Kate’s show of support for Victoria! Princess of Wales opts for a £1,340 suit from Beckham’s brand to present fashion award amid designer’s heartache over feud with son Brooklyn

She’s already considered a style icon in her own right. And today the Princess of Wales delighted fashionistas as she presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design – and showed solidarity with another sartorial legend Victoria Beckham.

Catherine, 43, attended an event held by the British Fashion Council at London‘s 180 Studios to celebrate the impact of young British creatives and the UK’s thriving fashion industry, as well as recognise designers who are leading the way in sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment.

Sources told Mail Online that the royal, who also presented the award in 2022, was keen to pay tribute to the late Queen’s legacy. They pointed out that she has ‘long championed British fashion and designers’ and ‘looks forward to continuing to do so in the years ahead’.

This year’s winner, Patrick McDowell, 29, said of receiving his award from the princess: ‘It’s a huge privilege and honour. Throughout her tenure she’s been an amazing advocate of British fashion and really flies the flag for British fashion.

‘She also looks incredible and is a real style icon. ‘It is extra special to receive an award from her today. The Royal Family has been incredibly supportive from Queen Elizabeth II and the King.’

Paying homage to yet another fashionista, Kate was typically sophisticated in a stunningly tailored khaki power suit from Victoria Beckham – amid the designer’s alleged ‘feud’ with her eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola – that perfectly accentuated her silhouette. 

She sported the patch pocket jacket, retailing for £850, and matching £490 ‘Alina’ trousers, both in the colour ‘willow’.

The royal teamed the earthy look with a white ruffled blouse, with a buttoned-up collar, and brown leather heels.

Kate toured the spaces with designer Patrick McDowell (right) and British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir

She’s already considered a style icon in her own right. And today the Princess of Wales delighted fashionistas as she presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design

Catherine, 43, attended an event held by the British Fashion Council at London ‘s 180 Studios to celebrate the impact of young British creatives and the UK’s thriving fashion industry, as well as recognise designers who are leading the way in sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment

Paying homage to yet another fashionista, Kate was typically sophisticated in a stunningly tailored khaki power suit from Victoria Beckham which perfectly accentuated her silhouette

The Beckhams are long known to be fans of the royal family, and were supporters of the late Queen Elizabeth

Wearing her chocolate tresses down in loose waves, Kate also opted for a glamorous make-up look with smokey eyes and a dusky pink lip.

The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was first presented to Richard Quinn in February 2018 – when Queen Elizabeth II made her first visit to London Fashion Week.

At the age of 91 she also made her first appearance on the famed ‘frow’ – front row – alongside the legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who kept her sunglasses firmly on throughout.

True to form, the pastel-clad monarch failed to raise even an eyebrow as she watched fashion models walk in front of her wearing neon motorcycle helmets and elbow-length PVC gloves.

Now in its eighth year, the award aims to provide continuing recognition of the cultural and trade role the British design and fashion industry has played since the start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign until the present day.

Each year, it is presented to an emerging British fashion designer who shows exceptional talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and strong sustainable policies.

Kate, sporting her long chocolate tresses in relaxed waves, was the image of sophistication in a power suit

The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was first presented to Richard Quinn in February 2018 – when Queen Elizabeth II made her first visit to London Fashion Week

The Princess of Wales presenting Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to designer Patrick McDowell (centre) accompanied by his mother (left)

Now in its eighth year, the award aims to provide continuing recognition of the cultural and trade role the British design and fashion industry has played since the start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign until the present day

Style icon Kate was delighted as she enjoyed a tour of works made by thriving designers during the outing today

Kate was the image of sophistication as she presented the awards today – named in honour of late Queen Elizabeth II

The Princess beamed as she took in works created by designers who were honoured at the awards

Kate was all smiles as she sported the khaki power suit by Victoria Beckham for the event this afternoon 

Kate had toured the design spaces, and presented the award, during the engagement this afternoon

Curious Kate examined different fabrics and silhouettes as she enjoyed a visit of the design spaces

Kate heard about different designs curated by various creatives during the event in London this afternoon

Kate met with designers, including Connor Ives (right) who told the Princess of their works this afternoon

Examining fabrics and clothing, the Princess was all ears are designers told the royal about their work

Dresses and designs made by up and coming designers were seen by the fashion-savvy Princess

Kate grinned as she viewed rings designed by Bleue Burnham (left), at the event in London this afternoon

Kate was treated to a tour of designs during a visit to the British Fashion Council to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design

Wearing her chocolate tresses down in loose waves, Kate also opted for a glamorous make-up look with smokey eyes and a dusky pink lip

Kate was elegant as ever as she sported a khaki blazer and trousers from Victoria Beckham this morning

The Princess of Wales pictured with Caroline Rush, outgoing CEO of the British Fashion Council, and her replacement Laura Weir (right), at the British Fashion Council

Kate, pictured, was effortlessly elegant in an olive power suit as she made an appearance at the event

The Princess donned a white blouse, with ruffle detailing, as she was pictured at the event this afternoon

The award provides a legacy of support for the industry in recognition the role fashion played throughout the late Queen’s reign and continues to play in diplomacy, culture and communications.

