What Kate Middleton Wore to Meet 5 World Leaders

Since joining the royal family in 2011 through her marriage to Prince William, the Princess of Wales has become one of the monarchy’s most valuable ambassadors, representing the institution and Britain at meetings with some of the world’s most powerful leaders.

On these occasions, Kate’s style has often been praised, both by members of the public and the fashion press.

In addition to being seen as an ambassador for the monarchy and country, Kate is also a valuable resource for the British fashion industry. Her influence in this area is estimated to be worth $1 billion a year to the U.K’s fashion economy.

Throughout her marriage, Kate, alongside William, has met with presidents and prime ministers from around the Commonwealth and the world both at home in Britain and on foreign tours.

Here, Newsweek looks at what Kate wore to meet five world leaders during this time.

President Xi Jinping of China

Kate’s first state banquet appearance was made in 2015 to honor the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to London.

For the Buckingham Palace reception, the princess was seated at the president’s right hand, with Queen Elizabeth II at his left. For the occasion, Kate opted to pay tribute to the president by wearing a vivid red dress designed by Jenny Packham. Through its color, the gown honored the Chinese flag. Red is also a color associated with good luck in Chinese tradition.

Former President Barack Obama of the United States

In 2016, then-U.S. President Barack Obama, and his wife Michelle, visited London where they were hosted to dinner by Prince William and Kate at their Kensington Palace apartment.

For the evening, Kate opted to wear a flattering printed day dress from the British mid-range label L.K. Bennett. She accessorized with a pair of her favorite style of high-heeled suede pumps and simple mixed tone jewelry.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada

For an official visit to the West coast of Canada on behalf of the U.K. government in 2016, Kate made another patriotic fashion choice, wearing a bold blue toned outfit paying tribute to the flag of British Columbia.

To meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie at an official welcome reception, Kate wore a classically tailored mid-length day dress with three-quarter-length sleeves designed by Catherine Walker & Co.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa

In their roles as prince and princess of Wales, William and Kate have taken on the responsibility of officially welcoming visiting world leaders who are paying state visits to Britain.

In November 2022, Kate wore a plum-colored coat dress designed by Emilia Wickstead and a matching hat to meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa before taking part in the state ceremonial events with King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Kate accessorized her coat dress with a diamond and emerald brooch featuring the motif of the Prince of Wales feathers which had previously been worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Princess Diana and Queen Camilla.

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea

Kate’s most recent meeting with a world leader came in November 2023, where she and Prince William greeted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the start of his state visit to Britain.

Kate made a striking impression on the grey London day, wearing a vivid red coat and cape ensemble designed by Catherine Walker & Co. and a matching wide-brimmed hat.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

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