On June 2, 2026, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, accompanied by the Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, hosted a reception at St James’s Palace in London to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Cancer Research UK (CRUK). During the reception, the royals met with researchers, clinicians, volunteers and partners involved in the charity’s work in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation. King Charles has served as Patron of Cancer Research UK since 2024. For the occasion, the Princess of Wales wore a red heart-print dress by Rodarte, featuring a belted waist and white lapels.
Rodarte Heart Printed Silk Twill Collared Dress
Oh gosh Camilla. That beautiful Moon stone brooch sitting right over the pull for your hidden zipper. As a minor perfectionist its the first thing my eyes went to.
ReplyDeleteI do love that brooch and the color of her dress.
Cinci
This must have been a very emotional and difficult engagement for the princess. I am not a fan of her dress
ReplyDeleteLove the tipped blazer colors and neckline on the D of Gloucester. She’s always so well dressed and presented, and this event is no different. The Queen is in a style she favors and I like the color on her. The POW’s dress, well, it looks straight out of I Love Lucy from the 50’s, so it seems very out of place in my view.
ReplyDeleteAnon 3:48, well said, I totally agree.
DeleteHi Anon 03: 48
DeleteYou're spot on. Kate's dress does look like it could have been in an I love Lucy episode.
Normally I love 1950s frocks but as Ava wrote this one appears matronly.
Cate.
"I Love Lucy" is bang on for Kate's dress. I knew it reminded me of something but I couldn't put my finger on it. I must say the dress looked much better on Lucy!
DeleteI agree well stated
DeleteI agree about the "I Love Lucy" 1950s vibe. My first thought when seeing it was that it was a little to "girl-ish" for a woman in her 40s. I think it's the white trim that's doing it. Raise the hemline and this would be great for Charlotte. :-|
DeleteThe Duchess of Gloucester looks impeccably groomed, I saw a full length photo elsewhere, she had a lovely outfit, beautifully attired. Her pearl necklaces, perfect choices. She looked very elegant.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen looks nice, this dress is very suitable for this event.
The Princess looks beautiful in this color. Her red shoes and clutch look lovely. I don't like this dress, I am not a fan of dropped waistline. Something about this dress gives me matronly vibes. The dress must feel nice on to wear, beautiful silk fabric.
Hi Ava.
DeleteIt's so unlike you to make a negative comment, but I have to agree with you that Kate's dress has a matronly vibe to it.
I mho Kate's style changed after she became the P of W and I don't like many of her outfits these days.
Cate.
Yes I agree
DeleteI like the POW red dress, and I do not see a dropped waist here, most dresses nowadays are too high waisted and I don'tcare for that look, dresses should sit on the natural waist. The dress is too long for my taste, it should be at least 5" shorter for a balanced look, but close to full length is the fashion now I guess but I don't have to like it.
Delete"Anon 12:05" I agree with you about Cate's style changing. I assume she wants to project a more refined/conservative vibe - and there's absolutely nothing wrong with thtat - but, there's no reason it can't also have a little more "pizzazz."
DeleteHi Cate 12.05 Thank you for your comment. I hope I was not harsh in my tone, I would hate to come across as such. Matronly was the only word that came to mind! There is a line around the thigh section just above where the pleating starts of the skirt of her dress its crystal clear when photo enlarged, I don't like this.
DeleteFlowing from the waist is more appealing to me. Regardless she looked lovely. More importantly, its what appeals to the Princess she is happy with what she is wearing. Great to see her looking well and engaging.
Hi again Ava.
DeleteI have enjoyed reading your comments on this blog for some time now.
I don't think you have probably ever uttered a harsh or rude comment in your life! You are definitely a half glass full kind of person.
Kind regards Cate.
Hi Cate, I like reading your posts as well, I always learn from you. I am humbled thank you for your kind words. I look forward to reading more of your posts/thoughts on Royal fashion. Sincerely Ava
DeleteShe looks lovely! So does the Duchess of Gloucester.
ReplyDeleteI’m not a fan of this costume looking dress. Catherine looks great but I’m not a fan of the dress. MR
ReplyDeleteShe has a knack of looking both juvenile and elderly at the same time. (Credit Redittor) Her wardrobe and her hair.
ReplyDeleteWhat an unkind comment
DeleteNot unkind, the dress with the short sleeves gives little girl vibes. Perhaps in a different colour or pattern would make it look more stylish
DeleteMy thoughts exactly!
DeleteI see what you mean. Perhaps her daughter Charlotte approved of the dress and long hair, cute!
DeleteIt is unkind. There’s no other way to see that.
Delete04:48 Also your comment comes across as juvenile and elderly
Delete(more elderly than juvenile!).
Agree. This is a real miss. Fussy, over the top and churlish.
Delete~ Peonies
What a lovely vintage dress!
ReplyDeleteThe room is Red and your dressed in red! These type of dresses seem to wear her, perhaps a shorter leg and in another color
ReplyDeleteMid length dress in blue, black, white to contrast the color of the room
DeleteWhat a lovely thing to do. Very supporting and brave to all those who have cancer now, in remission, in the past, and for the future
ReplyDeleteAnd her dress is ?
DeleteDid Catherine borrow the dress from her grandmother? So sweet of her!
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DeleteDon't like either of the dresses.
ReplyDeleteI do not like the PoW red dress. I agree with someone who referred to the 50s.
ReplyDeleteI think she has enough dresses and other clothes now who remember that period. Q. Camila and the Duchess of Gloucester are not wearing summer colors which look a bit sad.
