At a St. James’s Palace reception this evening, Kate Middleton joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to celebrate 125 years of Cancer Research, a charity which works to help prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.
For the occasion, the Princes of Wales wore a new-to-her brand, opting for a red midi dress from Rodarte that featured tiny hearts. She accessorized with a pair of red Gianvito Rossi suede heels, a ruby pendant necklace, and ruby and diamond earrings. Kate also carried a matching red clutch from Miu Miu.
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Kate arriving for the reception.
The dress, made of 100% silk, “showcases Rodarte’s penchant for romantic, delicate aesthetics,” per MyTheresa. “The style is made from soft silk twill with a dainty heart print, a belted waist, and a contrasting collar.” It’s still available online in a few sizes:
While Kate has tended towards repeat outfits for recent engagements, wearing a new dress ensures there’s a bigger spotlight on her work. This reception, coming a bit over two years after she revealed her cancer diagnosis, is likely an important cause for the Princess.
According to Buckingham Palace, Cancer Research “has helped to transform how cancer is understood, prevented, detected and treated. This progress has contributed to a doubling of cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years and today 8 in 10 people who receive cancer drugs in the UK receive a drug developed by or with Cancer Research UK.” King Charles has been Patron of Cancer Research UK since 2024.
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Kate speaks with an attendee.
The Princess of Wales shared in January 2025 she was in remission. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she said at the time. “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.
