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The Princess of Wales proved her fashion prowess as she put a sleek update on an old dress while visiting families of the Southport stabbing.

Kate Middleton, 42 opted to wear her Whistle’s burgundy dress, previously worn in 2018, with a stylish twist – as she used the frock’s detachable belt to tie a stylish bow around her neck.

The event marked the Princess of of Wales’ most significant engagement of the year, as she returns to the spotlight following several months out of action due to cancer treatment.

Kate stepped out in a seasonably autumnal ensemble yesterday.

She opted for a long chocolate maroon coat by her wedding dress designer, Alexander McQueen, and a stylish pair of suede heels.

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The Princess of Wales proved her fashion prowess as impressive as ever after she stepped out in one of her wardrobe staples with a creative twist yesterday

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Kate previously wore the stylish frock to an engagement in 2018 (pictured) but opted for a twist on the classic design, as she appeared to use the material belt as a neck tie

Beneath her long winter coat, the Princess wore her burgundy polka dot midi dress by her favourite high street brand, Whistles.

Kate previously wore the stylish frock to an engagement in 2018 but opted for a twist on the classic design, as she appeared to use the material belt as a neck tie.

The burgundy dress – which cost £149 at the time of purchase, almost six years ago – was originally designed with a material belt wrapped around the waist.

Showing off her style creativity, the Princess appears to have removed the detachable belt that comes with the dress, and tied it around her collar in a pussybow.

The long bow was then draped over the collar of the Princess’ dress, offering a stylish twist on the fashionable ensemble.

The princess first donned the frock back in 2018 at Kensington Palace for the finalists of 2018 BBC Radio One’s Teen Hero Awards.

Arriving in Southport as the autumn afternoon sun shone, the Princess, who has undergone several months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, looked beautiful in a berry ensemble. William, in a nod to his wife, also donned a berry jumper.

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Kate Middleton decided to go without her oval 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold

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The mother-of-three opted instead for a thin golden ring, topped with what some have speculated is a new ‘eternity band’

Kate accessorised with her Gold Fern Drop Earrings from Catherine Zoraida, costing £165.

Kate previously donned her structured pea coat to the Earthshot Awards in Boston, when she travelled to the US in December 2022 to support Prince William.

The royal decided to go without her oval 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold.

The late Princess Diana chose the ring when she was presented with a selection of options by the then Crown jewellers, Garrard of Mayfair upon her engagement to Prince Charles.

The mother-of-three opted instead for a thin golden ring, topped with what some have speculated is a new ‘eternity band’.

Kate appears to have worn the accessory – set with diamonds and sapphires, which would match the royal’s engagement ring – in August while making a Team GB video with William, and during her heartwarming family video released last month.

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Three girls were killed at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class, including Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven (pictured)

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Bebe King (left), six, was also killed in the horror attack in Southport in July, alongside Alice Aguiar, nine (pictured right)

The event marked Kate’s most significant engagement to date this year, as she joined by Prince William to meet with the families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

During the Waleses’ visit yesterday, the couple also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters as they were attacked by a knifeman during a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class.

Afterwards the couple spoke to emergency responders who attended and helped on the day.

Prince William had promised the families and local community he would visit as soon as possible and that the occasion had been scheduled for a long time.

Kate’s decision to join her husband was more recent and it is understood that the princess has wanted to ‘show her support, empathy and compassion to the local community’.

At the time of the incident the couple shared a personal message of shock and sympathy for those affected and, like her husband, the princess has kept a keen eye on events since.

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Kate pictured alongside her husband, William, six years ago an event which recognised the finalists of Radio 1’s Teen Heroes of 2018

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The royal couple hosted the finalists of Radio 1’s Teen Heroes of 2018, as well as BBC1 DJs Greg James and Clara Amfo (far right)

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Yesterday Kate and Prince William spoke with survivors as well as emergency services involved in the dealing with the aftermath of the attack

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The Prince and Princess of Wales meet a critical care paramedic from the Air Ambulance during a visit to Southport Community Centre

Prince William and Kate meet families of Southport knife attack

It is the first public engagement for the princess since she announced last month that she had complete treatment for cancer and would undertake a carefully calibrated return to public duties.

Apart from a small media contingency, the visit was kept deliberately low key as both the prince and princess wanted it to remain as discreet as possible out of respect to those involved.

Their meeting with the victims’ families was held in completely in private and not announced publicly until they had left.

However, the couple then went onto meet with emergency responders who were involved in the aftermath of the attack at a local community centre to hear about their experiences and speak to mental health practitioners who have been working to deliver long term support to the blue light community in Southport.

It is understood that it was important to them to go now, three months later, to show the people of Southport that they have not been forgotten and they’ll continue to stand by the community today and in the future.

William and Catherine’s Royal Foundation made a donation to the the National Police and Wellbeing Service’s fundraiser to help fast track psychological and physical rehabilitation for police and ambulance personnel who were involved in the attack and the subsequent riots.