Female members of the royal family are often use the power of fashion as part of their armoury of diplomacy, incorporating visiting or host nation’s colours, flags and even birds and animals in their outfits as a sign of respect.

During today’s event, the Princess also visited the winning designer’s pop-up studio to see how McDowell’s sustainable designs are created.

And she met and viewed the designs of recipients and shortlisted designers from several other British Fashion Council Foundation initiatives, which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on education, grant-giving, and business mentoring.

The Princess previously presented the award in 2022 to British menswear designer, Saul Nash, in 2022. Earlier this year it was claimed that the Princess had asked palace officials not to share details of the outfits she wears on royal events in order for the focus to be more on her work than fashion. This was later denied.

Kate’s sporting Victoria’s label comes amid eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz’s rumoured ‘feud’ with Victoria and David – a situation which has sparked comparisons to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s rift with the Royal Family.

While the Prince of Wales is known to be pals with David, Kate and Victoria will have crossed paths several times, as the football legend will have brought his wife to accompany him on several state banquets and royal events. 

The sports star is long known to have links with the royal family – but after years of what is believed to be a closer friendship, the Beckhams are understood to have fallen out with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in a ‘spat’ which seemingly dates back to 2018.

While the Prince of Wales is known to be pals with David, Kate and Victoria will have crossed paths several times, as the football legend will have brought his wife to accompany him on several state banquets and royal events. William and David in October

David and Victoria also attended the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton , in 2011, when Victoria was pregnant with Harper. David with the Waleses in 2022

David and Victoria have long been known for the royal connections. David pictured with his OBE in 2003

The row is believed to have heightened when the Sussexes allegedly accused the Beckhams of leaking stories about them to the press – while royal biographers claimed Meghan ‘didn’t like the footballer’s friendship with Prince William’.

In 2013, the then-actress Meghan gave Victoria’s label a boost when she wore one of her dresses to a gala event at the New York Film Festival. 

Victoria also had her own connections to Prince Harry, first meeting him more than 20 years ago in November 1997 when they both visited South Africa. 

They held hands — though it was said that schoolboy Harry’s favourite ‘Spice’ was Emma Bunton.

Meanwhile David and fun-loving Harry had spent a lot of time together both doing charitable work and socialising. 

There have been at least two big nights out in London together — one at the end of 2011 and one at the start of 2012, both at the Arts Club in Chelsea. By all accounts, both were heavy drinking sessions that lasted until around 3am.

David and Victoria also attended the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, in 2011, when Victoria was pregnant with Harper. 

David said the following year: ‘We had to pinch ourselves when we got the invite. I’ve become friends with Prince William and Harry as well. We were brought up to love the Royal Family and, when Princess Di was around, the love for her was incredible.

The sports star is long known to have links with the royal family – but after years of what is believed to be a closer friendship, the Beckhams are understood to have fallen out with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in a ‘spat’ which seemingly dates back to 2018. David pictured with William and Harry in 2010

‘And then you watch the lives of William and Harry and it’s kind of like the Truman Show, seeing them grow into young men.

‘It makes you proud to be English, watching them grow into the people they are today.’

David was involved in the Queen’s Young Leaders Award in 2016, which Prince Harry attended.

He was also part of the team bidding to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022 and travelled to Johannesburg with Prince Harry in 2010 to meet with Fifa officials. 

David’s new passion for shooting — fostered by director Guy Ritchie — gives him even more in common with Harry.

A friendship of several years is understood to have blossomed and in 2018, it was being reported that their friendship had grown and that Meghan was in the habit of consulting Victoria about style.

Vanity Fair reported: ‘They get along well and have been in touch recently. Meghan really likes Victoria’s style and was keen to pick her brains about pulling together a working wardrobe.’

However, recent years have seen rumours of a feud brewing between the Sussexes and Beckhams – while David and Victoria have continued to show their support for the Royal Family, and attend events for both King Charles and the Waleses. 

