In pictures: Kate Middleton's stunning Christmas Day looks over the years
We can't wait to see what she wears this year!
Each Christmas morning, as the royal family walks to St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate, one question dominates royal-watchers’ minds: What will Kate Middleton wear this year?
Since joining the royal family in 2011 for her debut, the Princess of Wales has transformed the traditional Christmas Day church outing into a masterclass in festive elegance.
Her signature formula, a structured coat, coordinating hat, and timeless jewellery, never fails.
Over the years, Kate has embraced jewel tones, tartans, faux fur trims, and even the occasional bold hat. Below, we revisit her most iconic Christmas Day looks.
Princess Kate makes Christmas walkabout debut in 2011
Kate’s first Christmas as a royal set the tone for everything that followed.
She stepped out in an aubergine‑purple coat dress accessorised with a velvet fedora-style hat by Jane Corbett. Her black Mascaro pumps and green amethyst earrings completed the polished ensemble.
The appearance came months after her and Prince William’s wedding day in the April.
2013
After spending Christmas 2012 with the Middletons, Kate returned to Sandringham the following year. Her navy and green tartan Alexander McQueen coat became an instant fan favourite.
Paired with a green beret, black knee-high boots, and earrings, the ensemble captured the spirit of the season.
Walking hand-in-hand with Prince William, just months after welcoming their first child, Prince George, Kate radiated warmth and confidence.
Princess Kate’s pregnant appearance in 2014
On Christmas Day 2014, while pregnant with daughter Princess Charlotte, the Princess of Wales gave a masterclass in elegant maternity dressing.
For the walk to church at Sandringham, she wore a brown tweed coat with cream and orange tones.
She styled the look with a scarf, wool gloves, and a structured pillbox hat. For accessories, she wore double leaf earrings and completed the ensemble with simple heels.
2015
Kate returned to her favourite shade, deep green, in a belted coat. She accessorised with green amethyst earrings, an oak leaf brooch, and a green hat accessory.
Her simple clutch bag and knee-high suede boots completed the festive look.
Princess Charlotte matches with Kate in 2016
In 2016, Princess Kate and Prince William celebrated Christmas with the Middleton family in Bucklebury, bringing Prince George and Princess Charlotte along for their first holiday church service.
Kate wore a coat in chestnut brown, featuring a faux fur collar.
Underneath, she chose a black turtleneck dress and accessorised with a burgundy clutch bag and fringed pumps.
She twinned with Charlotte, who also donned a burgundy ensemble.
Kate wows in tartan in 2017
With Meghan Markle joining the family for her first walk to church, all eyes were on the two duchesses. Kate did not disappoint. Her red-and-black Miu Miu tartan coat, trimmed with black velvet, was fun yet regal.
She topped the ensemble with a fur hat, black gloves, and pumps.
William, Harry, Kate and Meghan step out in 2018
For Christmas Day in 2018, Princess Kate celebrated with a vintage-inspired berry red coat featuring a velvet collar and button detailing.
She topped the look with a velvet headband and added gold hoop earrings, her acorn leaf brooch, and a burgundy clutch bag.
Suede pumps completed the elegant ensemble for her baby son Prince Louis’ first Christmas.
Kate stepped out with William, brother-in-law Prince Harry and sister-in-law Meghan.
Kate’s ‘regret’ on Christmas Day in 2019
The Princess of Wales debuted a mocha coatdress with faux fur trim and a belted bodice in 2019.
She paired it with green accessories, including amethyst earrings, an Emmy London clutch, and matching pumps.
However, Kate admitted to well-wishers that she may have regretted her outfit choice.
According to Karen Anvil, who was among the well-wishers gathered outside the church that morning, the princess made the candid confession to her daughter Rachel.
“Kate was talking to my daughter about clothes and how she was feeling too hot,” Karen recalled, as reported by Metro at the time. The princess reportedly told Rachel: “I really shouldn’t have worn this.”
2022
In 2022, Kate recycled her olive green Alexander McQueen military-style coat.
She added a dramatic green wide-brimmed hat.
Her drop earrings, slouchy brown boots, and a chocolate clutch added an earthy charm.
2023
Fans were thrilled when the princess arrived in a vibrant cobalt-blue Alexander McQueen coat dress, a departure from her usual reds and greens.
Her Juliette Botterill “Bow and Arrow” hat and blue suede boots kept the monochrome palette cohesive.
But the standout detail? Sapphire and diamond earrings once belonging to Princess Diana.
Princess of Wales stuns in green in 2024
In 2024, Kate revisited a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen coat previously worn in Leeds, pairing it with a matching hat and a tartan scarf. Black boots and simple earrings kept the look understated yet deeply elegant.
Her appearance carried emotional weight. Earlier that year, Kate revealed she had undergone abdominal surgery in January and later began treatment for cancer, a diagnosis she publicly shared in a moving video in March of 2024.
Despite the year’s challenges, she returned for the Christmas walk looking strong, serene and stylish.
Read more: In pictures: 15 moments King Charles proved he’s a cool monarch as he celebrates 77th birthday
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