The Princess Of Wales Is Back at the BAFTAs, and Wearing Gucci
Samir Hussein
The Princess of Wales lends a certain star factor to the BAFTAs, but she’s also responsible for elevating the dress code. Kate, who typically relies on her failsafe Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen archive for the red carpet, has a halo effect on the rest of the fashion, as guests lean on refined pieces suitable for rubbing shoulders with – or at least catching a glimpse of – royalty. “It’s not a carpet for risks,” says stylist Holly White, who dresses Naomie Harris and Rosamund Pike. “There’s a majestic energy that makes it truly unique.”
The 2026 BAFTAs certainly saw the Kate effect play out. The picture of poise and professionalism as per, she deployed princess mode in a chiffon gown in shades of lilac that ticked the royal regalia box, without threatening to detract attention from the actors nominated for their efforts. As is so often her habit now, Kate reached for a piece from her existing wardrobe for the formal occasion: she previously wore the ethereal Gucci dress to a Women in Finance dinner back in 2019.
It’s not just her fashion influence that’s worth nothing. Kate’s attendance (she last put in an appearance in 2023, but temporarily stepped back from the spotlight the following year while undergoing cancer treatment) always helps to highlight the BAFTAs as a front-page worthy cultural moment beyond the UK. While Tinseltowners often skip this leg of the lengthy awards season trail (the weather likely has something to do with it), the princess’s attendance solidifies its significance in the film industry calendar.
Despite a tumultuous three years since her last BAFTAs moment, Kate looked more elegant than ever in a look that clearly makes her feel her best and is loaded with the subtle symbolism we have come to associate with her. Hollywood looks good on the Princess of Wales.
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Princess of Wales wore a lilac chiffon Gucci gown to the 2026 BAFTAs, a piece she previously wore to a Women in Finance dinner in 2019, continuing her habit of re-wearing pieces from her existing wardrobe for formal occasions.
The Princess of Wales last attended the BAFTAs in 2023, before stepping back from public appearances the following year while undergoing cancer treatment, making her 2026 appearance a notable return to the red carpet.
The Princess of Wales typically relies on Sarah Burton, formerly of Alexander McQueen, for red carpet occasions, though her 2026 BAFTAs look was a re-worn Gucci gown rather than a new McQueen piece.
According to the piece, the Princess of Wales’s presence helps position the BAFTAs as a significant, front-page cultural moment beyond the UK, particularly since many Hollywood attendees often skip this leg of the awards season circuit.
Stylist Holly White, who dresses Naomie Harris and Rosamund Pike, said the Princess of Wales creates a “halo effect” on BAFTAs fashion, with guests favoring refined, non-risky pieces suitable for the red carpet’s more formal, “majestic” energy.
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