Kate Middleton almost never changes her recipe: British designers, impeccable style, precise fashion diplomacy. However, at the beginning of June 2026, a dress from Los Angeles shook up its codes at St James’s Palace.
Alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales attended the reception marking 125 years of Cancer Research UK. Emotions were high after their cancer diagnoses in 2024 and Kate’s announced remission in 2025.
A symbolic evening for Kate Middleton and Cancer Research UK
For fifty years, Cancer Research UK has helped double cancer survival in the UK, and eight in ten patients receive at least one medicine linked to its work. The decor highlighted both the research and the life journeys behind the figures.
In this atmosphere that was both official and personal, every detail of the outfit mattered. Kate opted for a printed red silk midi dress, cheerful but perfectly suited to the protocol, which immediately attracted attention.
Rodarte, the Los Angeles house that enters its dressing room
This dress is by Rodarte, a label founded in 2005 by Kate Mulleavy and Laura Mulleavy, based in Pasadena near Los Angeles. The brand is distinguished by its romantic silhouettes and its very cinematic spirit, adopted by Kirsten Dunst, Natalie Portman, Elle Fanning and Olivia Rodrigo.
For Kate Middleton, this is a first: she has never worn Rodarte before. The princess usually favors Alexander McQueen, British suits and bags from London houses like DeMellier, even if she has already adopted Ralph Lauren or Michael Kors for more casual looks.
Kate Middleton’s red Rodarte dress, and how to wear it
The chosen model is a tomato red silk midi dress, printed with small polka dot hearts, with contrasting white collar and cuffs, matching belt and flower at the neckline. Sold for around $1,765 – around $1,620 – and sometimes sold for $1,412, almost $1,300, this piece clearly remains a luxury purchase.
To complete, Kate Middleton chose red Gianvito Rossi pumps, a Miu Miu clutch and ruby jewelry by G. Collins and Sons. Good news, the spirit of this look is easily reproduced with more affordable pieces:
- opt for a red midi dress with polka dots or hearts, with a contrasting collar;
- coordinate pumps and clutch in the same shade of red;
- choose jewelry with red stones, while keeping your makeup natural.
Enough to treat yourself to a nod to Kate’s Rodarte dress without leaving your high-street budget.
What Californian brand does Kate Middleton wear?
She wears Rodarte, a house located near Los Angeles.
How much does her red Rodarte dress cost?
The model costs around $1,765, sometimes selling for $1,412.
How to easily recreate this Rodarte look?
Choose a printed red midi dress, matching red accessories and affordable red stone jewelry.
