Carole Middleton borrows Princess Kate’s hat for Cheltenham outing | Royal | News

Carole Middleton appeared to take a leaf out of her daughter’s style book at Cheltenham Festival, turning to one of Catherine’s most trusted accessories. The Princess of Wales’s mother, 71, arrived at the Gloucestershire racecourse on Ladies Day wearing a tailored checked coat – a classic race-day staple that reflected the timeless countryside style often seen in Catherine’s wardrobe.

Carole completed the outfit with a navy fedora trimmed with a feather, a piece with a special royal connection. The elegant accessory was previously worn by her daughter, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who debuted the hat, made by British brand Hicks & Brown, at a Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on January 5, 2020.

The stylish re-use and nod to sustainable fashion reflect a well-known habit within the Middleton family, who are known for revisiting favourite pieces from their wardrobes rather than constantly opting for brand new designs.

Carole herself has been spotted wearing items on repeat over the years, often dipping back into her own collection of classic accessories.

It is a habit she clearly shares with her daughter. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is widely admired for regularly recycling outfits and accessories, often bringing back pieces from her royal wardrobe years later.

The approach has become a defining part of the Princess’s fashion identity and aligns closely with her wider commitment to sustainability and thoughtful consumption.

In terms of recycled accessories, Princess Catherine often rewears hats, along with using timeless clutches and wears the same pair of designer heels frequently, showcasing her mix of high-end and accessible styles.

Ensure our latest royal headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or just add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Carole’s own appearance at Cheltenham echoed that philosophy. Alongside the borrowed fedora, she paired her coat with practical brown boots and carried a dark Hermès Birkin bag – one of fashion’s most iconic investment handbags which added a touch of understated luxury to the countryside-inspired look.

The 71-year-old was joined at the event by her husband, Michael Middleton, marking the couple’s first public outing of the year.

The pair appeared relaxed as they mingled with guests, including Zara Tindall, and Cold Feet star, James Nesbit.

Interestingly, her tailored coat also bore similarities to a look worn earlier in the week by Zara Tindall, who stepped out at the festival in a checked outerwear style of her own – highlighting just how popular the heritage-inspired trend has become at Cheltenham this year.

Cheltenham Festival has long been as much about fashion as it is about racing, particularly during Ladies Day when guests arrive in their most polished countryside attire.

From tailored wool coats and statement hats to heritage accessories, the enclosures often feel like an unofficial catwalk.

The Cheltenham Festival 2026 is one of the biggest events in British horse racing, held at Cheltenham Racecourse every March. Thousands of fans attend each year, creating the famous “Cheltenham roar” when the first race begins, while millions more watch around the world.