Kate Middleton may not always wear white to Wimbledon, but when she does, it’s a masterclass in royal elegance and thoughtful styling.

On July 12, the Princess of Wales arrived at the women’s singles final of the London-based tennis tournament in an effortlessly chic look that subtly paid homage to Wimbledon’s signature all-white dress code. While spectators aren’t required to dress like players, Kate clearly decided to honor tradition with a refined two-in-one cream dress by Self-Portrait—an ensemble that merged a structured belted jacket with a breezy pleated skirt. The design not only echoed the crisp tennis whites seen on court but may have also nodded to the iconic athletic skorts worn by players.

Royal fashion watchers would recognize the look instantly. The princess has worn various Self-Portrait pieces over the years, making the label a go-to for her sophisticated but modern royal wardrobe. But while her outfit carried the familiar elegance fans expect, she added a few unexpected elements that served as subtle but refreshing style twists.

One of the key highlights? Her choice of handbag. Rather than the small clutches or dainty top-handle bags that have become part of her signature style, Kate opted for a surprising accessory: a braided white tote bag by British designer Anya Hindmarch. The Neeson Small Square Tote, though not yet available in white on the brand’s website, is already creating buzz and is expected to retail for $1,490 when it launches. A “light nude” version of the same bag is currently listed at $1,116.

The switch to a roomy tote might appear minor, but for the Princess of Wales, it’s a noticeable departure. Back in 2017, when Kate still held the title Duchess of Cambridge, royal etiquette expert Myka Meier told Good Housekeeping that the princess tends to carry clutches during royal engagements as a strategic move. According to Meier, “She holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward.” The clutch, then, serves both as a fashion accessory and a subtle social tool.

That makes her choice of a casual, oversized tote particularly intriguing—perhaps signaling a shift in tone for this event or even a quiet evolution in her personal style. Regardless, the bag still aligned perfectly with her outfit’s clean, monochromatic theme, reflecting Kate’s long-standing attention to color coordination.

Also in keeping with her polished aesthetic were her go-to Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, another staple of her wardrobe. And when it came to beauty, Kate embraced minimalism once again, wearing her signature “princess nails”—a blush-toned, barely-there manicure trend that’s been closely associated with her for years.

Altogether, Kate’s Wimbledon look was a harmonious blend of old favorites and fresh updates, demonstrating her ability to remain consistent while still surprising royal watchers. The outfit managed to feel deeply rooted in tradition, respectful of the event’s history, yet quietly modern through thoughtful styling choices like the unexpected tote.

For the Princess of Wales, dressing is never just about fashion—it’s about symbolism, continuity, and connection. Whether she’s honoring tennis tradition with her all-white palette or subtly shaking up expectations with a new handbag, every element of her outfit communicates something intentional.

And in that sense, Kate Middleton didn’t just attend Wimbledon—she made a statement. Quiet, composed, and undeniably stylish, she continues to prove that when it comes to royal fashion, she never misses.