Facing the world just hours after giving birth would be a daunting prospect for any new mum, but the Duchess of Cambridge looked impeccably stylish this evening as she left hospital in a red shift dress by Jenny Packham.
Kate, 36, opted for a bespoke creation with a lace collar by one of her favourite designers for the third time as she showed off her baby boy on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital.
And she appeared to may a subtle but sweet tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, who wore a very similar outfit when she left the same hospital after giving birth to Prince Harry in 1984.
The new mother wore a long red coat by Jan van Velden, with a white blouse trimmed with a scarlet ribbon showing underneath.
Earlier today Kate’s personal stylist Natasha Archer was spotted leaving the ward, although it is not clear whether the other half of her ‘glam squad’, royal hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, was present.
Kate, 36, opted for a bespoke creation by Jenny Packaham as she left hospital with her new baby
Princess Diana was wearing a red coat by Jan van Velden when she left hospital with Prince Harry
Kate teamed the red shift dress with a pair of her favourite blush suede heels
Princess Diana also chose a vibrant red outfit when she left the Lindo Wing with Prince Harry in 1984 (left). Princess Diana also chose a vibrant red outfit when she left the Lindo Wing with Prince Harry in 1984 (right)
Proud Prince William placed his arm around his wife as they introduced their new baby prince to the world
The Duchess opted for a strong pop of colour in a bright red dress with a delicate white lace collar as she introduced her newborn to the world
Doting mother Kate couldn’t keep her eyes off the new arrival (left). Proud Princess Diana leaving hospital with Prince Harry in 1984 (right)
Royal-watchers had expected Kate to opt for a bespoke piece by British label Jenny Packham, whose designs she wore immediately after the birth of Prince George in 2013 and Princess Charlotte in 2015.
The so-called ‘Kate effect’ sparked a sales frenzy, with her cornflower crepe de chine dress polka dot dresses like Kate’s sell out within hours of her welcoming the third-in-line to the throne.
Blue and white polka dot items including a pinafore dress, high-waisted shorts, chiffon shirts, skirts, vest tops and ballet pumps also saw a rocket in sales overnight.
Aith a cream and blue polka dot skater style dress similar to Kate’s, as well as a Royal blue and white polka dot bikini, sold out.
A maternity style icon is born! Kate caused a sales frenzy when she wore Jenny Packham crepe de chine to welcome Prince George to the world in July 2013
When Kate and William welcomed Princess Charlotte in 2015, the new mother opted for Jenny Packham once more, donning a summery yellow smock dress that was made especially for her
And after introducing Princess Charlotte to the world in May 2015, the sale of yellow floral dresses increased by 208 per cent for online retailer eBay.
Royal family fans who were impressed by Kate’s ability to manoeuvre down the hospital steps in a pair of Jimmy Choo Gilbert nude heels so soon after giving birth, were clearly paying attention as nude heels sales also spiked by 131 per cent.
Likewise, Newborn princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana soon became a trendsetter at less than one-week-old, sending white blanket sales up by 149 per cent.
What does the Duchess of Cambridge use in her hair?
In January 2018, the Duchess of Cambridge ‘s hairdresser revealed just how much work goes into maintaining her locks.
Ahead of the royal visit to Norway and Sweden, Amanda Cook Tucker shared a photo of the countless brushes, tools and cans of hair spray she would be taking with her on the tour.
The expansive haul of hair products – including no less than 13 brushes, six combs and two hairdryers – gives a fascinating insight into just how much work goes into keeping Kate’s glossy mane intact.
The Royal hairdresser sparked a frenzy when she gave a glimpse into the Duchess of Cambridge’s hair armoury, including 13 brushes and several cans of hairspray
. Elnett hairspray (£6.70)
. Kiehl’s Crème with Silk Groom (£18)
. Charles Worthington: Volume & Bounce Body Booster Mousse (£5.99)
. Wella Professionals EIMI Ocean Spritz Spray (£8.48)
. Charles Worthington: Perfect Finish Hairspray (£6.99)
. Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Extender spray (around £13)
. Mason Pearson hairbrush (around £80)
. 13 x hairbrushes
. 6 x combs
. 3 x curling tongs
. 1 x heatproof mat
. 3 x foreign plug converters
. 2 x plug extension leads
. 2 x hairdryers
Commenting on the picture, celebrity hairdresser Jason Collier told FEMAIL: ‘I’m not surprised Kate’s hairdresser has such a substantial kit for the Royal Tour.
‘We’ve come to expect Kate to look impeccably groomed and glamorous, and she is so famous for that beautiful blow-dry that it always needs to look perfect.’