What Does Kate Middleton Wear To Chelsea Flower Show?

It’s no secret that the Kate Middleton is a social season trendsetter – especially where Chelsea Flower Show is concerned. The Princess of Wales, while having not attended as many times as King Charles or the late Queen, often turns heads with her elegant, on-theme outfits. Below, we round up some of her best looks so far.

What Is The Royals’ Connection To Chelsea Flower Show?

Founded by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 1913, Chelsea Flower Show has always had a link to the royals. The first show was opened by Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, and has subsequently been frequented by several members of the royal family in the years since. Queen Elizabeth II was the event’s longest-standing patron, having held the post from 1952 until her death, with King Charles III taking up the mantle in 2024.

But Chelsea Flower Show is popular amongst all members of the royal family – including the current Prince and Princess of Wales, who have attended the event several times over the years, with and without their children.

(c) RHS

How Many Times Has The Princess Of Wales Been?

Kate Middleton has attended four Chelsea Flower Shows: in 2016, 2017, 2019 and most recently in 2023.

Will Kate Middleton Be At Chelsea Flower Show 2025?

Never say never. The royal missed the 2024 edition of Chelsea Flower Show due to ongoing cancer treatment – but having fully returned to royal duties at the end of the year, it seems very possible that she could put in an appearance at this year’s event.

Kate Middleton’s Chelsea Flower Show Fashion

2023: The Barbiecore Dress

Making a surprise appearance – and her first at Chelsea Flower in four years – Kate Middleton joined children from 10 local schools at the event’s first ever Children’s Picnic. Taking a part in a bug hunt, home-grown meal-planning session and Q&A, the royal attended the event in a pretty pink dress from British luxury label ME+EM, a pair of espadrille wedges from Castañer and Catherine Zoraida earrings.

Kate had previously worn the dress for a public engagement in May 2021, when she met Mila Sneddon and her family, who featured in the Hold Still project, during a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has also been worn by the royal’s mother, Carole Middleton, who is also a fan of ME+EM.

You can read more about Kate’s 2023 look here.

Chelsea Flower Show 2023 (c) Oliver Dixon/RHS

2019: The Erdem Maxi

This was a big year for Kate, who took part in designing and building Chelsea Flower Show’s Back To Nature garden. Created in collaboration with Davies White Landscape Architects, the garden inspired by the royal’s own childhood and aimed to encourage families and communities to spend more time outdoors.

‘The #RHSChelsea Back to Nature Garden, designed by The Duchess and award-winning landscape architects Andrée Davies and Adam White of Davies White Landscape Architects, is a woodland setting for families and communities to come together and connect with nature,’ the Palace wrote in an official statement. ‘Her Royal Highness is a strong advocate for the proven benefits the outdoors has on physical and mental health, and the positive impact that nature and the environment can have on childhood development in particular.’

Speaking to the BBC, Kate added: ‘I really feel that nature and being interactive outdoors has huge benefits on our physical and mental wellbeing, particularly for young children. I really hope that this woodland that we have created really inspires families, kids and communities to get outside, enjoy nature and the outdoors, and spend quality time together.’

During a formal visit to the garden at Chelsea Flower Show, the royal dressed very much on-theme. She opted for a high-necked Erdem dress, decorated with flowers and lace detailing, flower-inspired earrings and a pair of Castañer espadrilles.

Chelsea Flower Show 2019 (c) Suzanne Plunkett/RHS

2019: The Casual Culottes

The royal also donned a more casual look for the 2019 edition of Chelsea Flower Show, during a solo visit to the Back To Nature garden ahead of her more formal outing with Prince William and the Queen.

On this occasion, the royal wore a white eyelet blouse from M.i.h Jeans and a pair of tan culottes from Massimo Dutti, which she teamed up with Superga white trainers and Monica Vinader earrings. Gardening chic, made royal.

Chelsea Flower Show 2019 (c) Suzanne Plunkett/RHS

2017: The Floral Number

Kate’s second royal outing at Chelsea Flower show saw her join the Queen for a walk through that year’s installations. Notably, she took the time to view an exhibit by David Austen, which featured the ‘William and Catherine Rose’, named in honour of the royal couple’s wedding in 2011.

Sticking to theme, Kate’s outfit consisted of an emerald green dress by Parisian label Rochas, which was decorated in a bold white dahlia print, as well as a pair of nude L.K. Bennett heels and green Monica Vinader earrings.

Chelsea Flower Show 2017 (c) RHS / Hannah McKay

2016: The Coat Dress

Kate Middleton made her debut appearance at Chelsea Flower Show alongside Prince William all the way back in 2016. As well as touring the exhibits, the royal couple viewed a new chrysanthemum flower named after their daughter, Princess Charlotte, which featured pink petals with green tips.

The outfit worn by the royal on this occasion was a familiar outfit; a bespoke creation designed by Catherine Walker, the green coat dress was first seen back in 2014 on a tour of Australia and New Zealand. However, for the RHS show, Kate leaned into neutral accessories: a pair of nude L.K. Bennett heels and a matching clutch, worn with gold leaf-shaped earrings by Kiki McDonough.

Chelsea Flower Show 2016 (c) RHS

Featured image: Chelsea Flower Show 2019 (c) RHS / Luke MacGregor