Carole Middleton's nod to Prince Harry and Meghan at Royal Ascot was an interesting move but is there a simple explanation?
The Princess of Wales's mother attended for the second time wearing an outfit that has a strong link to the Sussexes
The Princess of Wales often sends subtle messages through her outfits and Carole Middleton is surely well aware of how fashion can tell a story. I'd imagine she puts just as much thought into what she wears for big occasions so her dress on Day 3 of Royal Ascot caught my attention.
She and her husband Michael enjoyed a day at the races together and Carole wore a knee-length peppermint-green coat and dress by Kate's go-to designer Catherine Walker. It featured neat lapels and darts running down the jacket to give it extra shaping and volume.
The colour is perfect for a summer capsule wardrobe and Carole Middleton has owned it for years. It's actually the same dress she wore to Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding in May 2018 and it seems to be the first time she's been seen in it since then.
Recreate Carole's Ascot Look
Currently 30% off, this top handle bag actually comes in a pale mint shade that would perfectly match Carole's Ascot dress, though she chose neutral accessories. This cream shade is very wearable and the gold hardware adds a hint of glamour.
Fully lined for comfort and made from crepe, this belted dress has a wrap-effect bodice and a statement belt. It falls to an elegant midi length which makes it a versatile choice for special events in your diary, from garden parties to weddings.
Carole Middleton's shoes are made from soft suede and the Lisa design comes in various other colours, including misty rose which she also owns. They have a secure slingback strap and a sturdy block heel.
Shop More Mint Favourites
This pale mint wrap dress has fluttery fluted short sleeves, a tie waist belt and a layered frill hem. It's the kind of piece that you could elevate or make more casual to suit different occasions thanks to the timeless silhouette.
The Hobbs Kaylee linen top has a waistcoat-esque feel thanks to the neat buttons running down the front. There's a V-neckline and it's got a relaxed fit. The linen material is perfect for hot weather too.
Linen is a breathable choice for summer and this affordable shirt comes in a soft minty green for 2026. It's got an incredibly classic design featuring a collar, long cuffed sleeves and tiny white buttons. Throw on instead of a cardigan or wear as a top.
There's no way that Carole didn't think this connection would be spotted given the amount of press coverage Royal Ascot always gets. She still wore the green two-piece and many people might be surprised to see this throwback link to the Sussexes.
Prince Harry has been very open about wanting to reconcile with the Royal Family, however it's thought that he and Prince William haven't seen each other since 2024. As she's the Princess of Wales's mum, it's natural to see Carole as being aligned with the Waleses instead of Harry and Meghan.
However, the Duke and Duchess's wedding day was a joyful occasion, years before they stepped back as working royals. Perhaps wearing this same coat and dress is a way for Carole to nod back to these happier times and mint green is often associated with tranquillity and healing.
There could also be a much simpler explanation for her choice. How many times does someone get to re-wear something as luxurious and formal as a jacket and dress set? It's not like Carole is a royal herself, so she might not have many opportunities to enjoy this design compared to Kate who goes to a lot of big events.
On Day 2 of Ascot she stepped out in the pink Catherine Walker Mother of the Bride coat dress she wore to Pippa Middleton's wedding in 2017. Wedding re-wears are sensible if she doesn't want these pieces to stay in storage at home.
I think the Princess of Wales's mum probably has a big collection of wedding outfits, though, so she could still have picked others over the mint green one. Maybe this suggests that Carole chose her style for both practical and meaningful reasons.
The colour of her jacket and matching dress is also beautiful for the heatwave, bringing to mind refreshing mint ice cream. This shade of green works well with white and cream for contrast and you can also lean into the pastels and pair it with blush or lilac.
At Ascot we saw Carole Middleton styling her co-ord with neutral accessories, all from British clothing brands. Her raffia top handle bag and suede slingbacks from Emmy London added texture to the look and she also wore a wide-brimmed cream Catherine Walker hat with a mint green flower decoration.
