Kate Middleton is crowned best-dressed at Ascot 2026 in zesty Roksanda look

It was wonderful to see the Princess of Wales return to Royal Ascot 2026 on Wednesday, the first time she has stepped out at the Berkshire racecourse since 2023.

Joining her adoring husband, Prince William, the couple looked impeccably chic on the second day of the five-day racing event.

The 44-year-old royal joined the traditional carriage procession behind the King and Queen as she arrived at the landmark event, looking joyful as she smiled and waved at the waiting crowds. 

© Getty Images for Ascot Racecours

The Princess delighted onlookers in a glorious, bright yellow outfit outfit by Roksanda. The royal has worn the dress before, at the Wimbledon 2022 Ladies’ Finals. The beautiful, A-line gown featyred an oversized statement bow, and it fell into a delicately pleated skirt. 

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The mother-of-three wore her famous mane in a coiffed updo, topped with a Jane Taylor hat. Natural makeup highlighted her features.

The appearance also marks one year since the royal mother-of-three unexpectedly pulled out of Ascot at the last minute in 2025. It was understood that her absence was part of finding the right balance in returning to public duties following her cancer diagnosis, for which she is now in remission. 

Kate’s best Ascot looks over the years

Although the royal missed Royal Ascot in 2025, she has been a regular attendee of the iconic event for many years, wearing a charming array of the most exquisite outfits.

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Kate donned a radical, eye-catching design in 2023, which ensured all eyes were on her. Opting to forgo the somewhat expected pastel colourway which is often embraced in the summer months, the royal donned a ravishing red midi dress from Alexander McQueen which boasted cuffed gigot sleeves, a ‘midaxi’ length and a collared neckline. She teamed the standout style with a wide-brimmed hat from royal favourite milliner Philip Treacy.

Giving Audrey Hepburn’s character of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady a run for her money in 2022, Kate looked suitably resplendent, delighting spectators and royal fans alike as she stepped out in a polka-dot dress by one of her favourite designers, Alessandra Rich. 

Kate added coffee-brown pointed-toe high heels and clasped a matching chocolate-hued clutch.

One of Kate’s most famous Ascot moments has to be in 2019. The mother-of-three was the belle of the ball in her cerulean blue Elie Saab dress, which featured a regal, pussy-bow collar and a sheer bodice. Channelling the eye-catching shade top-to-toe, Kate teamed the elegant design with a coordinating floral Philip Treacy fascinator.