Kate Middleton wears Alexander McQueen, ignores the Queen’s request for longer hemlines

Kate Middleton red McQueen
Photography by WPA Pool/Getty Images
Kate Middleton red McQueen
Photography by WPA Pool/Getty Images

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Remember those royal rumours from a few weeks ago, which claimed that Queen Elizabeth said there will be no more short hemlines for Kate Middleton? Well yesterday’s appearance seems to say otherwise. The Queen hosted a star-studded reception for the Dramatic Arts at Buckingham Palace and Kate’s hemline was at its usual knee-grazing length.

Of course, you could argue that the red Alexander McQueen dress has already been approved by Her Royal Highness: Kate debuted the bespoke piece in 2011 at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee river pageant. The longer hemlines request was also reportedly tied to the Cambridges’ upcoming tour of Australia, so a change could still be on the books. But we prefer to think this means that no wardrobe decrees were made at all—other than the one that allows Kate to borrow more statement jewellery pieces from the Queen’s expansive collection.

While no heirloom jewels were on display at yesterday’s event, Kate accessorized with a pair of gold Cassandra Goad earrings, Prada shoes and a clutch by Anya Hindmarch. Hair and makeup was classic Kate Middleton: loose ringlet waves, black-brown eyeliner and rosy cheeks. We’ve been pretty lucky with an abundance of Kate appearances over the past week, but it seems that her schedule is back to empty… so fingers crossed we’ll see the Duchess out and about soon!

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