A royal expert claimed there is one problem standing in the path of a future relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the King

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (Image: Getty Images)

King Charles is reportedly “constantly worried” about a particular issue involving Prince Harry that could potentially hinder any meetings between the two, as per a Royal expert.

The Sunday Times’ Roya Nikkhah was discussing the future of Harry’s relationship with his father on The Royal Beat when she highlighted a significant obstacle – his security.

According to those close to the Duke of Sussex, if his security situation was resolved, it could lead to a “swords down” scenario. However, this solution is more complicated than it initially appears.

Roya elaborated: “There is an issue, an ongoing issue which people close to the King and people very close to Harry have talked about. It is the ongoing fight with the Home Office over his security in the UK which was downgraded when he left as a working member of the Royal Family.”

“The King is constantly worried that if he gets on the phone to Harry or if he sees him in person Harry is going to lobby him on this and wants him to intervene and he’s not going to intervene it’s a judicial process.”

“Harry has made it very clear through friends close to him who briefed American magazines saying ‘This is the key issue’ If this was resolved, he feels his father is the only person that can solve it, it would be, the phrase was ‘Swords down’.

Roya’s insights join an ongoing conversation around Prince Harry’s potential move back to the UK, a topic hot on the lips throughout 2024 since his departure in early 2020.

Recently, the Prince has been seen making solo visits to British shores for events such as the WellChild Awards and Invictus’ 10th-anniversary ceremony, both hosted in London.

He also flew back following news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis this year. Speculation is rife about what Harry’s possible return could entail and if he’d relocate his family from Montecito, California, to the UK.

Discussing the royal’s probable reentry with the Daily Express, ex-Royal butler Grant Harrold remarked: “Never say never.”

He continued, admitting that trust might be a stumbling block with the Royal Family, yet hopeful reconciliation is within reach: “I’d like to think because of knowing how close they were that it’s possible, but I think the trust with the Royal Family is a big issue and I think in the back of their minds they are always going to worry.”

He further speculated, “Never say never, time is a healer. I think it depends on what he does over the next couple of years if we can see him come back in. I’m sure his father would probably love to welcome him back with open arms, they’ve just got to be sure that what’s happened in the past few years is not going to happen again.”

The Express has requested comments from Buckingham Palace.

One may imagine the dinner table at Buckingham Palace features a spread of the world’s finest delicacies and luxurious dishes.

However, the reality of what the Royal Family enjoys to eat seems very different to a regal feast.

For breakfast, porridge topped with honey is on the menu for Queen Camilla ,  according to her son the food writer Tom Parker Bowles in his new book, Cooking And The Crown.

King Charles previously skipped lunch but now eats half an avocado to keep him going until dinner, the Mail on Sunday recently revealed. While Catherine, Princess of Wales occasionally enjoys a spicy curry.

Read on below to see what the Royal Family loves to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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King Charles tucking in with fellow diners during the Royal tour of Australia in 2012

Breakfast

Queen Camilla likes to start her day with a hearty bowl of oats, reveals food writer Tom Parker Bowles in his book.

She ‘eats porridge every day’ during the winter months and has it ‘plain, aside from her own honey,’ collected from the beehives in the garden of her house in Wiltshire.

It is sold by Fortnum and Mason for £40 a jar, where the proceeds are donated to Mirabel – a charity that offers support for sexual assault survivors in Nigeria.

Charles, on the other hand, prefers honey and dried fruit for his breakfast, writes his stepson Tom.

Broadcaster Jeremy Paxman once claimed that the monarch had seven eggs boiled for him each morning and he would only eat one.

This was refuted by Charles, but it was even brought up in the Frequently Asked Questions section of his royal residence Clarence House.

The response said: ‘No, he doesn’t and never has done, at breakfast or any other time.’

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Queen Camilla enjoys lunch during the same visit to the Kilkenny Primary School in Adelaide, Australia in 2012

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Charles at a sustainability initiative in St Andrews Square during a visit to Edinburgh in 2010

Avocado, Your Majesty?

Until recently, the King did not eat at lunchtime.

It was something he felt was a ‘luxury’ that the busy monarch simply could not fit into his packed diary.

However, following his cancer diagnosis, King Charles has started to indulge in a light lunch to help keep up his strength after his wife and doctors urged him to do so and now eats half an avocado.

A source told the Mail on Sunday: ‘With some reluctance, he now has something to eat at lunchtime – a snack, really. He now eats half an avocado to sustain him through the day. It’s important, particularly if you have got an illness.’

A popular superfood, avocado is high in healthy fats and has recently become a trendy choice, often put in salads or on toast.

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The King at the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance (SOFEA) surplus food distribution centre in Oxfordshire last year

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A popular superfood, avocado is high in healthy fats and has recently become a popular choice in salads and on toast

Camilla’s light lunches

While Charles now tucks into half an avocado, Camilla enjoys something different.

