Princess Kate made a high-profile show of support for Victoria Beckham on Tuesday, appearing in a green tailored suit from the former Spice Girl's fashion label while presenting the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at an event hosted by the British Fashion Council in London.
The Princess of Wales, 43, wore an £850 patch pocket blazer and matching £490 "Alina" trousers from Beckham's collection. The event, held at 180 Studios, celebrated sustainable British fashion and highlighted the achievements of emerging designers, including this year's award recipient Patrick McDowell.
"It's a huge privilege and honour," said McDowell, 29, upon receiving the award. "Throughout her tenure she's been an amazing advocate of British fashion and really flies the flag for British fashion." He added, "She also looks incredible and is a real style icon. It is extra special to receive an award from her today."
Kate's fashion choice comes amid heightened tensions within the Beckham family, as speculation continues over a deepening rift between Victoria and her daughter-in-law, actress Nicola Peltz. Victoria is reportedly "heartbroken" following strained relations with Peltz and her son Brooklyn Beckham, who did not attend his father David Beckham's 50th birthday celebration in Notting Hill earlier this month despite being in London at the time.
Reports have emerged that Victoria and David Beckham "refused" to meet privately with Brooklyn and Nicola, who had "travelled all the way to London specifically to try to repair the relationship," according to a source close to the couple. Friends of the Beckhams have strongly denied accusations from Nicola's camp, including claims of "emotional abuse and toxic behaviour."
A source close to the Beckhams stated: "I don't think anyone who has ever seen David and Victoria with their children would recognise this deeply unpleasant attack. It doesn't even warrant a response it's so ludicrous and patently untrue." Another source told The Mirror the couple were left "open mouthed" by the allegations.
Despite the public fallout, Kate's endorsement of Victoria's brand through her wardrobe signals continued royal alignment with British fashion. Aides noted that the Princess "looks forward to continuing to do so in the years ahead," and emphasized her desire to "pay tribute to the late Queen's legacy" by championing British design.
The Queen Elizabeth II Award, first presented by the monarch to Richard Quinn in 2018, recognizes designers who demonstrate significant impact and leadership in sustainable practices. It was the late Queen's first appearance at London Fashion Week at age 91, where she famously sat front row beside Vogue's Anna Wintour.
Kate previously presented the award in 2022 and visited the winning designer's pop-up studio on Tuesday to learn more about their sustainable production methods. Her presence further underlined her role as a fashion ambassador and continued commitment to the values behind the award.
