Kate Middleton Wears an Unexpected Designer to Celebrate a Meaningful Charity Milestone
The Princess of Wales appeared alongside King Charles in support of cancer research wearing Rodarte.
On Tuesday, June 2, Kate Middleton attended a reception at St. James’s Palace in London to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Cancer Research UK, the world’s largest independent cancer research organization. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, joined King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the event, which showcased the charity’s impact and celebrated the work of its researchers, doctors, and volunteers.
The event marked the first time that the Princess of Wales and King Charles have stepped out together in support of a cause that is personal to both of them. In 2024, they announced—within weeks of each other—that they had both been diagnosed with cancer.
The King had been a patron of various cancer research charities for decades before that, but following his diagnosis, he became the primary patron of Cancer Research UK. He is still undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer. The princess announced she was in remission from cancer in 2025, following the completion of her preventative chemotherapy treatment in the fall of 2024.
For Tuesday’s meaningful occasion, Kate wore one of her favorite colors, red, and one of her preferred patterns, polka dots. But the look had surprising origins: it was designed by the fashion-world-favorite brand Rodarte. The Pasadena-based label, overseen by Californian sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, is known for its romantic silhouettes and deeply researched art historical references.
While the designer was a surprise, the styling was more expected. The princess wore a printed silk twill midi dress paired with a Miu Miu purse and her favorite red Gianvito Rossi pumps, accessorizing with a ruby pendant necklace and matching diamond earrings.
In recent years, Kate has shown her support for cancer survivors and research regularly. In December 2025, she left a touching note at an art installation honoring those who had lost their lives to the disease. And when she announced her diagnosis, she said, “At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