Her son wrote how chicken broth is a ‘lunchtime staple’ for Her Majesty, and the ingredients vary depending on the season.

In  winter, it may contain potatoes and cabbage, and in the warmer months peas, spinach and different beans, says Tom Parker Bowles.

Camilla is also partial to smoked salmon.

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Camilla and Charles were gifted a basket of organic vegetables during a visit to a primary school in Scotland in 2005

Afternoon tea

The late Queen Elizabeth enjoyed an afternoon tea every day, according to Tom Parker Bowles.

She would tuck into the spread with Prince Philip enjoying a selection of sandwiches, scones, biscuits and other treats.

It seems Charles has followed in his mother’s footsteps and also likes to have an afternoon tea with his wife at 5pm at Birkhall, his royal estate in Scotland.

The monarch is said to enjoy a variety of baked goods as well as sandwiches and even potted shrimps on occasion.

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The King and Queen enjoying an afternoon tea during a visit to a theatre in London in 2021

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The television sketch of Queen Elizabeth having afternoon tea with Paddington Bear in 2022

Dinner

Dinner time in the royal households varies massively.

Princess Kate likes to order  the odd takeaway curry, and has a preference for spice.

During a Radio 1 interview with Scott Mills for their Heads Together Campaign in 2017, the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge revealed they order a curry while lounging in their comfortable clothes watching Homeland or Game of Thrones at Kensington Palace.

Scott asked: ‘So do you ever order takeaways? What’s your favourite?’ Kate admitted: ‘Absolutely and curry – definitely!’

The princess also revealed she enjoys cooking up a batch of curry for her family, but has to cater for their different spice preferences.

She said: ‘It’s so hard cooking curry for the family, the children have a portion with no spice.

Referring to William, she said: ‘Yours is medium, and I quite like it hot. Still, Charlotte is pretty good with heat.’

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Princess Kate and Prince William enjoying their visit to an Indian restaurant in Birmingham last year

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William and Kate visiting a fish and chip shop in Anstruther, Scotland in 2021

The couple also like a British classic – fish and chips. During their university days at St Andrews, where the pair first started dating, they were ‘regular customers’ at award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar in the coastal town of Anstruther.

They could not resist returning to the chippy for a ‘trip down memory lane’ in 2021 during their Scotland trip.

William and Kate ordered a £7.95 takeaway haddock supper, wrapped in paper, which they ate on a bench on the pier before going back for ice cream.

Camilla also enjoys this British favourite. In an interview talking to son Tom  for You Magazine, she told him how fish and chips wrapped in paper is one of her favourite foods.

Straying from the British classics, Prince George’s favourite meal is reportedly spaghetti carbonara.

Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli previously told Femail,: ‘[William’s] amazing – I’m waiting for the call because apparently his little boy’s favourite is spaghetti carbonara, so I’m waiting for the call to go and cook it for him.’

George’s love for pasta could stem from his parents, as Kate revealed in 2019 how William would cook spaghetti bolognese for her at university.

Speaking to Mary Berry on A Berry Royal Christmas in 2019, the mother-of-three said: ‘In our  university days he used to cook all sorts of meals. I think that’s when he was trying to impress me! Things like Bolognese sauce.’

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Camilla tucking into fish and chips in Bridlington in 2013

Prince George seems to be a fan of Italian food as he was also seen tucking into pizza during day four of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, London last year.

During a break of the action, he enjoyed a slice of pizza, while William chatted to other guests in the box.

William and Harry were pizza fans when they were children too and former royal chef Darren McGrady previously told MailOnline that it was their favourite.

He said: ‘I didn’t start really cooking pizzas until I moved to Kensington Palace. William and Harry would have had it every night if Nanny had let them. They loved it.’

A ‘perfectly roasted chicken’ is the dish Meghan Markle turns to when hosting a dinner party.

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Prince George enjoying a slice of pizza, while William chatted to other guests  at Lord’s, including former prime minister Rishi Sunak

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William and Kate carrying pizza boxes during a visit to Dowlais Rugby Club last year

She previously told Good Housekeeping: ‘There is honestly nothing as delicious, or as impressive, in my opinion, as a perfectly roasted chicken.

‘It’s a game-changer. I bring that to dinner parties and make a lot of friends.’

It even featured in Prince Harry’s marriage proposal to his now wife as the couple were roasting a chicken when he got down on one knee.

The King forages for mushrooms as a hobby and enjoys them on his dinner plate too. Chef McGrady previously told Delish how Charles’s favourite meal is lamb with mushroom risotto.

He said: ‘He loves wild mushrooms and would take his chefs to Balmoral to show them where best mushrooms are. We brought back to Buckingham Palace and they were the most amazing porcini mushrooms.’

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Eating in, Meghan Markle in rom-com film When Sparks Fly in 2014

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Meghan cooking with women in the Hubb Community Kitchen in London in 2018

Dessert

As for dessert, the royals like to tuck into something sweet. The late Queen had a favourite treat – chocolate biscuit cake.

