The Princess of Wales just revamped her polka dot dress - with majorly clever styling hack

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales visits the National Maritime Museum Cornwall with Prince William, Prince of Wales on February 09, 2023 in Falmouth, England.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales visits the National Maritime Museum Cornwall with Prince William, Prince of Wales on February 09, 2023 in Falmouth, England. (Getty)

The world was delighted to see the simply stunning Princess of Wales on Thursday in Southport. The royal stepped out alongside her husband, Prince William, where she met first responders, the families of survivors, and survivors of the horrific knife attack in the city on July 29 at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Kate, 42, wore a stunning chocolate brown coat by her wedding dress designer, Alexander McQueen, high heel shoes by Gianvito Rossi and the most fabulous polka dot dress by high street favourite Whistles, which she previously wore back in 2018.

The Prince and Princess of Wales in brown coat walking
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived for a visit to Southport Community Centre (Alamy)

The pretty dress was designed in the colour of the season, burgundy, and cost £149 at the time of purchase, almost six years ago.

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On close inspection, we realised that the royal made the dress look almost brand new with one clever hack. You will notice the dress appears to have a  neck tie attached. Well, this is actually the detachable belt which comes with the dress! So smart; and a great way to reinvent the style for a new occasion.

The Princess of Wales in brown coat with gold fern earrings
Kate wore the belt of the dress as a neck tie (Alamy)

The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis wore the dress first at Kensington Palace for the finalists of 2018's BBC Radio One's Teen Hero Awards. She styled the frock very similarly, nude heels and statement earrings, in silver.

Kate's back

The appearance at Southport was Kate's first official working visit since completing chemotherapy. The community was shaken by the harrowing knife attack in July, where three children lost their lives, and ten others were seriously injured. It's understood that William and Kate wanted to visit today to show their support to the three bereaved families, the first responders and the community of Southport.

Princess Kate speaking to an emergency worker
Kate spoke of the families who were impacted (WPA Pool)

The royal couple spoke with emergency responders and  asked about the mental health support which had been available, with Kate remarking: "For you to witness that, you need support yourselves."

Prince William and Kate Middleton talk
The royal couple appeared compassionate (Alamy)

Referencing the earlier meeting with the families of those who died in the attack, the Princess said: "I can’t underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day. On behalf of them, thank you."