While royal fans were eager to catch their first glimpse of the newborn prince this evening, the Duchess of Cambridge’s outfit choice surely came a close second.
And the royal gave one of her favourites, Jenny Packham, the nod for the third time running after commissioning the designer to create a dress for her to wear when leaving hospital.
The new mother, 36, stunned in a red knee-length shift dress with a pretty white lace collar – a choice with a more chic edge that its two prettily patterned predecessors.
Helen Canning Ford, stylist and blogger at cocomamastyle.com, told Femail: ‘Expectant mums will often plan their ‘going home’ outfit with their newborn baby but the rest of us don’t have the world’s eyes waiting to see us step out of the hospital.
‘Just mere hours after giving birth Kate appeared radiant in a bespoke bold red dress with white lace collar by her go-to British designer, Jenny Packham.
A simple tunic dress is ideal for mums post-birth, offering comfort and ease but I’ve no doubt Kate will break out the luxe loungewear when back at home with William and the children, away from the world’s media.’
The Duchess’ PA and stylist Natasha Archer was seen exiting the Lindo Wing earlier after reportedly dropping off Kate’s outfit so that she was ready to face the waiting media.
New mother Kate, 36, stunned in a red knee-length shift dress with a pretty white lace collar today as she left The Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington
Kate teamed the red shift dress with a pair of her favourite blush suede heels (left). Right: Earlier today Kate’s personal stylist Natasha Archer was seen leaving the hospital after reportedly dropping off Kate’s outfit
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
The so-called ‘Kate effect’ sparked a sales frenzy, when the Duchess stepped out in a bespoke polka dot crepe de chine dress after giving birth to Prince George in July 2013.
Within hours of her appearance on the steps of the Lindo Wing, similar dresses by Jenny Packham had sold out.
The designer’s website crashed after initial reports the dress may be available to buy online. It was later confirmed that the frock was a one-off creation for the Duchess.
At the time, Kate won praise for wearing a dress that showed off her ‘mummy tummy’ rather than trying to hide it.
Proud Prince William placed his arm around his wife as they introduced their new baby prince to the world
Doting mother Kate couldn’t take her eyes of her newborn as she left the Lindo Wing with her newborn this evening
Netmums founder Siobhan Freegard said that by showing off her neat bump the duchess had dispelled the ‘myth that all mothers should be perfect postpartum’.
‘In a couple of minutes on the steps of the Lindo Wing Kate has done more for new mums’ self-esteem than any other role model,’ she said.
When Charlotte was born in May 2015, Kate chose a buttercup yellow dress with a loose fitting shift silhouette.
The sunny floral print was a motif from Packham’s SS15 collection, but the dress itself was again specially made just for the Duchess.
In 2013 after having George, Kate was praised for not trying to hide her ‘mummy tummy’ and giving a realistic view of what women look like after giving birth. Right: The Duchess chose a sunny number by Kenny Packham for her hospital exit after giving birth to Princess Charlotte three years ago (right)