The Princess Debuts a New Label at Cancer Research Reception

The Princess of Wales chose a Rodarte dress for a reception at St. James’s Palace honoring Cancer Research UK.

The King and Queen hosted the event celebrating cancer researchers and volunteers. 
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Many readers will recall that the Princess announced she was in remission from cancer in early 2025. The King continues to receive treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
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As noted in a Buckingham Palace news release, “…Cancer Research has helped to transform how cancer is understood, prevented, detected and treated. 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.” Below, the Princess with TV presenter Davina McCall. 

We learn more from Matt Wilkinson’s story in The Sun. 

Davina McCall who is in attendance at the event said her exchange with the Princess of Wales was “really wonderful”.

Ms McCall said: “I can’t imagine what it must be like having gone through something like cancer, and then sort of having to tell people about it, when possibly it would have been much easier and nicer to not have to share it with the world.” 

Ms McCall underwent surgery in 2024 to remove a benign brain tumour. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in October last year and had surgery to remove a lump but said in April that she had now received the “all clear”.

I believe the Princess is speaking with Sebastian Bowen in this photo; Mr. Bowen lost his wife, Dame Deborah James, to bowel cancer in 2022.

Rebecca English shares details in this Daily Mail piece. 

Her husband Sebastian Bowen told the Princess: ‘I’ve been thinking about you guys a lot’.

Catherine praised Deborah for the ‘impact of her work’ and listened intently as Mr Bowen told her how it had been ‘bittersweet’ to smash fundraising targets for research and clinical trials into the disease that his wife had dreamed of achieving.

He also appeared to thank William for a sympathetic conversation he apparently had with the couple’s two children. The princess replied: ‘He’s good like that.’

Mr Bowen said afterwards: ‘I told her I was incredibly touched that they as a family had been so supportive and thought about them all the time.

Guests viewed immersive displays showcasing the organization’s work and learned ways technology is transforming research.
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Tonight’s event marks the launch of the organization’s 125th anniversary year. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also attended the event.
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The Duke is a joint president of the charity with Princess Alexandra. 
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Here you see the King with mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, a cervical cancer survivor. 
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We learn more from Hello’s story. 

Hannah Fry revealed she discussed the King’s supportive message for the Stand Up to Cancer campaign, which aired in December.

“We spoke about what a massive difference that made to have somebody like him who has been through it and survived cancer and had the same experience as so many people across the country,” she said.

“But I think on a more personal level, as someone who’s had cancer, I know he’s had cancer too, I know the princess has also come through her own cancer journey, I think that there is something really profound about a family who are, you know, at the very top of society, who are going through the same ordeals as the rest of us.

Another view of the Duchess of Gloucester at tonight’s celebration.

And one more of the Princess with a guest. 

Now we turn to our look at what Kate wore, Rodarte’s Heart-Printed Silk Twill Dress (originally $1765, now $1412).

The design showcases tiny white polka dots and white hearts atop a red background. The midi-length dress is 100% silk with a white silk crepe de chine notched collar and band cuffs accented with a red button. The puffed shoulders descend from lightly padded shoulders; there is a dropped waist described online as a “yoked circle skirt,” and a self-belt covers the elasticized waist.

Here is a closer look at some of the details, including the detachable silk flower.

The style is also available in black and red with hearts, and in pink polka dots and in brown polka dots, the latter two options minus the heart print.

Rodarte is a new label for the Princess, one we’ve not seen her wear at a public engagement before. For those unfamiliar with the brand, it is a California-based label founded in 2005 by Kate and Laura Mulleavy—more on this in this Couture Notebook piece. 

The Mulleavys studied at the University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 2001, Kate focused on art history with an emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries, while Laura studied literature and the Modern novel. But they turned to fashion, picking their mother’s maiden name for their label.

Moda Operandi notes, “The label translates cinematic fantasy and nostalgic references into delicate collections. The Mulleavys are revered for their extraordinary handwork, intricate layering, and use of custom materials—every piece is an investment in wearable art and emotional storytelling.”

We saw the return of the Princess’s red Miu Miu handbag.

And her Gianvito Rossi 105 suede pumps ($850).

The Princess repeated a necklace and earrings first noted together at the May 2025 VE Day 80th Anniversary celebrations. 

A closer look from this evening’s engagement. 

The earrings feature a single ruby drop surrounded by diamonds suspended from three graduated diamonds, while the pendant has a large central stone bordered by diamonds.