Today, Princess Catherine of Wales stepped into St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for the Order of the Garter service—a moment that felt both timeless and triumphant. It wasn’t just a nod to one of Britain’s most cherished royal traditions but also a heartfelt return to public life after her battle with cancer. And true to form, the Princess did so with signature grace—and an ensemble that quietly whispered sophistication at its finest.
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For the occasion, Catherine reached for a beloved staple from her royal wardrobe: a celestial cream Self-Portrait dress that has already earned its place in the annals of regal fashion. The ensemble—a masterclass in modern femininity—features a bouclé belted jacket, cinched delicately at the waist, cascading into a pleated midi skirt with a sheer overlay embroidered with intricate floral lace. The scalloped hem, with its subtle romance, floated above camel Gianvito Rossi suede pumps—the very pair she wore just days ago at Trooping the Colour, proving once again that style need not shout to make its mark.
Topping off the look was a wide-brimmed, off-white hat with a sculptural bow, angled with the kind of precision that only a royal could perfect. In her gloved hands, she carried an eggshell-hued clutch—understated, refined, and utterly in harmony with the ensemble’s soft palette.
Pearls, of course, were the natural choice for this vision in white. Catherine layered a trio of luminous pearl necklaces at her collar, pairing them with vintage cluster earrings from Susan Caplan. The effect? A look that was at once classic and refreshingly contemporary, embodying the quiet confidence of a princess who understands the power of rewearing the right piece, and doing so with intention.
This Self-Portrait creation, first debuted in 2021 at a Buckingham Palace reception for her Hold Still project, has become something of a sartorial emblem for the Princess—a symbol of resilience, grace, and the enduring magic of simplicity done well. Though the exact piece is no longer available, fashion aficionados can still find echoes of its charm in Self-Portrait’s latest offerings or in modern mini interpretations perfect for the sun-drenched days ahead.
