We begin with the joint engagement with Prince George at RAF Coningsby, a Royal Air Force base about three hours north of Windsor. The Princess is the Honorary Air Commodore of the base, a position she has held since 2023. 

Kensington Palace released a video of the visit this past Saturday, Armed Forces Day.

We learn more from this piece in The Times. 

The footage posted on Instagram shows George in the cockpit of a Spitfire fighter, laughing and watching over his shoulder as the elevators on the plane’s wings moved. 

The Princess watching her son in the cockpit of an historic Spitfire. 

We return to The Times story. 

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team, the RAF operation that keeps a number of historic aircraft airworthy for public and state events, is based at Coningsby. Its planes include five Spitfire and two Hurricane fighters, as well as a Lancaster bomber. 

Another view of the Princess.

The text accompanying the video pays tribute to Britain’s servicemen and servicewomen.

Marking Armed Forces Day by reflecting on time spent with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby. Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive. A powerful reminder of the courage, skill and dedication of those who serve, past and present. Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve.

Here is the full 30-second video.

Honouring Service and Sacrifice

Marking Armed Forces Day by reflecting on time spent with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby. Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive. A… pic.twitter.com/gXhRDcBj8A

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 27, 2026

We now turn to the Princess’s success in tackling the Three Peaks Challenge. Google describes it as “one of the UK’s ultimate outdoor endurance events, requiring participants to summit the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours.”  Below, a photo of the Princess at the Ben Nevis summit in Scotland.  

Here are the stats for the challenge. 

The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft) – twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, over a similar total walking distance. The total driving distance is 462 miles.

We learn more from The Guardian’s coverage. 

The Princess of Wales has completed the Three Peaks challenge to raise money for a cancer charity, becoming the first member of the royal family to achieve the feat.

Catherine, 44, revealed in a message on social media she had successfully taken on the trek not only as a physical endeavour but “to give something back” and raise awareness of the wider impact of serious illness.

In addition to the expedition’s fundraising element, it was clearly a personal challenge for the future Queen. Patricia Treble’s Write Royalty column offers more. 

Kate is the charity’s co-chair and she underwent her chemotherapy treatments at that famous cancer hospital in London.

In January 2025, she announced she was in remission. Since then, she has talked about the hard impact that cancer had on her, both physically and mentally, even today.

Along the way, she met an 11-year-old boy named Ted Haslam.

We learn about Ted from this BBC story published before the 11-year-old and his father, with family and friends, started the climb. 

A dad plans to complete the Three Peaks Challenge while carrying his paraplegic son in his wheelchair. Pete Haslam, alongside 15 friends and family, will push and carry 11-year-old Ted along on the 23-mile trek across three mountains in England, Scotland and Wales.

The two-day challenge will raise money for children’s charity Molly Ollys, which donated play equipment to Ted.

Below, the Princess speaking with Ted. 

This article from The Daily Mirror has more. 

A clip on social media showed Kate bumping into the group at the top of Ben Nevis and taking time out to speak to Ted, who was diagnosed with an aggressive spinal tumour at the age of three – and was raising money for children’s charity Molly Olly’s Wishes, which supports children with life-limiting illnesses by helping make their wishes come true and bringing moments of joy during difficult times.

The princess asked him: “How are you doing, Ted? You’re not too cold? So many people are stood in their T-shirts! Why are they doing that?!”

She then spotted a toy Ted was carrying and asked: “Who’s this, is that your lucky mascot? Has it got a name?” before she was told it was a mascot for Molly Ollys.

Another view of Ted all bundled up. 

Here is a video posted on Instagram by BBC Birmingham. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by BBC Birmingham (@bbcbirmingham)

Hubert Mensah, who works in emergency services, posted on his LinkedIn page about meeting the Princess while doing the challenge. He shared a photo of his group’s team leader, Phillip Tebajjwa, with the Princess on Mount Snowdon.
From Mr. Mensah’s post: 

We started in Scotland, made our way to England, and finally finished in Wales. Each of us had our own personal reasons for why this challenge meant so much. A group of people from different backgrounds, religions, races, and walks of life came together with one shared goal, to complete the Three Peaks as a team. 

Whilst completing the challenge within a 24-hour window, we were incredibly fortunate to come across HRH The Princess of Wales, who was also taking on the Three Peaks for charity, for The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Seeing her on this journey was truly inspiring. As a woman, a mother, and a human being, she represents strength, courage, and determination. Knowing she has faced her own battle with cancer, made that moment even more powerful. She even took the time to take a photo with our team leader Phillip Tebajjwa at the summit of mount Snowden.

The Princess also met a climber named Jacky Leung while at Ben Nevis. He posted about the encounter on his Instagram account.    

