Kate Middleton, Letizia, Charlene: the colour they’re all wearing this summer
This summer, Kate Middleton and the great royal figures seem to have shared a secret. Red has established itself as the unmissable colour of the season, from the lawns of Wimbledon to the paddocks of Monaco. Yet this vibrant shade had kept a low profile in royal wardrobes over recent seasons.
Kate Middleton and Charlene of Monaco: red as the bold choice of the summer
The Princess of Wales has worn several red midi dresses, both plain and patterned, across her appearances this season. At the women’s final of the 2026 Wimbledon tournament, Kate Middleton stepped out in a red dress by Roland Mouret. The statement choice drew immediate attention.
Charlene of Monaco, for her part, went for a fluid blood-red full-length gown by Louis Vuitton at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. That signature look made an impression from the very start of the season. The Monégasque princess once again confirmed her taste for bold, assured silhouettes.
On the Spanish crown’s side, Letizia of Spain has made red her true battle standard this season. She has worked it into every category of her wardrobe, including a belted dress by & Other Stories and a dress by Adolfo Dominguez worn to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. As a result, the Queen of Spain stands out as one of the most daring figures driving this trend.
A trend that goes beyond royal borders
The enthusiasm for red is not confined to the British, Spanish and Monégasque crowns. Mary of Denmark opted for a red blouse by Jesper Høvring paired with a skirt by Giambattista Valli. Meanwhile, Maxima of the Netherlands has made multiple red appearances, notably in a cape dress by Natan, a patterned bordeaux dress by Johanna Ortiz and a sheer-effect dress by Valentino.
The younger royal generation is following suit. Princess Leonor of Spain chose a bright red trouser for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Her sister, Infanta Sofía, wore a deep red blouse for the occasion. Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, meanwhile, opted for a bordeaux-red dress.
“Red is establishing itself as the most desirable colour of the season.”
Why red is winning over so many crowned heads
Red is one of those timeless shades that works across every type of garment. In summer, it is chosen for its brilliance, which pairs perfectly with the season. Luminous, sun-drenched and bold all at once, it brings a touch of freshness and elegance whether rendered in vermilion, scarlet or deep red.
It is also one of the most flattering colours in any woman’s wardrobe. Regardless of skin tone or hair colour, it lights up the complexion and warms the features. What’s more, it instantly gives a healthy glow, whether worn day to day or for a grand occasion.
Vibrant by nature, this shade draws the eye effortlessly. Whether worn as a flowing dress, a co-ordinated set, linen trousers or through accessories, it brings character to any outfit. It is little wonder, then, that the Princess of Wales and her royal counterparts have made it their go-to colour of the summer.
- Kate Middleton in a red Roland Mouret dress at the 2026 Wimbledon women’s final
- Charlene of Monaco in a fluid full-length Louis Vuitton gown at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix
- Letizia of Spain in a red Adolfo Dominguez dress at the 2026 World Cup final
- Maxima of the Netherlands in a sheer-effect red dress by Valentino
- Mary of Denmark in a red Jesper Høvring blouse and Giambattista Valli skirt
The Princess of Wales, the central figure of this trend
Among all these royal women, Kate Middleton remains one of the most closely watched. The Princess of Wales has worn several red pieces this season, including a midi dress by Rodarte. Every red appearance by the British princess generates significant media interest.
Her choice of the Roland Mouret dress at Wimbledon 2026 perfectly illustrates this royal trend. The structured cut and striking shade confirmed her ease with the colour. The Princess of Wales has firmly established herself as an unmissable fashion reference of summer 2026.
Red: a colour that works for every occasion
One of red’s greatest strengths is its versatility. It can be worn as a flowing dress at an official event, as Charlene of Monaco showed at the Grand Prix, or as bright trousers at a football match, as Leonor of Spain demonstrated. It also works in lace, as Mathilde of Belgium has shown, or as a top for a graduation ceremony, as Isabella of Denmark proved.
This adaptability partly explains why so many royal families have embraced the shade this season. From the British crown to the Netherlands, via Belgium and Denmark, red unites styles that are otherwise very different. It has, as a result, firmly cemented its status as the royal colour of summer 2026.
Princess Ariane of the Netherlands, for her part, chose a bright red dress with an asymmetric shoulder. That daring choice shows that red also lends itself to modern, graphic cuts. Each member of these royal families is making the shade their own, confirming its standing as the defining colour of the season.
