Kate Middleton's BAFTA Gowns Over The Years, Ranked

As a princess, Kate Middleton naturally has hit her fair share of red carpets. She's even appeared at several British Academy Film and Television Award (BAFTA) events, always in a memorable, gorgeous gown. Over the years, Kate has undergone a stunning style transformation to look every bit the royal that she is, and for the BAFTAs, Kate has repeatedly found a way to channel movie star glamour while also staying true to her own personal style.

Of course, her day-to-day looks tend to be a bit more restrained, featuring demure skirts, swishing trousers, and classic dress coats. Still, she gravitates toward a particular silhouette — structured shoulders and a defined waist — which can be observed in nearly all of her BAFTA looks. Her ability to be herself on the red carpet is part of her charm. And while all her gowns have been beautiful, some have shone brighter than the others.

At the 2020 BAFTAs, Kate Middleton turned to her closet and selected a white-and-gold Alexander McQueen gown. Repurposing outfits is a key part of Kate's style that she shares with Meghan Markle, and this look was one she had previously worn in 2012. The sparkling details and A-line skirt are ultra-flattering on the Princess, and this look certainly doesn't belong on any Fashion Don't lists. However, the awkward-length cap sleeves and unconventional bodice leave her looking slightly uncomfortable. Ultimately, this style is less of a knockout than her gowns from other years.

For the 2018 BAFTA red carpet, Kate Middleton stepped out in a forest-green Jenny Packham gown with a plunging neckline and an empire waist that put her baby bump front and center. This dress ranks a bit lower since it's not among Kate's most creative BAFTA looks, but the dark green is an undeniable complement to her natural coloring. The cap sleeves — a long-time style favorite of the princess — make this look an endearingly perfect reflection of her personal style.

The chiffon Alexander McQueen dress that Kate Middleton wore for the 2019 BAFTAs gave off a Greek goddess vibe. From the sheer fabric to the one-shoulder silhouette, it should be one of Kate's most angelic white outfits of all time. But while Kate looked particularly statuesque in this elegant style — which she accessorized with jewels inherited from the late Princess Diana — it was one of her safer BAFTA style choices. In fact, it was a little dull. Despite the delicately ruffled hem and floral appliqués, it ranks lower than her more daring red carpet styles.

For a 2011 BAFTA event in LA, Kate Middleton wore a pastel purple gown from one of her favorite fashion houses, Alexander McQueen. The beautifully draped custom dress with a softly pleated bodice was cinched at the waist with a sparkling white belt. She accented it with heels and a handbag from Jimmy Choo. It might be Kate's most demure BAFTA look, but that doesn't make it boring. It ranks moderately high for its unique silhouette and show-stopping statement color.

The Alexander McQueen gown that Kate Middleton wore for the 2017 BAFTAs was one of her most fun looks. The delicate floral pattern offered an exciting contrast against the black background, which was both feminine and playful. What might have felt like a typical sundress pattern is elevated by the gown's formal silhouette and sultry off-the-shoulder neckline. It ranks high, mostly because it feels both adventurous and classic at the same time — a style coup de grâce.

Kate Middleton reworked her 2019 BAFTA gown to create this black and white look for the 2023 awards. The one-shouldered Alexander McQueen gown was beautiful the first time she wore it in 2019, but it verged on boring. The addition of a single draped sleeve and bold black opera gloves improved this look and landed it near the top of this ranking. Her playful chandelier earrings, from the more accessible brand Zara, were the cherry on top.

At the 2026 BAFTA ceremony, Kate Middleton stunned in a gauzy pink gown custom-made for her by Gucci. She finished off the look with a Prada clutch, Oscar de la Renta heels, and a few crown jewels: Cartier-crafted earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth and a historic Art Deco bracelet. It's easily Kate's best BAFTA look — despite stiff competition — because it's both timeless and bold. Everything here is gorgeous, from the colors that naturally flattered her soft summer palette to the exquisite, delicate pleating, to the velvet waist ribbon that coordinated with her husband's jacket.

Kate Middleton's BAFTA gowns were ranked based on three criteria: how elegant the gown itself was, how interesting the overall look was, and, finally, how well it reflected her personal style. A red carpet event like the BAFTAs is an opportunity for glamorous, creative outfits, and the highest-ranked looks are the ones that best lived up to the moment. Lower-ranked looks were those that were less flattering or exciting.