According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, the crunchy cake was a staple at the monarch’s afternoon teas.

Other members of the Royal Family shared her taste, as William even had chocolate as one of  the wedding cakes for his marriage to Kate in 2011 alongside a multi-tiered fruit cake.

It was a ‘firm favourite in the royal nursery’ for William and Harry when they were children, former chef to Charles and Princess Diana, Carolyn Robb previously said.

Kate seems to enjoy something sweet on occasion too, as her favourite dessert is sticky toffee pudding, according to former royal chef Darren McGrady.

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One of Queen Elizabeth’s favourite treats – chocolate biscuit cake

A top university has received almost 50 ­complaints of sexual misconduct – including some involving serious violence – in three years, The Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Forty-eight women and men claimed to have been sexually abused by students and staff since 2021 at St Andrews University, once attended by Prince ­William and Kate Middleton.

Some of the ­perpetrators were given written warnings or were asked to carry out ‘reflective projects’ and attend consent workshops.

The revelations come after a 2020 social media campaign highlighting sex attacks on the Fife campus galvanised almost 250 ­former or current students to share their harrowing ordeals.

One whistleblower told the St Andrews ­Survivors Instagram page how she woke up after a night out to find a male ­student raping her.

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St Andrews University faces claims of abuse from some of its student population

Another said she had ­confided in a male friend about a previous sexual assault, but he took her home and assaulted her as well.

This paper also highlighted the plight of one young woman who was sexually assaulted and told of her concern that there was a rape ‘culture’ at the prestigious institution.

Last night St Andrews – where the Duke and Duchess of ­Cambridge met and fell in love – said it had ­created a ‘compassionate’ environment where students felt they could ‘come forward to disclose sexual misconduct, and trust that they will be listened to, supported, and looked after’.

It also said that it was up to ­individuals, not the university, to contact police with any allegations.

Fiona Drouet is founder and chief executive of Emilytest, a Scottish charity tackling ­gender-based violence in ­education.

Her daughter Emily, an 18-year-old Aberdeen University student, took her own life in 2016 after being abused by a ­boyfriend.

She said: ‘The Office for National Statistics recently reported that students are the occupational group at most risk of sexual ­violence.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met at St Andrews

‘There is still much to be done, particularly around the ­normalisation of such abuse and the drivers behind it.’

However, she said St Andrews is the first university in Scotland to introduce a compulsory consent module for all ­students, which may be the reason for more ­coming forward.

St Andrews was asked how many reports of gender-based violence had been made to the university or student services team for each year since 2021 – a year after the whistleblower page was set up.

It admitted that 47 complaints had been made against students and one against a member of staff.

The university said that the ­complaints ‘cover a broad range of inappropriate, unwanted behaviour, from the most severe forms of sexual ­violence to unwanted touching, stalking, abusive or degrading remarks’.

When asked what it had done in terms of sanction, the institution said that investigations of sexual misconduct were a ­‘private ­matter… personal to both the ­complainant and the individual being reported’.

It instead listed a vague range of disposals for each case, which included perpetrators facing no action, a warning, a written warning, some advice, or precautionary action.

The university also said that, as a result of some complaints, perpetrators have been asked to carry out a ‘reflective project’ over their actions, and attend ­consent or diversity workshops.

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Emily Drouet took her own life in 2016 after being abused by her boyfriend at university

Other sanctions could include forcing students to take deferred entry, a leave of absence, suspension or termination of studies.

In 2020, a US-style fraternity on the Fife campus was at the centre of allegations of rape and sex assaults.

Alpha Epsilon Pi, a global university and college society with groups in the US, ­Canada, Austria, Australia and Israel, had a chapter at St Andrews made up of around 55 members.

Claims of serious abuse shared on the St Andrews Survivors social media page prompted ­allegations ­unrelated to the ­fraternity, but connected to the university, to come to light.

One student who spoke to The Scottish Mail on Sunday at the time said: ‘Sexual abuse is accepted ­culturally at the university.

‘If you take people who have never been told “no” in their whole life, their entitlement just extends to women and their victims.’

Last night, St Andrews said it ‘proactively encourages and ­supports the reporting of all forms of sexual misconduct’.

It added: ‘The university’s definition of sexual misconduct covers a broad range of inappropriate unwanted behaviour, from abusive or degrading remarks to the most severe – but thankfully still rare – forms of sexual violence, and across the vast range of behaviours between these two extremes.

‘We continue to work with our students to create a compassionate environment in which they feel safe to come forward to disclose sexual misconduct, and trust that they will be listened to, ­supported, and looked after.’

Royal women have access to a plethora of designers eager for their creations to be showcased on a global scale.

However, original designs don’t always comply with royal protocol, prompting some ladies to modify revealing necklines and daring slits to create bespoke pieces.

