Kate Middleton Takes Summer’s Yellow Trend From Butter to Marigold at 2026 Royal Ascot

Two days after Garter Day, the Princess of Wales shifted from pale yellow to saturated marigold in a Roksanda rewear.

Two days after arriving at Garter Day in the palest of butter yellows, Catherine, Princess of Wales, moved to the more saturated end of one of summer’s strongest color stories at 2026 Royal Ascot.

Back at Royal Ascot for the first time since 2023, the Princess of Wales joined Prince William for the second day of the annual race meeting on Wednesday. The pair arrived as part of the Royal Procession, riding in a horse-drawn carriage with the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales laugh as they attend the second day of 2026 Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on Wednesday in Ascot, England. Getty Images

For the occasion, Catherine returned to a custom marigold Roksanda dress based on the label’s Brigitte design. The short-sleeve style featured a rounded neckline, a fitted waist and a softly pleated midi skirt, while a wide panel of crepe crossed the bodice and finished in an oversize bow at the left shoulder. The asymmetric draping brought a more sculptural finish to the otherwise streamlined silhouette. Wednesday marked the dress’ third public outing: Catherine debuted it upon arriving in Jamaica during a 2022 royal tour and brought it back for the Wimbledon women’s singles final later that summer.

The Princess of Wales in a marigold yellow Roksanda dress during the Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire. PA Images via Getty Images

The Princess of Wales extended the color above the neckline with a yellow saucer hat. Its broad, slightly tilted brim swept low across her forehead, while a loose web of fine netting rose above the crown and spilled irregularly over the brim.

As for her other accessories, the royal paired the dress with an ivory Anya Hindmarch clutch, her go-to beige suede Gianvito Rossi pumps and the three-strand pearl bracelet Nigel Milne designed for Diana, Princess of Wales. She recently wore the bracelet for Trooping the Colour as well. Diamond chandelier earrings reportedly inherited from the late Queen Elizabeth II completed the look.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales smile as they attend the 2026 Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse. Getty Images

Royal Ascot is not an event where the dress code leaves much room for interpretation. In the Royal Enclosure, hats are required, while dresses must follow rules around straps, length and coverage. Catherine’s look met those requirements, though she once again skipped the name badge generally worn by attendees, including members of the royal family.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, in her vibrant yellow custom Roksanda dress. Getty Images

Wednesday marked Catherine’s sixth appearance at Royal Ascot. In recent years, she has attended in icy blue Elie Saab, black-and-white Alessandra Rich and vivid red Alexander McQueen. The marigold Roksanda continued her preference for strong color at the event, this time in one of summer’s most prominent shades.

SOURCE: https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/kate-middleton-roksanda-yellow-dress-2026-royal-ascot-1239014309/