presented the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2016 prize at the Victoria and Albert Museum in a dress she loved so much that she recycled it for a charity gala in 2019. Truly, Princess Catherine’s style evolution continues to captivate the world, blending royal tradition with modern elegance.
