Kate Middleton and Elie Saab are a match made in royal fashion heaven. From dreamy lace details to flowing gowns fit for a tiara moment, the Princess of Wales has turned to the Lebanese designer for some memorable appearances over the years. And with her latest yellow gown at a state banquet at Windsor Castle, she has given us another reason to revisit the royal wardrobe archives. Here are the Elie Saab looks Kate has worn that deserve a little extra attention.
Windsor Castle State Banquet (2026)
Kate clearly wasn’t interested in blending into the background at Tuesday’s state banquet. Her bright yellow Elie Saab gown, from the designer’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, featured a braided neckline, a keyhole detail, and a flowing sheer cape. The pleated design is reportedly priced at $6,500, but let’s be honest, the whole look was about more than the dress.
She paired it with Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, a royal favourite famously worn by Princess Diana, alongside her Royal Victorian Order sash and insignia. The result? A sunshine-yellow moment with all the royal sparkle to match.
Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s Wedding, Jordan (2023)
Remember when Kate attended the wedding of Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in 2023? While she often turns to Alexander McQueen for major occasions, this time she went with Elie Saab, choosing a blush-pink gown from the designer’s Autumn/Winter 2017–18 collection. And honestly, it was a lovely change of pace.
The floor-length dress featured intricate floral embroidery, a high neckline, pleated detailing, and billowy sleeves. Modesty panels were added to cover the sheer sections, while statement earrings and a gold clutch brought the whole look together. Romantic, detailed, and elegant without trying too hard, it was the kind of wedding-guest outfit that makes you want to zoom in for a closer look.
Royal Ascot (2019)
If there’s one thing Kate knows how to do, it’s make a repeat outfit feel like a royal fashion moment all over again. The Princess of Wales first wore this periwinkle blue Elie Saab dress to Royal Ascot in 2019, pairing its sheer, intricately embroidered bodice and sleeves with a matching slip underneath. The delicate embellishments, buttoned front, and oversized bow at the neckline gave the look a romantic, almost fairytale quality.
Of course, no Royal Ascot appearance is complete without a statement hat, and Kate’s wide-brimmed blue number, finished with a matching floral detail, was the perfect finishing touch. Silver heels and a coordinating clutch kept everything polished without stealing the spotlight from the dress.
Coronation Garden Party (2023)
Turns out, Kate loved the blue Elie Saab dress enough to give it another outing four years later. For her first garden party at Buckingham Palace under King Charles’ reign in 2023, the Princess of Wales brought the look back, proving that a great outfit deserves more than one moment in the spotlight.
She kept the styling close to the original, wearing a matching blue hat adorned with a fabric flower and pulling her hair into a neat low bun. Prince William also joined in on the coordinated dressing, wearing a black suit and top hat with light blue accents that complemented his wife’s ensemble. Royal couple dressing, but make it subtle.
Safe to Say, Elie Saab Has Her Attention
Kate might have her tried-and-tested royal fashion favourites, but Elie Saab has clearly earned a place in the mix. Whether she’s going all out in yellow for a state banquet or keeping things soft in blush pink for a royal wedding, his designs bring plenty of personality without losing that classic royal polish. And if these two looks are anything to go by, we’re more than happy to see the Lebanese designer make another appearance in her wardrobe.
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