The Princess of Wales was the epitome of elegance as she presented the Queen Elizabeth Design Award, which recognises and celebrates the role of the fashion industry in British society and culture

The Princess of Wales at the British Fashion Council at 180 Studios in central London(Image: PA)

The Princess of Wales gave British fashion another boost as she handed out a prize named in honour of the late Queen.

Kate – wearing a striking green suit by designer Victoria Beckham – presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at an event hosted by the British Fashion Council (BFC) at London’s 180 Studios to winning designer Patrick McDowell. The award recognises and celebrates sustainable fashion.

At the event, Patrick, 29, said: “It’s a huge privilege and honour. Throughout her tenure she’s been an amazing advocate of British fashion and really flies the flag for British fashion. She also looks incredible and is a real style icon. It is extra special to receive an award from her today. The Royal Family has been incredibly supportive from Queen Elizabeth II and the King.”

The Princess looked perfect in a tailored Victoria Beckham trouser suit(Image: PA)

The future queen visited the winning designer’s pop-up studio and spoke to other sustainable British fashion designers at the bash. The prize celebrates the impact of young British designers and the UK’s thriving fashion industry. It also recognises designers who are leading the way in sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment.

In response to the princess’ outfit choice, a source close to the Beckhams said: “The Princess of Wales has worn Victoria’s designs before and it’s really great to see that she’s wearing one again, especially as the outfit was not gifted and was very much her own call to wear it. Both couples support each other’s charities and David and William are friends too, so there is a great deal of mutual respect there.”

Kate’s show of support for Victoria’s brand will be a big boost for the former Spice Girl. Victoria is said to be ‘heartbroken’ after a falling out with daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz. Earlier this month, reports of a rift between Brooklyn Beckham and the rest of his family were further fuelled when the 26-year-old failed to show up with Nicola to his dad’s 50th bash in Notting Hill, despite being in London at the time.

Kate was in high spirits at the event(Image: PA)

A source close to Brooklyn and Nicola later claimed that Victoria and David “refused” to see the couple privately ahead of the birthday do, even though they had “travelled all the way to London specifically to try to repair the relationship”. Meanwhile, the Beckhams’ friends have reacted with fury after Nicola’s pals made a series of extraordinary claims about the reason why the rift between Brooklyn and his family emerged.

A pal has suggested that there is “emotional abuse and toxic behaviour” between the family which is why the four are unable to get along. However, David and Victoria reject the claims and are outraged by the suggestions.

A source close to the Beckhams said: “I don’t think anyone who has ever seen David and Victoria with their children would recognise this deeply unpleasant attack. It doesn’t even warrant a response it’s so ludicrous and patently untrue.”A second source told The Mirror that the couple have been left “open mouthed” after hearing the suggestions.

The event was hosted by the British Fashion Council at 180 Studios in central London(Image: PA)

Meanwhile, Kate – who has a long-standing passion for UK textiles fueled by her family’s history in the industry – listened intently as she was shown examples of needlework, embroidery and pattern cutting. She also burst out in surprise laughter after she was shown a new jacket design – named in her honour.

Caroline Rush, the outgoing BFC chief executive, told Kate she was looking at a design called a ‘Wales Bar’ – a specifically cut and fitted female jacket with sleeves in black. Kate asked how it got its name, to which Patrick replied: “I named it in your honour!” Asked later about the jacket, the designer said he would like to send the Princess one in the post.

During her visit, Kate presented Patrick, 29, with the trophy, which is inspired by the Queen Elizabeth rose and designed by the late Queen’s former dresser Angela Kelly. It was hand-produced by Lucy Price at Bauhinia Studios in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

She also spent time chatting to models, hailing the design and cut of their outfits, and was overheard celebrating “sustainability in the fashion industry”.

Kate presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to designer Patrick McDowell (Image: AP)

Kate’s personal connection to the industry comes from her paternal ancestors who owned a woollen manufacturer and merchant, William Lupton & Co., in Leeds. In 1958, her great-great grandfather sold William Lupton & Co to AW Hainsworth, a family-owned heritage textile mill which was established in 1783 and manufactures British woollen cloth, high-performing technical textiles, and iconic fabrics.

The firm holds a Royal Warrant and proudly displayed its fabrics during the Coronations of both the late Queen Elizabeth in 1953 and The King earlier in 2023.

Speaking to the young fashion designers, the Princess said: “It’s really interesting to see how designers are using techniques to upcycle fabrics in innovative ways.”

Eliza Gomarsall, 25, who worked at Highgrove for the King’s Foundation, was among those who chatted to Kate. The royal told her she was keen for “traditions” in clothing and design to keep going.

Speaking afterwards, Eliza, who graduated from the Royal School of Needlework, said: “She showed concern after hearing it is difficult to find employment.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design celebrates the impact of young British designers and the UK’s thriving fashion industry and recognises designers who are leading the way in sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment.