Kate Middleton Wore a Royal Blue Gown Fit for a Queen at the COP26 Conference
The duchess was the picture of elegance once again.


Kate Middleton always looks positively regal, but perhaps never more so than when she's literally wearing a color called "royal blue." Yes, I know it's all a bit on the nose, but hey.
The Duchess of Cambridge (opens in new tab) wore an Eponine blue gown that showed she meant business for Day Two of the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. The ankle-length dress featured square shoulders, a wrap front and a belt with two black buttons. One Twitter user (opens in new tab), retweeted by WhatKateWore (opens in new tab), pointed out that the dress featured in an Instagram post 87 weeks ago. "Makes sense for sustainability. She's probably had this piece a while," they hypothesized.
The duchess paired her dress with navy blue, pointed-toe suede pumps, and wore her hair in a neat low bun that showed off her drop earrings. She wore a small metallic poppy pin as a symbol of Remembrance.
Prince William wore a navy blue suit to match his wife's shoes, and also sported a poppy pin, as did British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Here the three of them are climbing up some steps:
The duke and duchess posted a photo of themselves laughing casually with Prince Charles (opens in new tab) and Camilla Parker-Bowles (opens in new tab) on Instagram (opens in new tab), AKA the new Fab Four (opens in new tab), as well as clips from Queen Elizabeth's recorded message.
The monarch was advised (opens in new tab) not to travel to Glasgow for health reasons, but made a point to share a message close to her heart as part of the event. "It is the hope of many that the legacy of this summit, written in history books yet to be printed, will describe you as the leaders who did not pass up the opportunity, and that you answered the call of those future generations," she said, adding that world leaders needed a clear plan to address the climate crisis.
"Welcoming the World to @cop26uk," Kensington Palace captioned the post. "This evening The Duke and Duchess joined The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall for a #COP26 reception, which saw Her Majesty The Queen address the assembled delegates via a recorded message."
Royal fans were typically enthused by both the Cambridges' participation in the event and the duchess' always on-the-mark sense of fashion. "As always, the Duchess looks so beautiful!" wrote one person.
The royal couple was also able to meet the Earthshot Prize (opens in new tab) finalists as part of the event."Fantastic to finally meet the @EarthshotPrize Finalists in person at @COP26UK," they wrote on Instagram (opens in new tab). "This week at COP we will showcase their incredible innovations to repair our planet. The #EarthshotPrize finalists will also meet members of the Prize’s Global Alliance, some of the world’s largest corporations, philanthropists, and not for profits - who will provide unparalleled support to the Prize Finalists to help scale their solutions. #COP26"
RELATED STORIES

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Selena Gomez’s New Hair Transformation Is So Major
The actress debuted super-long locks, freshly cut bangs, and an auburn hue.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Very Best Memorial Day Fashion Sales of 2022
Time to find a new bathing suit, bag, or wedding guest dress!
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The Wrong Formula
In the face of a baby food shortage, desperate moms are turning to strangers on Facebook to help—but social media shouldn't be the answer.
By Hayley Phelan
-
The Queen "Nurtures" the Cambridges' Relationship to Avoid the "Mistake" of Charles and Diana's Marriage: Royal Expert
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Charlene of Monaco Opened Up About Dealing With Hurtful Rumors as She Returns to Public Life
The princess had been dealing with health issues since May 2021.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Serves Big 'Bridgerton' Vibes at the Latest Royal Garden Party
The only difference is the waistline, TBH.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Why the Royals Have to Adhere to Strict Dining Rules, According to an Etiquette Expert
Imagine the infamy of sticking your pinky out when drinking tea, LOL.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
Prince Harry's Ex Chelsy Davy Just Got Married, Reportedly
She and Sam Cutmore-Scott share baby son Leo.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Is Worried About Archie and Lili Experiencing the "Online Harm" That Is Currently "Normalized"
He says the internet needs to change dramatically.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Sent a Heartfelt Message to British Soccer Player Who Came Out as Gay
Jake Daniels' decision will make such a huge difference.
By Iris Goldsztajn