And we’re off.
Kate Middleton looked as radiant as ever in red (a departure from her usual shades of blue) as she and Prince William made their Royal Ascot 2023 debut at the horse race as the Prince and Princess of Wales on Friday.
Kate wore a red Alexander McQueen dress, turning to her favorite label for the event the British fashion house, who was also behind her wedding gown.
The Duchess of Cambridge paired the classic chic crimson faux wrap dress with a matching floral hat by one of her go-to fascinator designers, Philip Treacy.
The mom of three accessorized with gold statement earrings and a paper thin clutch while Prince William looked dapper in a classic suit and black top hat for the fourth day of the races.
The couple rode in a Disney movie-worthy horse-drawn carriage behind King Charles and Queen Camilla, who looked elegant in a white Anna Valentine dress with a Philip Treacy chapeau of her own.
The royal’s supporters approved of her bold color choice with one tweeting, “The Princess of Wales is giving Queen Energy with her color choices. And I’m here for it!”
Middleton always makes a sartorial splash at the famed horse races heavily attended by royals and socialites.
The royal made her debut in 2016 and has donned some of her best fascinators and dresses for the occasion ever since – including a particularly memorable baby blue Philip Treacy hat in 2019.
Although Kate’s mom Carole Middleton made several appearances at the races, Middleton didn’t attend until 2016, despite marrying Prince William in 2011. For her first visit, she wore a white lace Dolce & Gabbana dress with sheer sleeves and a tiered skirt.
Other members of the Royal Family have been attending the 2023 Royal Ascot all week, including Queen Camilla, who appeared to send a subtle dig at Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle with a Dior coat.
Camilla, 75, donned the all-white Dior ensemble after news broke that Markle is not inking a money-making deal with Dior following rumors a contract was coming.
