Kate Middleton Has Worn Some Outrageously Expensive Red Carpet Dresses

Being a princess sure does come with its advantages, and having a limitless shopping budget is just one. Thanks to Prince William's estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, Kate Middleton, has access to more than $37 million a year, which has allowed her to build an incredible wardrobe.

From diamond embellishments to tiered ballgowns, the future queen has expensive taste. In 2012, it was even rumored that the price of her wardrobe surpassed $70,000. Kate has worn gowns from a range of designers, but she is a particular fan of one luxury fashion house: Alexander McQueen. The Princess of Wales spent a staggering $515,000 on her Alexander McQueen wedding dress, and she splashed out an additional $80,000 on her Alexander McQueen reception dress.

Still, when it comes to Kate's style, there's so much more to what meets the eye. The outfits she wears at high-profile events and on red carpets can symbolize much more than her personal style. The Princess of Wales also appreciates a good bargain. She may be dressed in a gown worth more than $10,000, but don't be surprised if her high-street accessories cost less than $30. Of course, members of the royal family have to follow a strict set of fashion rules — and after seeing how much Kate's dresses cost, you'd think having a hefty price tag is one of them.

In 2022, Kate Middleton wore a satin blue gown to a reception event during her Commonwealth Caribbean tour. The dress featured a deep V-neckline that provided a backdrop for her regal accessories, while the hemline hugged her waist before flowing to the floor. Kate's glossy number, created by British designer Phillipa Lepley, was reportedly priced at more than $8,000. She wore Swarovski crystal-encrusted Gianvito Rossi pumps and completed her look with a pearlescent Magic Alhambra Necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels — bringing the total cost of her outfit to $60,000.

Kate Middleton's iconic 2000s style (which we don't talk about enough) differs plenty from her current royal wardrobe. At the "No Time to Die" premiere in 2021, the Princess of Wales wore one of her most regal dresses to date. The gold gown was a Jenny Packham number, featuring a deep V-neckline and cape sleeves. There was a daring element to the dress' hemline, which consisted of sheer fabric and fewer embellishments. Of course, the price tag had to match the number of gold sequins, and the dress was reportedly priced at $10,000.

Kate Middleton opted for this three-tiered gown for the BAFTAs in 2017. Her floral ensemble was designed by Alexander McQueen, and it fit like a glove — as you would expect from a gown that cost $11,700. Kate kept her accessories minimal, which only drew attention to her sparse neckline. While she has spent an outrageous amount on dresses, believe it or not, Kate enjoys sustainable fashion sometimes. Two years later, in 2019, the Princess of Wales wore an upcycled version of this dress to a National Portrait Gallery event.

Kate Middleton wore yet another Jenny Packham gown to the ARK Anniversary Gala Dinner in 2011. Middleton has led a lavish life since marrying into the royal family, so it was no surprise when she attended the event wearing the embellished gown. For the most part, Kate's blush pink gown clung to her frame, while its sheer, ruffled sleeves added an airy elegance to her look. The dress cost $14,700, with the hundreds of Swarovski crystals undoubtedly accounting for much of the price tag.

At the Tusk Conservation Awards in 2013, Kate stepped onto the red carpet clad head-to-toe in silver sequins. The metallic maxi dress was another Jenny Packham number, an archival piece from the designer's 2012 Spring/Summer collection. Wearing a dress worth $6,300, the Princess shimmered her way through the evening with silver platform heels — very brave. Kate limited her accessories, adding a single silver bangle that absolutely did not take away from her encrusted gown.

Kate Middleton had her very own Hollywood red carpet moment in 2022, when she attended the "Top Gun: Maverick" premiere in London. Middleton embraced her love for a monochromatic look that evening, wearing a sophisticated, off-the-shoulder gown by Roland Mouret. She paired her dress, worth around $3,650, with expensive Prada pumps. Her entire look, including a black Alexander McQueen clutch and a pair of Robinson Pelham's Tsar Star diamond earrings (worth more than an outrageous $14,000), ended up costing around $20,000.

Kate Middleton embraced the sustainability movement again in 2020 with yet another recycled look. Kate attended the BAFTAs wearing an Alexander McQueen white-and-gold dress for the second time, having first worn it way back in 2012 for a dinner in Malaysia. Her angelic gown, featuring a delicate sweetheart neckline, wasn't the only reused element of her look. The Princess also re-wore her pearlescent Magic Alhambra Necklace and earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. While the price of the dress has been kept private, reports said it cost more than $80,000.