Rather than constantly searching for new outfits, some, like Kate Middleton, choose to refashion existing dresses, as she famously did with her floral Alexander McQueen gown.

Similarly, Meghan Markle recently gave her scarlet Carolina Herrera frock a fresh twist by removing the detachable overskirt to reveal a figure-hugging silhouette.

But it was Princess Diana who first experimented with altering her outfits, often transforming them completely – as we explore below.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Carolina Herrera gown with detachable skirt 

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Meghan Markle debuted her Carolina Herrera silk gown in 2021 but recently removed the detachable overskirt, revealing a figure-hugging silhouette

Meghan with model pal Kelly McKee Zajfen at Children’s Hospital gala

Meghan recently upcycled a striking scarlet Carolina Herrera dress for the LA Children’s Hospital gala.

Previously, she donned the £5,232.98 silk gown at a 2021 gala in New York that honoured the military ahead of Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in Britain.

For her latest appearance, Meghan removed the dramatic overskirt, revealing a slinky figure-hugging silhouette.

She expertly styled the look with Aquazzura ‘So Nude’ heels in a lipstick red hue.

Veronica Beard ‘Cary’ dress

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Meghan wore a cerulean blue shirt dress by Veronica Beard during her tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga with Prince Harry. The £470 design originally featured two thigh-high slits, which Meghan had partially sewn up for a more modest aesthetic

During her tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga with Prince Harry, Meghan debuted a cerulean blue shirt dress by Veronica Beard.

The £470 design originally featured two thigh-high slits, which Meghan had partially sewn up for a more modest aesthetic.

With the addition of Castaner wedges, her outfit quickly became a favourite.

Maggie Marilyn ‘Leap of Faith’ blazer dress 

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Meghan chose a blazer dress by sustainable New Zealand-based designer Maggie Marilyn for an engagement in Wellington. She personalised the £485 frock by having the long sleeves removed

For an engagement in Wellington, Meghan chose a chic dress by sustainable New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn.

She personalised the £485 ivory blazer dress by removing the long sleeves while preserving the classic lapels and double-breasted buttons.

This alteration achieved a seamless balance of smart and sophisticated.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

Jenny Packham bespoke dress 

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This year’s Trooping the Colour was particularly significant as it marked the Princess of Wales’ return to public life following her cancer diagnosis. For the event, Kate opted to re-wear a Jenny Packham dress she had introduced the previous year

This year’s Trooping the Colour was particularly significant as it marked the Princess of Wales’ return to public life following her cancer diagnosis.

For the event, Kate opted to re-wear a Jenny Packham dress she had introduced the previous year.

The monochrome design was refashioned with a striped ribbon belt and matching bow at the shoulder for a fresh touch.

Alexander McQueen tiered jacquard dress

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At the 2017 Baftas, Kate wowed in a bespoke version of Alexander McQueen’s tiered jacquard dress from the resort 2016 collection. Two years later, Kate wore the same dress to a gala at the National Portrait Gallery, but this time it featured a new bodice with a square neckline and short sleeves

At the 2017 Baftas, Kate wowed in a bespoke version of Alexander McQueen’s tiered jacquard dress from the resort 2016 collection.

The British fashion house tailored the £5,942 gown to create a flattering off-shoulder neckline by modifying the bust and straps.

Two years later, Kate wore the same dress to a gala at the National Portrait Gallery, but this time it featured a new bodice with a square neckline and short sleeves.

Both gowns offered different yet equally beautiful effects.

Elie Saab embroidered gown

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For the wedding of Crown Prince Al-Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in Jordan, Kate selected an exquisite gown from Elie Saab’s autumn/winter 2017 collection

For the wedding of Crown Prince Al-Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in Jordan, Kate selected an exquisite gown from Elie Saab’s autumn/winter 2017 collection.

While the original design included sheer paneling in the bodice and skirt, Kate opted for opaque fabric instead.

This alteration did not detract from the intricate embroidery and blush hue, which perfectly complemented her radiant complexion.

Alessandra Rich silk jacquard dress

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Kate transformed a £1,455 Alessandra Rich dress before wearing it for the A Berry Royal Christmas television programme in 2019

Kate Middleton talks about William cooking her Bolognese

Kate transformed a £1,455 Alessandra Rich dress before wearing it for the A Berry Royal Christmas television programme in 2019.

She had a revealing keyhole opening at the neckline removed, before adding a wide bow to the neck of the dress, giving it a sophisticated finish.

This thoughtful modification made the outfit more appropriate, while maintaining the retro aesthetic of the original dress.

Jenny Packham ‘Goldfinger’ gown 

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The Princess of Wales captivated at the 2021 world premiere of No Time to Die in an opulent gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham

The Princess of Wales captivated at the 2021 world premiere of No Time to Die in an opulent gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham.

Adorned with gold sequins, the £4,000 ‘Goldfinger’ dress showcased structured shoulders and caped sleeves that swept the red carpet.

