The Princess of Wales is hailed as a fashion icon as she awards the top British design prize to eco-conscious designer Patrick McDowell

Princess Kate brought royal elegance to the spotlight as she presented the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Fashion Award at the British Fashion Council event on Tuesday. The 43-year-old Princess of Wales, hailed as “a real style icon,” honoured designer Patrick McDowell for his commitment to sustainable fashion.

In a ceremony brimming with glitz and creative energy, Kate took centre stage to celebrate the new wave of British fashion talent. Dressed in a sophisticated ensemble that subtly nodded to sustainable fashion herself, the Princess was the embodiment of regal poise and modern taste.

The award recognises outstanding design talent in Britain with a particular focus on environmentally conscious fashion. McDowell, 29, was visibly moved as he received the honour from the Princess. “It’s a huge privilege and honour,” he said. “Throughout her tenure, she’s been an amazing advocate of British fashion and really flies the flag for British design.”

A Liverpudlian designer and Royal College of Art graduate, McDowell is known for his bold yet sustainable creations and emphasis on circular fashion. His brand, which champions upcycling and inclusive fashion narratives, has attracted widespread acclaim within the industry. Receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Award, which was launched in 2018, marks a major milestone in his meteoric rise.

The award, named in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, was first presented by Her Majesty herself and has since become a coveted symbol of innovation and commitment to sustainability in British fashion. Past winners have included Bethany Williams, Priya Ahluwalia, and SAUL NASH—all recognised for pushing the boundaries of design while embracing ethical practices.

Tuesday’s ceremony highlighted the growing convergence of royal influence and the fashion industry’s pivot toward environmental responsibility. In recent years, the Princess of Wales has become an ambassador for British designers, frequently choosing homegrown labels for her public appearances and championing sustainable practices in her wardrobe.

Kate’s appearance at the awards continues a royal tradition of engaging with the creative arts. Her late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, was a famed fashion icon in her own right. Now, Catherine has taken up the mantle—bringing grace, modernity and a strong sense of purpose to her public roles.

The event also marked one of her highest-profile public appearances since returning to official duties. Her effortless style and warm presence were widely praised, with attendees calling her “gracious, inspiring, and quintessentially British.”

Held at a high-profile venue in London, the British Fashion Council ceremony drew top names from across the industry. Yet it was the Princess who drew the spotlight, not only for her polished appearance but for her genuine commitment to nurturing young talent.

“It’s more than symbolic,” said one fashion insider. “When the Princess of Wales presents an award like this, it signals to the world that sustainable fashion matters—and that Britain leads the way.”

As McDowell accepted the award, he echoed those sentiments. “To receive this from someone who represents elegance and sustainability herself—it’s incredibly humbling.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Award continues to evolve as a hallmark of thoughtful design and royal endorsement. With the Princess of Wales at the helm this year, the message was clear: the future of fashion is not only about style—it’s about sustainability, innovation, and British excellence.