Kate Middleton’s BAFTA Dresses Through the Years: From Alexander McQueen to Jenny Packham
A look back at Kate Middleton’s BAFTA dresses, from Alexander McQueen to Jenny Packham, and her standout royal red carpet moments.
Few royals command a red carpet quite like Kate Middleton. Polished but never predictable, classic yet quietly modern, the Princess of Wales has turned the BAFTAs into one of her most anticipated fashion moments of the year.
Since officially stepping onto the British Academy Film Awards red carpet in 2017, Kate has delivered a masterclass in royal eveningwear. Think sweeping Alexander McQueen gowns, rich jewel tones from Jenny Packham, meaningful jewelry choices, and the occasional high-street surprise that reminds everyone she still keeps things relatable.
The BAFTAs give Kate something rare in royal life: a true Hollywood moment. And she treats it as such. Each appearance feels carefully considered but never overworked. She embraces silhouettes that flatter, designers she trusts, and subtle updates that keep familiar pieces feeling fresh. It’s a balance she’s perfected over time.
Ahead of the 2026 BAFTAs, we’re looking back at every gown she’s worn to the ceremony so far, and how each one helped shape her red carpet evolution.
For her debut, she chose an off-the-shoulder black Alexander McQueen gown covered in delicate floral detailing from the brand’s resort collection. The silhouette was romantic but polished, finished with diamond chandelier earrings that added just enough sparkle. It was classic Kate. Elegant, timeless, and quietly dramatic.
In 2018, while pregnant with Prince Louis, she switched things up in a deep green Jenny Packham gown. The dress featured a plunging neckline and flowing skirt, cinched with a black ribbon at the waist. She paired it with emerald jewelry that felt bold but still regal. Honestly, pregnancy glow has never looked more red carpet ready.
By 2019, she was back in Alexander McQueen, this time in a white one-shoulder gown with floral embellishments and a cinched waist. The look was elevated even further with jewelry from Princess Diana’s collection, adding sentiment to the glamour.
In 2020, Kate embraced sustainability before it became a full-on royal talking point. She rewore a custom Alexander McQueen gown originally designed by Sarah Burton for her 2012 Southeast Asia tour honoring Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The ivory design felt fresh again, styled with Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra pieces.
And in 2023, she revisited her 2019 white McQueen gown, updating it with elbow-length gloves and added chiffon detailing. The twist? Zara earrings. High-low dressing at its best.
If the BAFTAs prove anything, it’s this: Kate understands the power of consistency. She knows her designers, trusts her silhouette, and isn’t afraid to rewear. That confidence might just be her best accessory.
