Kate Middleton, 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. Guests, from Jessie Buckley in Chanel to Renate Reinsve in Louis Vuitton, followed a similar simple yet powerful fashion mandate.
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 U.K. 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.