Love, love, love the subtle color palette of the Duchess of Gloucester’s ensemble, and the way the jacket lapels are cut. Ravishing ♥️
ReplyDeleteLe duc et la duchesse de Gloucester sont à l’unisson dans la couleur de leur tenue mais est-ce le hasard ?
ReplyDeletePrincess C's style is becoming more and more conservative. I wonder why?
ReplyDeleteI would be interested to hear why you think this dress is conservative. Vintage or retro maybe??
DeleteVintage/Retro or oldfashioned?
DeleteThe dress is a perfect style for her figure. It gives her shape and dimension. I would have much preferred her hair in an updo rather than loose. I wonder if it’s a comfort blanket for her? The styling of hair can make or break a look. I lovely high ponytail would have brought the look together.
ReplyDeleteAs always the D.o.G looks lovely and well put together.
I like the simplicity of Camilla’s dress. I also like that she went with the simplicity,and not try and compensate with accessories.
Lowri.
definately not the 'perfect syle for her figure' it gives her a flat chest and her long torso is more accenuated!
DeleteCatherine’s dress I guess could be considered cheerful, but the hearts give it a bit of a twee vibe. I do like her ruby necklace. The Duchess of Gloucester looks very elegant, as always. Camilla’s dress is her standard silhouette. As someone else already noted, Camilla’s brooch placement over the zipper does not look right.
ReplyDelete-Royal Watcher
I know the dress is on the long side, and that it’s rather too like the decor, but it’s red and it’s gorgeous. I love the vintage vibe and the P of W looks fabulous. My only gripe, and it’s a regular one, is that I wish she would lop at least 6 inches off her hair
ReplyDeleteYes I agree
DeleteWhat a rude comment about someone’s hair.
Delete12:24- you wish you could have fabulous hair and you can't
DeleteIf a room is red one can't wear red! So, one can't wear blue in a blue room, green in a green room - ridiculous!!
ReplyDeleteThe 1950's vibe can be seen in all the fashion shops where I live,quite retro and in vogue. Love the heart design, quite thoughtful.
Fwiw, my guess is that Catherine chose a bright red dress with hearts scattered on it to convey a message of optimism, strength and good cheer as a bulwark against distressing associations the word “cancer” inevitably carries. Good for her; I appreciate that. I am betting that before long, her style of dress will begin changing to a more “business casual” look, and pretty knee-length skirt suits. Few of us stay with one look forever.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with Anonymous 13:41 about the optimism this dress symbolises.
DeleteCarherine loves the 50's!
ReplyDeleteI had to take a closer look to discover that it's not polka dots, but hearts on the Princess of Wales' dress. I find this a nice nod to all those involved in cancer research, giving others hope and trust in this special medical field. Hearts (instead of thumbs) up! The dress is - again, I might add - on the rather conservative spectrum, and I sometimes wish she would be a tad more daring in her fashion choices. While she does excel in evening wear most of the time, her daytime outfits are often less interesting (mind you, they still are of outstanding quality and tailoring, which is a different matter entirely). She plays it very, very, very safe in most cases, and it therefore becomes a. sort of predictable, and b. no longer great fun to watch (dare I say "boring" at times?). The Duchess of Gloucester hardly puts a foot wrong fashionwise, I adore her. HM Queen Camilla sticks to her signature style, and yes, why should she not, however, I take issue with the zippers by now. Sorry, Your Majesty. 'nuff said.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looks flawless, because everything fits perfectly. But she does not look convincing or even: good. This dress is, for me, simply too sweet. Hearts everywhere, OK - but than pleats, and white collar too, then puff sleeves - add to it her long wavy hair - much too much. This is not an age-related remark, it would be too much on a small girl too. But then, we could call her "how sweet!" - which is not quite fitting for a Princess of Wales.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looks great in the red dress. It is a timeless, classic look. Her hair is styled beautifully and the red shoes and purse are perfect accessories. Camilla looks very bland and plain to me in the blue/gray dress.
ReplyDeleteShel
Cancer research - what a topic for Catherine and for Charles! Catherine wears what she feels comfortable in and that matters most. She looks adorable.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that she "nods" to people who have cancer, nor is she silly enough to want to cheer them up with little hearts ... the dress is what it is, an overly sentimental dress. She has worn beautiful 50's dresses, mainly Alessandra Rich, several of them polka dotted - but none of them so overloaded like this one (cf https://katemiddletonstyle.org/brand/alessandra-rich/). Everyone makes lesser choices sometimes.
ReplyDelete"... nor is she silly enough to want to cheer them up with little hearts"...
DeleteWhat were you thinking when writing such a comment?
Wow, people are so cruel, unbelievable. It strikes me that the POW is getting a lot of negativity thrown at her. I am Dutch, and as soon as her name appears on MKM, I already know what will be said: stupid, prejudiced comments!! Just let her wear whatever makes her happy. Give each other a boost and be a little kind for once!!
ReplyDelete..but this is an official event.
DeleteAbsolutely stunning outfit for Catherine. Yes it’s based on a vintage style, but no there’s nothing at all wrong with that. She looks stunning and its such a beautiful and well-finished garment.
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess of Gloucester looks stunning and so elegantly attired. She stands out as being very regal in her representation of the Royal Family.
ReplyDeleteThis red dress... A very big no. I can't understand Catherine's dress choices.
ReplyDeletePrincess Catherine looks beautiful in this happy dress for this occasion! Unreal to me the negative and nasty comments on this site. Most of you seem to want her in a dull suit with short cropped hair. I would love to have her gorgeous hair and hope she never changes it.
ReplyDeletePost a Comment