Kate Middleton accessorizes up a classic print as she heads to Harvard University

Elle Woods would be proud of Kate Middleton as she dresses up a classic print with glam accessories

Kate Middleton stepped out for a solo engagement in a chic houndstooth look
(Image credit: Paul Edwards-Pool/Getty Images)

Catherine, Princess of Wales headed off to a solo engagement at Harvard University on Friday, as she and William continue their whirlwind tour of the United States. Kate looked every inch the modern princess, pairing a classic houndstooth print with a series of refined and youthful accessories.

  • Kate Middleton headed off to Harvard in a customized Emilia Wickstead blue houndstooth midi-dress
  • The classic print – which dates back to the Anglo Saxons – was modernized with Kate’s clever accessories, including a sky blue Mulberry mini purse and gold hoop earrings
  • In other royal news, the Queen's adored companion scoops prestigious prize

Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods brought pink to the hallowed halls of Harvard, and now Kate Middleton has brought the blues.

While continuing their tour of the United States in conjunction with the Earthshot Prize, the Princess of Wales stepped out for a solo engagement at Harvard University.

Kate wore a favorite designer of hers, Emilia Wickstead

(Image credit: Paul Edwards-Pool/Getty Images)

Catherine stopped by The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University to learn more about what is being done in early child development, a cause very near to her heart.

She previously teamed up with Princess Anne to visit a similar center in the United Kingdom. The Princess of Wales has a close relationship with all things maternity care, being both a mother of three and someone who experienced difficult pregnancies.

She’s previously opened up about being so ill with severe morning sickness that she even had to be hospitalized.

Kate beamed as she signed the Harvard guest book

(Image credit: Paul Edwards-Pool/Getty Images)

For the solo engagement in the apt town of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Kate – the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Cambridge - wore a chic, classic houndstooth midi-dress.

The dress is from one of her go-to designers, Emilia Wickstead, and it appears that it was custom-made with long sleeves added especially for Kate.

A sleeveless version of the style is available to shop online.

She paired the dress with black Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, and gold Liv Thurlwell hoop earrings.

Miles Dress | Emilia Wickstead, $1,203

Miles Dress | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1623315&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Femiliawickstead.com%2Fen-us%2Fcollections%2Fdresses%2Fproducts%2Fmiles-dress-blue-houndstooth&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - emiliawickstead.com"">Emilia Wickstead, $1,203

A versatile dress that transitions effortlessly from the office wear to event dressing with minimal effort. Crafted from a lightweight quality of textured georgette, this sleeveless pencil dress features a houndstooth print that accents the tailored fit of the piece.

Gold hoops are a favorite of the Princess’, regularly wearing a pair that cost just $22.

Upon her arrival, Kate was invited to sign the official Harvard University guest book. She next met with members of the team to discuss the advances in science that can help achieve a better future for every youngster.

The Center has long been a friend to the Royal Foundation and more recently The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, a center that the Princess of Wales helped launch in 2021 that focuses on research in the early childhood years.

From higher education to high fashion, Kate’s daytime ensemble was a complete different vibe to the stunning, neon green look she wore later that same day for the Earthshot Prize.

Jack Slater
Freelance writer

Jack Slater is not the Last Action Hero, but that's what comes up first when you Google him. Preferring a much more sedentary life, Jack gets his thrills by covering news, entertainment, celebrity, film and culture for woman&home, and other digital publications.


Having written for various print and online publications—ranging from national syndicates to niche magazines—Jack has written about nearly everything there is to write about, covering LGBTQ+ news, celebrity features, TV and film scoops, reviewing the latest theatre shows lighting up London’s West End and the most pressing of SEO based stories.