The neckline was subtly raised for Kate, aligning with her signature demure style.

Diana, Princess of Wales

Catherine Walker embroidered gown

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Princess Diana wore a pale blue embellished Catherine Walker gown during an official visit to Qatar in 1987. Two years later, she refashioned the dress, removing the sleeves and creating a sweetheart neckline to wear, for an evening function in Cameroon

Princess Diana donned a pale blue embellished gown by Catherine Walker during an official visit to Qatar in 1987.

Two years later, she had the dress remade, removing the sleeves and creating a sweetheart neckline, for an evening function in Cameroon.

This extensive tailoring transformed the gown from a conservative style to one exuding red carpet-worthy glamour.

Victor Edelstein polka dot dress

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For the Epsom Derby in 1986, Diana chose a ruffled polka dot ensemble by Victor Edelstein, complemented by a similarly dotted hat from Frederick Fox. A year later, she wore the dress at a polo match but had it modernised by removing the peplum, giving it a more streamlined look

For the Epsom Derby in 1986, Diana chose a ruffled polka dot ensemble by Victor Edelstein, complemented by a dotted hat from Frederick Fox.

A year later, she wore the dress at a polo match but had it modernised by removing the peplum, giving it a more streamlined look.

Instead of earrings, the royal accessorised with a pearl necklace and opted out of the matching hat.

Catherine Walker embellished gown

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In March 1989, Diana selected a stunning Catherine Walker gown, featuring a lilac taffeta skirt, for her meeting with the Crown Prince of Kuwait. At a banquet in Seoul, South Korea, in 1992, she embraced changing fashion trends by wearing a remixed version of the dress

In March 1989, Diana selected a stunning Catherine Walker gown, featuring a lilac taffeta skirt, for her meeting with the Crown Prince of Kuwait.

At a banquet in Seoul, South Korea, in 1992, she embraced changing fashion trends by wearing a remixed version of the dress.

This time, the striking skirt was replaced with a slim column, while the embellished bodice remained untouched.

After Kate and William split in 2007, they threw themselves into partying like normal young singletons.

But as Kate was snapped more and more enjoying herself on nights out in London with her sister Pippa, William started to have second thoughts about his decision to end things.

So when they were both invited to a fancy dress party by a mutual friend – and Kate turned up as a nurse in fishnet tights and a short dress – a reconciliation seemed almost inevitable.

For his part though, the friend – amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen – has previously denied deliberately playing Cupid.

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Prince William pictured leaving a nightclub in London in April 2007 after splitting up with Kate

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Kate pictured out in Kensington, London in May 2007

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Sam Waley-Cohen and his future wife Annabel Ballin attending William and Kate’s wedding in 2011. They married the following year

Waley-Cohen hosted the bash at his family’s 17th-century manor house in Oxfordshire with a theme of ‘Freakin Naught’ and guests dressed accordingly – with Prince William showing up in hotpants and a policeman’s helmet.

Robert Jobson writes in his biography Catherine, The Princess of Wales, that William was perhaps regretting their break-up.

He and his future wife reportedly spent most of the evening talking – and ended it with a dance and a kiss.

Despite his party having brought the two back together, Waley-Cohen told the Mail in 2011: ‘There’s an idea that I was like Cupid with a bow and arrow.

‘People love the idea that somebody put them back together, but they put themselves together far more.’

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Sam riding winning horse Noble Yeats during the Aintree Grand National in 2022

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William and Kate at Cheltenham Festival in March 2007, just one month before they split

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The now Princess of Wales was snapped regularly going out in London with her sister Pippa during the break-up

Within weeks of the party the future Prince and Princess of Wales were on holiday together in the Seychelles.

William and Kate got engaged three years later in October 2010 and their wedding at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, was watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Waley-Cohen – who went to prep school with the prince and is a longtime friend of Kate’s – said of being a guest at the nuptials: ‘It was absolutely fantastic. It was great to see two people who are so in love. I think everyone could see that, whether they know them or not.’

Looking back, both Kate and William have said their brief time apart was for the best.

During an interview to mark their engagement in 2010, Kate said: ‘I think at the time I wasn’t very happy about it, but actually it made me a stronger person, you find out things about yourself that maybe you hadn’t realised.

‘I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you’re younger. I really valued that time for me as well, although I didn’t think it at the time!’

William added: ‘We were both very young… We were both finding ourselves and being different characters.

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Sam chats with Kate at Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival in 2008

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Kate and William on the day of their graduation from St Andrews in 2005

‘It was very much trying to find our own way, and we were growing up, so it was just a bit of space and it worked out for the better.’

Waley-Cohen had a successful amateur horse racing career, retiring in 2022 after winning the Grand National at Aintree.

The jockey won with 50/1 outsider Noble Yeats and Camilla – then Duchess of Cornwall – presented him and his father Robert Waley-Cohen, who owned the horse, with the trophy.