Here is Mr. Leung’s full post, including a video. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Jacky Leung (@jackeleung)

The Princess taped a highly personal message explaining her reasons for taking on the challenge before she got underway. Below is the text accompanying the video.
The Telegraph reports, “She walked alone and was greeted at the base of Snowdon on Sunday evening by Prince William, their three children, her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother, James Middleton. She was given logistical and navigational support from Mountain Rescue.”

Here is the Princess’s video explaining her reasons for taking on the challenge.

The National Three Peaks Challenge. ⁰⁰Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.⁰ ⁰Please know you are not alone.

C pic.twitter.com/0F1s4vlBIR

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 28, 2026

And the full text of her comments in the video via Write Royalty.  

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear. What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.

Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.

I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back. The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.

Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare. Every individual is different, and ensuring there is a whole person approach to care enables those living through cancer to manage the deeply personal challenge of diagnosis. Holistic therapies complement clinical pathways and support patients’ ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time.

We have an opportunity to reshape what the future of holistic cancer care looks like, enabling more people, nationwide, to access the kind of personalised support that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment.

This challenge will support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping to transform access to, and understanding of, holistic care that will enhance recovery and healing for patients across the UK.

Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through.

Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.

Please know you are not alone.

C

Here is a link to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s site for anyone interested in reading more or donating.

And the charity’s statement on the Princess’s accomplishment.

Now for our look at what Kate wore for the two engagements. Below, the Princess speaking with a serviceman at RAF Coningsby. 

Her new blazer, seen during the RAF Coningsby, is a Max Mara design, the brand’s Wool-Cotton Jacquard Jersey Checked Blazer ($1442), a double-breasted style with a slim fit, welted front pockets, a center-back vent, and horn buttons. 

The fabric is a blend of 70% virgin wool and 30% cotton in a Prince of Wales check pattern. Initially I thought it must have been terribly warm to wear during the heat wave the UK is dealing with, but The Times notes in its story the video was shot about two weeks ago. Thank you to Kate’s RepliKates for this ID. 

It’s possible the trousers worn with the jacket are her Joseph ‘Coleman’ Stretch Trousers ($465).

She also wore her Pretty Ballerinas Ella Marrones Ante Loafers. 

And her Kiki McDonough Gold/Diamond Hoops with her Pearl Drops by Annoushka, seen in these photos when worn at previous engagements.

In some photos, you can see the Princess wearing a gold bracelet. Carly at Kate Middleton Style suggests it may be Merci Maman’s Personalized Birthstone Chain Bracelet. 

For the Three Peaks Challenge, the Princess sported the Harkila Sandhem Pro Insulated Cardigan ($390), described this way on the House of Bruar site: “Crafted from durable yet soft wool blend, this cardigan features a feminine cut that flatters the figure while providing reliable protection against the chill. The torso is lined with Thermo Poly Shield, a lightweight insulation that is both quick-drying and moisture-wicking. Micro suede and corduroy accents add a touch of sophistication…”. 

The piece features a two-way front zipper, zippered side pockets, and micro suede and corduroy accents. Thank you to Middleton Maven for a fab ID on this one. 

The Princess wore Fjällräven’s Est 1960 Cap ($45) in Dark Navy, made of 65% recycled polyester and 35% cotton. She also carried the brand’s Lappland Hike 15 Backpack (£195, roughly $260 at today’s exchange rates) in Dark Olive.

Thank you to Royal British Fashion and Royal Fashion Police for these IDs. 

She repeated her Spells of Love Garnet Teardrop Charm Hoops ($125), shown below as worn on a previous occasion.

I expect we’ll see the Princess at Wimbledon soon! The Championships officially got underway today. 

A quick video as the couple entered their carriage.

The Prince and Princess of Wales setting off for Royal Ascot this afternoon.

That yellow is everything on Catherine 😍💛 pic.twitter.com/qYIXHt1FeN

— Belle (@RoyallyBelle_) June 17, 2026

As many readers know, the day’s events begin with the royal carriage procession. Below, the King and Queen in the first carriage.

Here is today’s list as posted by Ascot Racecourse.

Here you see the King’s cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto (Princess Margaret’s daughter), and her husband, Daniel Chatto.

More from this People story.

Prince William sported a top hat and morning suit for the occasion, matching his wife with a yellow flower pinned on his jacket.

As she got into the carriage, she greeted onlookers who told her she looked “lovely” by saying, “Thank you. Hopefully the sun stays out,”

In this video, you see the Prince reacting to someone shouting “Up the Villa!” a reference to Aston Villa, the football club the Prince has supported since his school days. 

