Duchess Kate goes from butter yellow to marigold at Royal Ascot

Two days after arriving in the palest butter yellow Garter Day, Duchess Kate moved to the more saturated end of one of this summer’s strongest color stories at Royal Ascot 2026.

Returning to Royal Ascot for the first time since 2023, the Princess of Wales joined Prince William on the second day of the annual race meeting on Wednesday. They arrived as part of the royal procession in a horse-drawn carriage with the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and the Duchess of Gordon.

For this occasion, Catherine returned to a custom marigold Roksanda dress based on the label’s Brigitte design. The short-sleeved style features a rounded neckline, fitted waist and soft pleated midi skirt with a wide panel of crepe across the bodice and finished with an oversized bow on the left shoulder. The asymmetrical drape gives the streamlined silhouette a more sculptural finish. Wednesday marked the third time the dress has been shown in public. Duchess Kate showed off the dress when she arrived in Jamaica during her 2022 royal tour, and brought it back for the Wimbledon women’s singles final later that summer.

The Princess of Wales extended the color above her neckline with a yellow saucer hat. Its wide, slightly slanted brim hung low over her forehead, and a thin, loose web rose above the top of her head and spilled irregularly from the brim.

As for other accessories, the royal teamed her dress with an ivory Anya Hindmarch clutch, her favorite beige suede Gianvito Rossi pumps, and a three-strand pearl bracelet designed for Princess Diana by Nigel Milne. She also recently wore a Trooping the Color bracelet. Diamond chandelier earrings, reportedly inherited from the late Queen Elizabeth II, completed the look.

Royal Ascot is not an event where the dress code leaves much room for interpretation. Hats are mandatory in the Royal Enclosure, while dresses must follow rules regarding straps, length, and coverage. Duchess Kate’s appearance met these requirements, but once again omitted the name badges commonly worn by attendees, including members of the royal family.

Wednesday marked the Duchess’ sixth appearance at Royal Ascot. In recent years, she’s attended in ice blue Elie Saab, black and white Alessandra Rich, and bright red Alexander McQueen. Marigold Roksanda continues to favor strong colors at events, this time in one of the most striking shades of the summer.