The Waleses praised him on X/Twitter with a post that read: ‘Huge congratulations to @swaleycohen for winning the Grand National. What a way to retire!’

When asked if his win had been the result of the same magic touch that brought William and Kate back together in 2007, Waley-Cohen responded: I don’t think it has any connection to them, but as a general philosophy I think hoping for the best and living full of hope is a good way to live.’

The former jockey also founded Portman Dental Care in 2009 and has three children with his wife Annabel Ballin – Max, Scarlett and Alexander.

Since Christian Dior introduced the modern pencil skirt in 1954, it has become a staple in business attire.

Designed to enhance the feminine silhouette, it features a slim fit that accentuates the waist and hips, flaring out slightly towards the hem.

Unsurprisingly, many royal women have favoured this empowering silhouette for years, with Meghan Markle leading the way.

And Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has embraced the pencil skirt trend too. She’s opted for the slim fit look on at least two occasions.

Though the pencil skirt has evolved with various design details over the years, it remains a wardrobe essential.

For spring/summer 2024, it makes a strong comeback, appearing in styles from short and slit to full-length, crafted in textured crepe and patent leather.

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Many royal women have favoured this empowering silhouette for years, with Meghan Markle leading the way

Since marrying Prince Harry in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex has consistently favoured pencil skirts from designers such as Givenchy, Carolina Herrera and Roland Mouret.

And she has developed a particular fondness for mid-length leather skirts by BOSS.

In October 2018, Meghan visited the University of Chichester, wearing a £369 pine green version with a high waist and figure-skimming fit.

The next year, she chose a £359 ruby leather skirt by BOSS for a roundtable discussion with Prince Harry, creating a striking tonal look.

Queen Letizia of Spain had already worn the same skirt the day before, during her state visit to South Korea with King Felipe.

She styled the luxurious leather skirt with a blouse from Carolina Herrera, putting her own fashionable spin on royal protocol.

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Meghan and Letizia have both worn the ‘Selrita’ skirt by BOSS in red lambskin

And that isn’t the only BOSS pencil skirt to receive royal approval.

The belted ‘Vrima’ skirt in pale blue has been worn by Queen Letizia, Princess Sofia of Sweden and Queen Mary of Denmark, solidifying the American brand’s global appeal.

The three ladies styled it in contrasting ways, with Mary earning style points with a polka dot blouse and sky-high court shoes.

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The BOSS ‘Vrima’ skirt in pale blue has been worn by Queen Letizia, Princess Sofia of Sweden and Queen Mary of Denmark, solidifying the American brand’s global appeal

During her official visit to Washington with King Abdullah in February 2023, Queen Rania of Jordan wore a business-ready ensemble, featuring a white shirt and mid-length skirt.

The latter, by Christian Dior, made an impression with its distinctive checked print, reminiscent of tweed.

Across the Atlantic, Princess Charlene of Monaco had already showcased this design in October 2016, shortly after its runway debut.

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Queen Rania of Jordan wore a Dior pencil skirt while visiting Washington in February 2023. Across the Atlantic, Princess Charlene of Monaco had already showcased this design, shortly after its runway debut in 2016

Even Catherine, Princess of Wales, has embraced the pencil skirt trend.

In 2008, at the Order of the Garter, when she was still Prince William’s girlfriend, Kate wore a polka dot skirt suit.

This two-piece, which included a perfectly tailored knee-length skirt, was previously worn by Kate at a 2007 event in Dublin, during her well-publicised break-up with William.

She wore it again in December 2013 at South Africa House in London to sign the Nelson Mandela book of condolence.

Another pencil skirt in Kate’s collection is from Alexander McQueen.

She paired this military-inspired skirt, adorned with gold anchor-embossed buttons, with a matching blouse during a tour of Birmingham in August 2011.

She revisited this elegant look for visits to Bletchley Park in June 2014 and Portsmouth in May 2016.

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At the Order of the Garter in 2008, Kate, then Prince William’s girlfriend, opted for a polka dot skirt suit. The other pencil skirt in the Princess’s closet that we’ve seen hails from Alexander McQueen. She is seen wearing it (right) during a visit to Portsmouth in 2016

EXCLUSIVE: Buckingham Palace aides have sent out feelers for this year’s Christmas dinner which will be held in the ballroom at Sandringham House due to the sheer number expected – but the Sussexes have not been invited.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royals this Christmas (Image: Getty)

King Charles and Queen Camilla have sent out their invitations for this year’s Sandringham Christmas gathering, Express.co.uk has learned.

However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been invited and are unlikely to travel to the UK this festive season.

According to a well-placed source, Buckingham Palace aides have sent out feelers for this year’s Christmas dinner which will be held in the ballroom at Sandringham House due to the sheer number expected.

“There will be a large number of people present at this year’s dinner,” said the source. “It was trialled in the ballroom for the first time last year and proved a big success so this year will be held in a similar fashion.

“There will be a buffet style roast served where members of the family can help themselves.

