Kate Middleton Dazzles in Rare Royal Heirloom at 2026 BAFTAs

On February 22, 2026, the 2026 BAFTA Awards showcased an unforgettable black tie event as Kate Middleton and Prince William graced the red carpet. The Princess of Wales made a striking statement in a blush-pink gown, complemented by exquisite diamond jewelry from the royal collection. Notably, she adorned herself with the Greville Chandelier Earrings—a wedding gift to the then-Princess Elizabeth—and the rarely-seen Queen Mary Choker Bracelet, a piece that has become a symbol of royal elegance.

A Glimpse of Royal History

The Queen Mary Choker Bracelet, with its art deco design, was originally crafted for Mary of Teck, the wife of King George V, in the 1920s. Its debut in royal portraits highlighted its beauty, but the piece has transitioned from being a choker to a bracelet in recent years. After Queen Mary passed away in 1953, the bracelet remained hidden for decades, only to resurface in the 1970s on the wrist of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Following her death in 2002, it was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II, and has recently gained popularity with Kate Middleton, who first wore it as a bracelet during a state banquet in 2015.

Since then, the bracelet has graced various formal occasions, including a charity gala in 2016 and a state visit to Paris in 2017. After a period of absence, it was brought back to public view at the Royal Variety Performance in November 2025, marking its return to the royal spotlight.

Fashion at the BAFTAs

Arriving on the arm of her husband, Prince William, who donned a velvet burgundy tuxedo jacket, Kate Middleton looked every bit the fairytale princess in her off-the-shoulder chiffon gown. She last wore the Gucci gown at the 100 Women in Finance gala dinner in February 2019. With her chestnut curls flowing elegantly over her shoulder, the Princess appeared particularly radiant, hinting at a recent sun-soaked family holiday.

This appearance marked the couple’s return to the BAFTAs, with Prince William attending for the first time since 2024 and Kate Middleton making her first appearance since 2023. The couple’s absence from the previous awards raised questions about potential scheduling conflicts with their children’s school holidays.

Throughout his tenure as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) since 2010, Prince William has attended the event on eight occasions. His last appearance was in 2024, while Kate Middleton had missed the 2025 ceremony due to recovery from surgery.

The couple has a history of dazzling red carpet moments, with Kate Middleton first appearing at the BAFTAs in 2017 in a bespoke Alexander McQueen gown. Over the years, she has chosen various designers, returning predominantly to British labels, but her choice of Gucci for this event added a touch of surprise.

As the Princess of Wales continues to embrace her role, her appearances at prestigious events like the BAFTAs not only highlight her fashion sense but also her connection to royal heritage, making each occasion a memorable celebration of both style and tradition.