Carole Middleton made her Royal Ascot 2024 debut on Wednesday when she arrived with her husband, Michael.
It’s the first time the Princess of Wales’s parents have appeared in public since the news of their daughter’s cancer diagnosis, and a poignant one too, with Royal Ascot being an event Kate is very fond of.
The pair joined their son-in-law, Prince William, and several other members of the Royal Family at the Royal Enclosure.
All were dressed to impress, including 69-year-old Carole who wore an elegant maxi dress with sheer long sleeves and a belted waist.
Carole teamed the £350 light blue floral chiffon dress from Self Portrait with a fascinator in a matching shade, complete with two large flowers and netting.
The product description reads: “With its floral print, ruffle trims and flutter sleeves, this blue midi dress has ‘special occasion’ written all over it.” Standout features of the New Look dress include its asymmetrical ruffles which flatter the figure and the midi length for a modest silhouette.
Shoppers who have already purchased the dress have praised it as “perfect for a summer occasion”, noting that it is “beautiful and really flattering”. Some weren’t a fan of the keyhole back detail but others were satisfied with the fit and “light material”.
Though much cheaper than Carole’s £350 dress, the New Look design does lack long sleeves and the sheer element. However, Karen Millen has a close match for those willing to spend a little to recreate the royal look.
The Crystal Embellished Woven Maxi Dress is currently on sale for £183.20, down from £229. It’s described as a pleated midi dress with sheer blouson sleeves, perfect as a wedding guest or occasion dress.
Alternatively, LK Bennett, another royal-approved brand, has a beautiful alternative – the Agnes Blue Mini Wiggle Print Georgette Dress (£299). Available in sizes six to 20, the dress description reads: “Light as a feather and pretty in print, the new Agnes dress in our Royal Ascot collection is ready for all the spring occasions you may have marked in your diary. Crafted from a lightweight, sheer georgette with a delicate mini wiggle print in cornflower blue and cream, it is lined and has a round neck, fluttery cape sleeves and a floaty, midi skirt. Wear it with a pointed court shoe or a strappy heel and a chic clutch when those dressing up moments call.”
LK Bennett also carries the Soni Blue and Green Heart Print Silk dress for £214, which has the same tie-up neckline and long sleeves as Carole’s Royal Ascot dress.