Princess Kate Middleton brought the United Kingdom’s week-long VE Day celebrations to a graceful close by attending a commemorative concert at Horse Guards Parade in London on May 8. The event marked the end of festivities honoring the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Kate, 43, was accompanied by her husband Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla, joining a crowd of 12,000 attendees for the celebratory evening.
Royals Honor Heroes and Shine in Style at VE Day Commemorative Concert Event
Before the concert began, the royal family mingled with notable figures in the royal box, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and six special guests – a mix of war veterans and individuals evacuated from London during WWII. The presence of these historically significant guests highlighted the event’s focus on remembrance and unity. Kate and William appeared in high spirits, engaging with those around them and enthusiastically waving Union Jack flags during the performances.

Princess Kate made a striking appearance in an all-white outfit featuring a structured blazer and a skirt, elevated with elegant accessories. Most notably, she wore a large black hair bow that added a whimsical yet sophisticated touch to her half-up hairstyle. This accessory became a focal point of her look, showing her flair for blending classic elegance with playful elements.
Bows as Style and Sustainability in Kate Middleton’s Evolving Royal Fashion Choices
The black bow wasn’t a one-time experiment—Kate has embraced hair bows as part of her personal style on several occasions. While often associated with youth, she has modernized the accessory, using it to dress up ponytails or enhance formal looks. Her daughter, Princess Charlotte, previously wore bows frequently, though the young royal now favors simpler hairstyles like braids and ponytails as she grows older.
Kate has also incorporated bows into her clothing, often using them to refresh and reinvent older outfits. During the 2024 Trooping the Colour event, she added a striped bow to a previously worn dress, transforming it into a new ensemble. Fashion director Bethan Holt praised Kate’s approach, noting that the bow serves as both a stylish and sustainable way to repurpose garments, reflecting the Princess’s commitment to eco-conscious fashion.