Kate Middleton presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Patrick McDowell today, in recognition of the designer’s commitment to sustainable practices. For the reception at London’s 180 Strand, the royal wore an olive green suit by Victoria Beckham—another example of her penchant for diplomatic dressing, given the color’s associations with the environment.
“I’m honored to receive this award from HRH The Princess of Wales today, and join esteemed peers as a recipient,” McDowell said of winning the prestigious prize. “Thank you to the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, the royal family and the British Fashion Council who support British craft, British talent and sustainability on a global stage. This kind of recognition is invaluable and provides a game changing stamp of approval for our circular luxury brand.”
It’s not the first time that the Princess of Wales has attended the ceremony, with the royal presenting Saul Nash the QEII Award back in 2022. Other royals to have taken on the role include King Charles, who awarded Labrum the prize in 2023, Princess Anne, the Countess of Wessex, and, of course, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who famously sat front row at Richard Quinn’s London Fashion Week show in 2018, in celebration of the first recipient of the award.
Meanwhile, Conner Ives was also announced as the winner of the BFC X Vogue Fashion Fund award today, while the recipients of the NewGen are Louther; Aletta; The Ouze; Liza Keane; Oscar Ouyang; Octi and Ewusie.