“It will include a traditional roast dinner spread with all the trimmings.”

Although Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, will not be joining the Royal Family this year, they have been extended an invite to spend the Christmas holidays with the Spencer family at Althorp.

The source adds that despite their invite to Althorp, it is unlikely that the Sussexes will head to the UK this December.

“Harry and Meghan are not going to spend Christmas with the Spencers or the Royal Family this year,” said the source. “It’s just not an option with the children at the moment due to what’s been going on with their security.”

However, although the Firm’s gathering will be minus the Sussexes, it will still be a large family affair as Queen Camilla has invited her children and grandchildren.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been ‘iced out’ by the Firm (Image: Getty)
Camilla, 77, has two children and five grandchildren of her own. Her son Tom Parker Bowles has one daughter Lola, 17, and a son, Freddy, 14, while her daughter Laura Lopes has a daughter Eliza, 16, and twins Gus and Louis, 14.

The source adds that although members of the Royal Family will congregate on the estate, not all of them will be staying there.

Prince William and Princess Kate will be staying at nearby Anmer Hall but will be in attendance for the family festivities.

Princess Beatrice is also set to appear this year and show off her baby bump – along with debuting her daughter Sienna.

According to a source, Bea, 36, will join her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, their three-year-old daughter Sienna and Bea’s eight-year-old stepson Wolfie for the celebrations.

Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.

Brighton are closing in on a deal to sign Paraguay international midfielder Diego Gomez from Inter Miami, sources tell GIVEMESPORT.

Nothing is agreed or done, but talks well advanced.

The clubs are working on an agreement for an initial fee around $15 million (€14 million), with add-ons taking the potential total deal to just north of $18 million (€17 million).

Gomez would remain with Inter Miami until the winter, whether it’d be on a loan back clause or a deal agreed to take effect on January 1.

No deal will be totally complete soon because Gomez has departed the United States for Paris, as he will lead Paraguay at the Olympics.

The player is pushing for the move, sources say. He addressed previous reports on Wednesday after leading Miami to a win over Toronto with a goal and an assist:

“My agent is speaking to Inter Miami and Brighton & Hove Albion, I came here to make the jump to Europe,” Gomez told Deporte Total USA. “I hope it happens and whatever God wants.”

West Ham also have interest in the player, but never submitted a formal bid, sources say.

Gomez, 21, joined Miami last summer for a fee of $3 million from Libertad and was an instant boost to the group. Joining shortly after Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Gomez excelled around the trio of legends with his work rate, intelligence and quality. He’s made 28 appearances with Miami.

Though Gomez has excelled at left wing for Miami, Brighton still see him as a central midfielder, his natural position. He has seven caps with Paraguay.

The fee makes Gomez among the top 10 most expensive outbound transfers in MLS history.

David Beckham’s alleged extramarital affairs reached a tipping point when he stiffed a hard working server who told his then-squeeze about her date being a cheapskate.

A waitress handed Beckham’s personal assistant and alleged mistress Rebecca Loos –

whom he was romantically tied to while playing soccer for Real Madrid in 2004 – a note for him the day after they had eaten at the Hard Rock Cafe Madrid.

The note said she survived on tips and the athlete, who had just made $27m being transferred to Madrid, had stiffed her by leaving no money,

Tom Bower reveals in his new scandal packed book, “House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power,” which is available in the US on Tuesday.

“After reading the note, Beckham was alarmed,” Bower writes of the soccer star, who was dining with SFX sports agency employees.

“Give her this,’ he said, handing over a thick wodge of euros,” Bower claims in the book.

Seeing Beckham act so poorly was an apparent turning point for Loos, Bower writes, and shortly after she was let go by the SFX agency she decided to sell the story of her alleged affair — which the Beckhams have never acknowledged or denied.

The book also reveals other instances of apparent tightness from the Beckhams, who are worth a combined $575m, according to the 2024 UK Sunday Times Rich List.

David and Victoria once conveniently ‘forgot’ to tip the crew when they were on board Elton John’s yacht — a frugal act that earned them the nickname the “Takums” from the “Tiny Dancer” songwriter.

“Elton would later complain that the ‘Takums’ had forgotten the customary courtesy of tipping the crew. A sum of about $26,733 was expected for one week,” Bower writes.

Bower also reveals on a separate instance, a Beckham staffer once asked for $10 for a taxi — a request which allegedly annoyed the couple.

Posh Spice Victoria also once expensed potato chips during a photo shoot, Bower dishes.

David, meanwhile, had a tendency to be cheap with charity.

During another instance, David allegedly wanted to serve a cheap bottle of warm wine, German Liebfraumilch, which goes for around $3.80 a bottle during a UNICEF fundraiser, Bower writes.

And, separately, David was on a trip to Cambodia with UNICEF when he made the humanitarian organization upgrade him from his five-star hotel to a more luxurious resort and refused to contribute his personal money to help foot the bill.