Princess Kate Stuns in $1.7K Red Dress at King Charles’ Special Cancer Reception — Photos

Princess Kate never fails to impress with her sartorial picks, and the diva on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, turned heads as she attended the 125th anniversary of Cancer Research U.K. at St. James’s Palace in London alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. The poignant event served not only to highlight critical advocacy work for cancer research but also provided a rare moment for the royals to appreciate the dedication and hard work of its researchers, doctors, and volunteers.

For the meaningful occasion, Kate wore a stunning red Printed Silk Twill Midi Dress by Rodarte. This was her first time wearing from the California-based brand run by sister duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy. The dress featured a classic polka-dot pattern, and the Princess paired her look with Red Suede Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps and a matching Miu Miu bow-embellished shoulder bag in the same shade.

To complete the sophisticated, color-coordinated look, the Princess accessorized the look with exquisite fine jewelry from G. Collins & Sons. She donned a striking ruby pendant necklace with matching diamond and ruby earrings. Kate kept her makeup simple with pink-flushed cheeks and opted for a shade of nude lipstick. She also kept her hair loose in her signature wavy hairstyle.

Kate's red polka-dot midi dress comes with a whopping price tag of $1,765 and is currently on discount for $1,412. The piece is made of 100% silk, and reportedly the design “showcases Rodarte’s penchant for romantic, delicate aesthetics,” as detailed by MyTheresa. “The style is made from soft silk twill with a dainty heart print, a belted waist, and a contrasting collar," continued the description. While for the past few engagements Kate has been repeating her outfits, seeing her opt for something new emphasizes the significance of the event.

The event held a profoundly personal significance for Kate and Charles, as both royals have shared very public health battles with cancer in recent years. Standing together at the reception for Cancer Research UK, their presence resonated deeply with attendees and the public alike. As per the palace, Cancer Research “has helped to transform how cancer is understood, prevented, detected and treated." Sharing the contribution of the research center, Buckingham Palace continued, "This progress has contributed to a doubling of cancer survival in the UK over the past 50 years, and today 8 in 10 people who receive cancer drugs in the UK receive a drug developed by or with Cancer Research UK.”