Victoria Beckham pictured receiving her OBE from William – then the Duke of Cambridge during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Reports in July 2020 stated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were at ‘the top of Victoria and David’s guestlist for their son Brooklyn’s wedding to Nicola Peltz – and speculation ramped up when Spice Girl Mel B revealed Victoria and David were inviting their own friends to the big day. 

Appearing on Lorraine in March 2022, Mel B confirmed she would be attending the event as she spoke about receiving her MBE, revealing: ‘I did actually ask her. I’m taking my mum and so I did say, ‘Can you dress me and my mum?’

‘I’m going to see her at her son’s wedding anyway. Yeah Victoria, it would be great!’ 

However Meghan and Harry were not guests at the wedding.

It’s unknown if the couple weren’t invited, or whether they were unable to attend the event.

In July 2023, it also emerged there was a suspicion the Beckhams may have leaked stories about the Sussexes, an accusation The Mail on Sunday was told left David ‘absolutely bloody furious’. 

A source close to the Beckhams said: ‘David and Victoria went to Meghan and Harry’s wedding and were very supportive when Meghan arrived in the UK.’ 

But the accusations, which The Mail on Sunday has been told came in a tense phone call, fractured the Beckham friendship.

David and Victoria pictured together at a State Banquet during the Amir of Qatar’s visit in December

The source added: ‘Any making up now is so unlikely.’ 

It included music from the era, as well as stories of veterans from the Second World War – including a very emotional testimony of a man who lost his family during the Birmingham Blitz, delivered by Richard Armitage – who was seated along with 12,000 people in the audience.

Elsewhere, Their Majesties, Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, smiled as they made an appearance for an evening of music, along with Prince Edward, 61, and his wife Sophie, 60. 

The royals were animated as ever, and chatted away to veterans in the Royal Box all night, joining in with waving Union Jack flags around during the more upbeat performances.

Artists featured included the cast of World War II musical Operation Mincemeat, West End legend Samantha Barks – who offered her powerful rendition of We’ll Meet Again to close off the show with no dry eye in the house – Fleur East, Calum Scott, John Newman, The Darkness, Toploader and Tom Walker.

Elsewhere, Brian Cox – celebrated for his role in Succession – delivered a moving re-enactment of Winston Churchill’s iconic wartime speech.

Audiences were also be treated to recreations of scenes reviving the beloved TV series, Dad’s Army. Other actors who lent their voices this evening were Joan Collins, Mary Berry and Sheila Hancock. 

In another moving moment tonight, the King used a keynote speech on the day Britain celebrated the end of war in Europe 80 years ago to call for greater efforts towards global peace.

With conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and across the African continent, His Majesty suggested it was timely to remind ourselves of the words of our great wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, who said ‘Meeting jaw to jaw is better than war’.

‘In so doing, we should also rededicate ourselves not only to the cause of freedom but to renewing global commitments to restoring a just peace where there is war, to diplomacy, and to the prevention of conflict,’ he said.

‘For as my grandfather [King George VI, who was monarch during the Second World War] put it: ‘We shall have failed, and the blood of our dearest will have flowed in vain, if the victory which they died to win does not lead to a lasting peace, founded on justice and established in good will.’

‘Just as those exceptional men and women fulfilled their duty to each other, to humankind, and to God, bound by an unshakeable commitment to nation and service, in turn it falls to us to protect and continue their precious legacy – so that one day hence generations yet unborn may say of us: ‘they too bequeathed a better world’.’

It was timed to echo the wartime address of King George VI to the nation on VE Day eight decades ago.

The royals were effortlessly elegant as they attended the festivities this evening.  Mother-of-three Kate stunned in an all-white ensemble, rewearing an effortlessly elegant Cream Tailored Bouclé and Chiffon Midi Dress by Self-Portrait.

It featured a blazer-like top bodice which cinched at the waist, teamed with a flowing tulle and lace skirt.

To accessorise, the Princess donned a string of pearls, and ornate earrings. Boosting her height, Kate wore some beige suede heels and also carried onto a black leather clutch. 

She kept her make-up sophisticated and glam, with a smokey shadow that accentuated her eyes and a dusky pink lipstick. 

And pinning her long wavy tresses back, the Princess wore a hair bow from Jigsaw.

Her husband, William, meanwhile was smart in a black suit – and deep blue tie.

Elsewhere, looking dapper, Charles wore a lounge suit with medals and neck order Meanwhile, his wife Camilla opted for a navy blue and white jumpsuit by Anna Valentine with a long navy blue embroidered coat.