Princess Catherine steps out at the V&A East storehouse in London, sporting sharp tailoring and bold jewellery

The Princess of Wales made a surprise return to royal duties this week, turning heads with her signature style as she visited the V&A East Storehouse in East London. Stepping out on June 10, Catherine dazzled in a sharp navy suit, adding a twist to her ensemble with a chunky gold chain necklace.

The visit marked her first public appearance after a short hiatus. During her break, the Princess had stepped away from engagements to spend precious time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis over their half-term holiday.

Kate opted for one of her most trusted style staples—a tailored two-piece designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The deep navy suit, with its clean lines and impeccable cut, offered a polished yet modern take on royal dressing. Over recent years, Catherine has increasingly favoured women’s trouser suits, and this outing continued that trend with effortless sophistication.

Layered beneath the single-breasted blazer was a crisp white T-shirt with a dipped round neckline. The simple top created a perfect canvas for the standout accessory of the day—a bold, chunky gold chain necklace. The statement piece added a touch of contemporary glamour to the otherwise classic look, immediately catching the eye.

Completing the ensemble, the Princess tucked her T-shirt into the high-rise waistband of her trousers, cinched with a black leather belt featuring a striking gold buckle. The result was a lesson in modern power dressing—streamlined, chic, and undeniably regal.

Catherine’s choice of British designers once again drew praise. Rivkie Baum, Digital Fashion Editor for Woman & Home, described the look as “polished to perfection.” Baum remarked, “When it comes to supporting British brands, we can always rely on Kate Middleton to showcase some of the best. This gorgeous navy trouser suit from designer brand Alexander McQueen fits to perfection, and the deep blue hue makes a polished but lighter change from classic black.”

The visit itself took place at the recently opened V&A East Storehouse, located in East London. Officially launched on 31 May, the Storehouse reinvents the traditional museum store concept, offering the public unprecedented access to the V&A’s extensive collections and archives. As she toured the innovative space, Catherine appeared relaxed and engaged, smiling warmly throughout the engagement.

The Storehouse is part of a broader expansion of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s footprint in East London, designed to bring more of its treasures into public view. Catherine’s presence highlighted the royal family’s ongoing support for British culture and the arts, reinforcing her role as patron and advocate.

Though her latest public appearance centred on official duties, it was her fashion choices that once again captured widespread attention. The combination of timeless tailoring with bold, modern accessories demonstrated Catherine’s evolving style—a blend of royal tradition and contemporary flair.

Following her brief time away from public view, the Princess of Wales’s return has been warmly received by royal watchers and fashion enthusiasts alike. With her poised appearance at the V&A East Storehouse, she reminded the world why she remains one of the most influential style icons of her generation.

As summer unfolds, royal engagements are expected to continue, with Catherine likely to showcase more of her carefully curated wardrobe, consistently balancing elegance, accessibility, and British design excellence.