Mention ⚽️ and you have Prince William’s attention 😂 pic.twitter.com/UwSUcu2pUY

— ChristinZ (@ChristinsQueens) June 17, 2026

Here is the couple with their carriage mates, the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon.

Also at Royal Ascot today, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, seen here greeting the King and Queen.

The Princess Royal and her husband (not shown), Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

The Princess Royal’s daughter, Zara Tindall. 

Lady Gabriella Kingston. 

Zenouska Mowatt is the only daughter of Princess Alexandra’s daughter, Marina Ogilvy. Carole Middleton, and the Princess’s sister-in-law, Alizee.

The Princess greets her father-in-law, King Charles III.

The Princess with Lady Gabriella. 

Another view of the Princess at today’s races. 

Then it was time to watch some racing. Below, the King and Queen. 

A wide shot shows the stands and the racing. 
Embed from Getty Images
The Princess and her mother.

The Prince and Princess with football great and England manager Sir Gareth Southgate. 

Princess Anne and Lady Sarah Chatto. 
Embed from Getty Images
One of today’s races was the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Here you see Prince and Princess walking to the trophy presentation for that race.  

Another view of the Princess. 

Today’s winner was “Ombudsman,” ridden by jockey William Buick. 

The Prince and Princess after the presentation. 

Now for a quick glance at what some of the royal women wore today, beginning with the Queen. She wore an Anna Valentine dress, the perfect backdrop for the Williamson Pink Diamond brooch made by Cartier for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, per The Court Jeweler. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh was in Suzannah London’s “Victoria” Silk Shirtdress, with a Jane Taylor hat and a Sophie Habsburg clutch.

Lady Gabriella chose a soft blue bespoke coatdress by Claire Mischevani and an Aspinal of London Mini Mayfair handbag.   

Carole Middleton repeated the pale pink Catherine Walker ensemble worn at her daughter Pippa’s wedding, accessorizing with an Emmy London handbag and heels. 

I do not yet know who made the dress worn by Alizee Middleton. Thank you once again to Royal British Fashion for the ID information.  

And now for our look at what Kate wore for the day at Ascot. 

It is a custom version of Roksanda’s “Brigitte Dress” in Marigold Yellow, seen below in the off-the-rack style. The dress features a bow-effect bodice, short sleeves, a fitted waist, a full skirt, and a hidden back zipper.

It was first worn in Jamaica during the 2022 Caribbean tour; the Princess repeated it for Wimbledon in 2022.  

The Princess debuted a new chapeau, the Epona Hat in Straw ($3700) by Jane Taylor, with thanks to Laura for the speedy ID. The hat has a wide, downturned brim, and the lovely confection is covered in spotted veiling.

And a look at the Princess’s updo. 

In the jewelry department, the Princess wore the Diamond Chandelier Earrings that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Nigel Milne pearl-and-diamond bracelet. 

The Princess brought back her Gianvito Rossi 105 Bisque Suede Pumps ($850) and her Anya Hindmarch Maud Pearls Clutch in Ivory ($830). 

VIDEOS: 

The Royal Family Channel offers almost twelve minutes of coverage in this video. 

 

The Princess with the Duchess of Edinburgh as they await the procession by members of the Order from Windsor Castle’s Upper Ward to St. George’s Chapel.

The Evening Standard noted the Princess “…stood patiently with Sophie chatting to clergy and a nearby policeman on duty for around 15 minutes before the Garter Knights appeared, their way led by heralds in their colourful tunics.”

The day begins with a private luncheon followed by the procession to St. George’s Chapel.

This People story offers background. 

The annual service takes place every year at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle to celebrate the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain. In addition to having royal roots tracing back to medieval times — when King Edward III started the Order of the Garter because he was inspired by tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

The membership is exclusive to King Charles, some senior members of the royal family and 24 knights and ladies recognized by the monarch for their public service. Royals who are currently part of the Order of the Garter include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Princess Alexandra, the Duke of Kent, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Gloucester.

In this image, you can see Prince William and make out the Duchess of Gloucester in front of him.

More on the Order via the Royal Family site. 

Knights of the Garter are chosen personally by the Sovereign to honour those who have held public office, who have contributed in a particular way to national life or who have served the Sovereign personally.

The annual Garter Day procession, where The King and the Knights process in grand velvet robes, glistening insignia and plumed hats, is one of the most traditional ceremonies in the Royal calendar. 

This photo shows Princes William and Edward, along with Princess Anne, and the Gloucesters. 

Here is a better view of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Princess of Wales smiles as her husband walks by. 

The King and Queen. 

A video shows the Princess and Duchess curtsying as the King and Queen process by them.

