Princess Kate stunned in a red cape dress for a State Banquet held to mark the French President’s visit to Britain this week, but it is by no means the first time her capes have turned heads.
The Princess of Wales also stunned in a gold cape dress for the No Time to Die James Bond premiere in 2021 and for a 2023 State Visit by the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Here are some of the best capes that have caught the eyes of fashion experts and royal watchers.
Kate’s Red Givenchy Cape Gown
At a State Banquet honoring French President Emmanuel Macron at Windsor Castle on Tuesday night, Kate dazzled in a dark red silk creponne cape gown designed by Sarah Burton for Givenchy.
Burton designed Kate’s wedding dress while at Alexander McQueen and the princess has worn McQueen numerous further times since, while Burton was creative director.
The designer began working for the French luxury brand Givenchy in 2024 and Macron’s visit gave Kate the perfect opportunity to go back to Burton in celebration of French culture.
Kate paired the gown with Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara and a lilly of the valley embroidered evening clutch.
Kate’s Gold Jenny Packham Cape Gown
One of Kate’s most stunning cape dresses was the gold sequin gown by Jenny Packham that she wore to the global premiere of James Bond hit No Time to Die, in 2021.
It featured a floor-length cape and a metallic look, which she paired with a Grecian style updo.
Even Danial Craig, who played Bond in the film, was reportedly impressed, telling the princess, “You look jolly lovely,” according to U.K. broadsheet The Times. Words that could have been spoken by Bond himself.
Red Catherine Walker Cape Ensemble
In November 2023, Kate helped the royals welcome then South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and she opted for a bold red cape by Catherine Walker, paired with a matching maxi dress.
The ensemble featured dramatic pleats and she wore it on Horse Guards Parade, in London, on day one of the visit on November 21, 2023.
Blue Safiyaa Cape Gown
Kate wore an electric blue cape gown by London-based designer Safiyaa at the Royal Variety Performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, in November 2023.
The gown’s sleek silhouette and vibrant hue highlighted her command of party-season dressing.
Princess Kate’s Jenny Packham Cape-like Sleeves
The Princess of Wales wore an embellished, white Jenny Packham gown for the State Banquet held in honor of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022.
The dress had dramatic, floor lengthc cape-like sleeves falling from the shoulders.
Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.
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