Kate Middleton Serves Big 'Bridgerton' Vibes at the Latest Royal Garden Party
The only difference is the waistline, TBH.
![Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speaks to guests during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 25, 2022 in London, England](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MJAfC7LZLQtD2rjhoG5Xzm-415-80.jpg)
Prince William just hosted Buckingham Palace's third and final garden party of the year on behalf of his grandmother the Queen.
At his side were his wife Kate Middleton, and his uncle and aunt the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and all the photos—to me, at least—just scream Bridgerton vibes.
OK, so the Duchess of Cambridge wore a dress with a high neckline and a waistline actually at her waist rather than the empire line favored by the young ladies of the Regency era, but other than that? I see no difference.
The duchess looked delightfully spring-appropriate in a delicate pastel shade of blue-green, a custom dress which the Daily Mail points out she has worn previously, proving once again that rewearing your clothes is cool.
She paired the dress with a matching hat/fascinator (I'm not quite clear on how much fabric is required for a fascinator to stop being a fascinator and start becoming a hat), matching Jimmy Choo pumps, and a handy umbrella to ward off the very English-summer drizzle.
Leaning further into the Bridgerton recreation was the Duke of Cambridge, in the full morning dress required at royal garden parties. He wore a long jacket, a double-breasted waistocat, a tie and a top hat to gaze lovingly at his wife:
Sophie, Countess of Wessex', outfit mirrored Middleton's with a similar-cut dress and hat, but in a brighter shade of sky blue-going-on-turquoise.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
And if all of that wasn't enough debutante vibes for you, wait till you hear the history of royal garden parties."Historically, Garden Parties took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes," reads the Royal Family's official website. Did I not tell you???
These days, guests tend to be those who have contributed to public service in some way. For example, Middleton chatted with a member of the Royal Air Force, as well as Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg on the day.
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 British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. 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.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Did Prince William Remove Queen Camilla's Sister From His Payroll?
She was hired by King Charles in 2005.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and King Charles Have the Cutest Matching Friendship Bracelets
And fans think Charlotte was responsible.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince George Is Intentionally Being Raised Much Differently Than His Father Prince William Was, Even Though Both Are Heir to the Throne
“William still has painful memories of his own childhood and how he hated the persistent attention.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
In Naming Princess Charlotte, Prince William Poignantly Fulfilled a Long Ago Promise to His Late Mother, Princess Diana
Diana would be “over the moon” about it, her friend says.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Attending Sporting Events with Their Kids Is a “Much Needed Distraction” from Kate’s Ongoing Cancer Battle, Royal Biographer Says
“To say sports play a huge part in the lives of the royals is a massive understatement.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
After Meeting a Teenage Prince William for the First Time, Then Camilla Parker-Bowles Quipped “I Need a Gin and Tonic,” Royal Author Writes
Still largely known as “the other woman,” Camilla was “decidedly anxious” about meeting the future king.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Was Reportedly Advised to Sign a Prenup When He Married Kate Middleton 13 Years Ago—But He Refused
Thirteen years later, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ marriage seems stronger than ever.
By Rachel Burchfield Published