ComScore

The Style Trend Kate Middleton, Beatrice and Sophie All Had in Common at Wimbledon

It goes without saying that Wimbledon is the place to see and be seen, but that’s especially true if you happen to be seated (fancily) in the royal box. Case in point: the sartorial master class served up by Kate Middleton, Princess Beatrice and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, over the course of the event. But—a bit of a royal thrill—despite their varying approaches to style that we’ve witnessed over the years, there was one thing they all had in common at the 2021 tennis tournament: an affinity for polka dots.

Kate Middleton Just Made Her Big Return to Wimbledon


kate middleton wimbledon men s final
Karwai Tang/Getty Images

1. Kate Middleton

Given the fact that Kate is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, she kicked things off, wearing a navy blue and white polka dot midi skirt by Alessandra Rich (similar version here) to watch the men’s doubles match. She paired it with a white blouse, navy blazer and white heels—the epitome of courtside chic.

sophie countess of wessex wimbledon
Karwai Tang/Getty Images

2. Sophie, Countess Of Wessex

This is where the trend took root: In the days that followed, we saw Sophie, Countess of Wessex, show up for the tennis tournament and stun the crowds in a gorgeous full-length cream-colored dress from Me+Em, sprinkled with a delicate black polka dot pattern. (It’s still available, FYI.)

princess beatrice wimbledon polka dots
Karwai Tang/Getty Images

3. Princess Beatrice

Finally, Princess Beatrice swooped in with a maternity-friendly showstopper: a belted white dress complete with puffy sleeves and—you guessed it—bold polka dots. (It’s by Self Portrait and still for sale in limited sizes.)

princess diana wimbledon polka dots
Brendan Monks/Getty Images

A nod to Princess Diana? The royal was known to wear the occasional polka dot pattern to the Wimbledon tournament back in her day. Regardless, polka dots are a style statement—and proof of meticulously coordinated royal fashion at its best.

For more about the royals, listen to the Royally Obsessed podcast with co-hosts Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito. Subscribe now or follow us on Instagram @royallyobsessedpodcast.



rachel bowie christine han photography 100

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

  • Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
  • Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
  • Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College