Fresh fashion forever: 90 years of the Duchess of Kent's elegant style

Marrying Prince Edward, Duke of Kent in a long-sleeved, high-neck embroidered lace John Cavanagh gown with a 273-yard train was just the tip of the iceberg of Katharine, Duchess of Kent's fantastically feminine wardrobe. Marrying the late Queen's cousin in 1961 brought Katharine into the Royal Family, and along with her came her perfectly pretty penchant for pastel twin sets, floral frocks and captivating cape coats.

As fashion's current buzzword of ‘dopamine dressing’ floats around the ether, it begs the question of whether Katharine was the original pioneer of the trend. Sorbet shades of yellows, pinks and blues have always filled the Duchess's wardrobe, which match perfectly with her bright blonde hair. Although her public appearances have been scarce in recent years, having stepped away from royal duties in favour of teaching music to primary school children, her attendance at events is always met with smiles all round thanks to her floral displays of fashion affection.

A champion of spring style favourites, Katharine's elegantly cheerful wardrobe has often inspired other royals to follow suit. The Princess of Wales (then the Duchess of Cambridge) donned the very same blue floral Erdem design at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019 that Katharine had worn just months earlier at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, proving that great taste is truly ageless.

As the royal turns 90, we take a look at the our favourite ensembles of Katharine, Duchess of Kent.