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Kate Middleton is leading by example once again, putting her sartorial prowess on display while visiting Tŷ Hafan, a children’s hospice in Sully, Wales. Demonstrating how to recycle a look with the utmost elegance, the Princess of Wales stepped out in a familiar houndstooth tea dress—sourced from fashion giant Zara. With its pleated knee-length skirt, camouflaged belted waist, and pussy bow, the printed look felt effortlessly regal yet entirely accessible.
A favourite of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, too, Houndstooth has long been a staple of modern royal wardrobes. But while her in-laws may sport designer goods, Middleton’s dress originally retailed for just around USD $100 back when she was first spotted wearing it in 2020.
To elevate the look, the princess rugged up in a bespoke ivory coat by Chris Kerr—another re-wear from her 2023 Christmas carol service. She punctuated the ensemble with Spells of Love earrings and her trusty Russell & Bromley black pumps, further reinforcing her signature mix of High Street and high-end.
Fans might recall this dress from her previous trip to Wales, where she paid her respects at the Aberfan memorial last year. For that visit, she wore it with a black Catherine Walker coat and a diamond brooch.
While some of her favourite fashion brands include the likes of high-end British designers such as Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker and Jenny Packham—and she certainly enjoys a designer handbag moment—Middleton is acutely aware of the power of an affordable fashion moment and consistently repurposes her wardrobe in new and refreshing ways.