✨ The Duchess of Edinburgh and The Princess of Waleses curtsy as The King and Queen pass by them at Windsor Castle to attend the annual Order of The Garter service 💛💖

📸Emily Nash pic.twitter.com/CbcNV4s2BO

— Mariana – The Edinburghs Fan Account (@Mari_Edinburghs) June 15, 2026

We learn more about the elaborate robes from Robert Jobson’s Substack column. 

The robes come from Ede & Ravenscroft, royal robemakers since 1689 and the oldest tailors in the world.

They have made the Garter mantles for three centuries and still come to Windsor to dress the knights in person. Deep blue silk velvet, white taffeta lining, the cross of St George on the shoulder.

The Queen’s was supplied in 1947, when she was made a Lady of the Order as Princess Elizabeth. 

The Princess and Duchess sharing a laugh. 

The Daily Mail’s Rebecca English posted a video of the procession, which featured all members of the Royal Family except the Duke of Kent, who rode to the Chapel today. 

Members of the Royal Family arrive for the annual service of the Order of the Garter June 2026. pic.twitter.com/UzGzXfctJI

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) June 15, 2026

The King, Queen, Princess of Wales, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Sir Timothy Laurence, the Princess Royal’s husband.

A wide shot shows the Royal Family as they exit the chapel.

The Prince and Princess outside the chapel.

And the Princess as she steps into the carriage. 

A big smile from Prince William.

The Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and the Edinburghs as they step into their carriage. 

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh leaving the Garter Day Service with The Princess Royal and Sir Tim Laurence 

📸The RF Channel pic.twitter.com/LZGoawNzwf

— Mariana – The Edinburghs Fan Account (@Mari_Edinburghs) June 15, 2026

The Princess Royal and Duchess of Edinburgh. The Gloucesters. 

Now for our look at what Kate wore.

The Princess of Wales wore a soft yellow coatdress made in London by Patrick McDowell, per Emily Ferguson of The Express. The Wales Coat Dress (£1990, about $2700 at today’s exchange rates) showcases a lightweight damask fabric in a linen-and-viscose blend, woven specifically for this piece by the historic Stephen Walters and Sons mill in Suffolk. Below is the white version of the garment offered on the designer’s site. It is described this way online: “Designed to sculpt the body, it features a nipped-in waist and elegant hip pockets, creating a flattering silhouette that cascades to a mid-calf length.” The design includes notched lapels, princess seams, and self-covered buttons.

More on the design comes through this W article. 

…[the]coat-dress honored tradition while still subtly referencing one of the recent runway’s wildest trends.

While its coat-dress silhouette was inline with royal tradition (and Middleton’s own fashion history), its pannier-like waistline stood out. Designers, including Jonathan Anderson at Dior, Daniel Roseberry at Schiaparelli, and Duran Lantink at Jean Paul Gaultier, have been pushing panniers to editorial extremes on the runways. Middleton’s McDowell piece brings the silhouttes back down to earth.

This photo offers a clear view of the waistline. 

The FIT Fashion History site describes a pannier as creating “…a shape wide at the sides and flat at the front and back.” A better view of the notched lapels, self-covered buttons, hip pockets, and cuff buttons.

The dress beneath the coat appears to be made in matching fabric. I believe the fabric we see floating in the breeze when the Princess stepped out of her car is the coat lining.

Some readers may recall that the Princess presented Patrick McDowell with the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design last May.

The Patrick McDowell site notes, “Our collections are crafted from materials that are kinder to the planet and in ways that keep our makers and our clients in mind. We make-to-order pieces that fit and suit you perfectly. Designed and made in London, we work with the best artisans and cutters to create special collections from the finest materials. Each garment is made available in a limited quantity and individually numbered.” Here you see the Princess, Patrick McDowell, and the designer’s mother. This British Vogue piece offers the designer’s reaction to the Princess wearing the piece. 

“It has been a wonderful collaboration, developing one of my existing pieces with Stephen Walters, for Her Royal Highness,” McDowell shared with Vogue.

The Princess’s hat is by Jane Taylor, the Enid Boater Hat ($2711), in straw with an “…extra-large, slightly downturned brims” trimmed with a bow crafted from fabric by Stephen Walters.

Interestingly, Middleton Maven suggested this hat as a great choice for the Princess in a post last week. 

The Princess brought back her Emmy London Natasha Handbag ($615) in Blush and her Gianvito 105 Pumps ($850) in Bisque. 

We also saw the return of the Robinson Pelham bespoke earrings made for the Princess’s wedding day. The diamond earrings feature a central acorn and leaf inspired by the Middleton family’s coat of arms.  Here is one more photo from Garter Day 2026. 

I will see you again tomorrow if the Princess attends Royal Ascot!