Carole Middleton, the mother of the Princess of Wales, made a striking appearance at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, showcasing her fashionable style on Ladies Day. The event, held on March 11, 2026, drew a crowd of royal family members, including Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Zara Tindall.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Carole-Middleton-Kate-Middleton-031126-be4d30bd32d04c86b7cbe2cf356af316.jpg)
Dressed elegantly, Carole opted for a Hicks & Brown fedora, a choice that has sparked speculation over whether this chic accessory may have been borrowed from her daughter, Kate Middleton’s, collection. The navy Suffolk Fedora, adorned with a beautiful bronze wrap, is among the brand’s bestsellers, demonstrating a trend of fashion crossover between the two women.
Carole, now 71, was previously seen in a similar hat when Princess Kate donned the Hicks & Brown Suffolk Fedora in January 2020 during a winter church service at Sandringham with her husband, Prince William. At that time, the co-founder of Hicks & Brown, Alice Leet-Cook, commented on the hat’s suitability for the occasion, highlighting its wool material and warmth amidst the winter chill.
While many would consider the coincidence of both women sporting the same brand significant, Leet-Cook mentioned in an interview that despite the royal connections, they could not confirm whether Princess Kate was introduced to the brand through Princess Anne, who wore a Hicks & Brown fedora years earlier. Nonetheless, the revelation of Kate’s affinity for the label delighted the designers, marking a joyous moment for the brand.
Carole Middleton has also been known to embrace trends similar to her daughter’s, with the duo often coordinating their styles. In a rare home video released in anticipation of their tenth wedding anniversary in April 2021, Kate was spotted wearing an olive green Suffolk Fedora while enjoying time in the Norfolk countryside with her children. In August 2024, she was again seen in a Hicks & Brown creation, this time in dark brown, while attending church services near Balmoral Castle.
During the Cheltenham Festival, Carole was all smiles as she mingled with members of the royal family, adding to the familial atmosphere of what has been termed the Olympics of horse racing. Among those present was Zara Tindall, Princess Anne’s daughter, who is known for her role as a director of Cheltenham Racecourse and who took the opportunity to spend time with family as she balanced her professional obligations.
Additionally, Queen Camilla’s presence at the festival was notable due to her role as Joint Patron of the Jockey Club, which highlights the formal nature of her engagement. Photographs captured Carole, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne sharing light-hearted moments, showcasing their rapport and the close-knit ties they have developed over the years.
Carole is no stranger to royal gatherings; she has been seen alongside various members of the royal family at numerous social events, including chatting with King Charles at Royal Ascot last summer. The fondness shared between her and the royals adds a sense of warmth to their public appearances, allowing the public to glimpse the family dynamics that exist beyond the ceremonial roles.
As the Cheltenham Festival continues to be a highlight on the British social calendar, Carole Middleton’s fashion choice serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of style within the royal family. Both her and Kate’s shared aesthetics not only illustrate individual tastes but also reflect a bond that is evident in their similar approach to fashion. This day at Cheltenham is just one testament to that enduring connection.