Kate Middleton Presents Designer Patrick McDowell With The Queen Elizabeth II Award

Some of London’s hottest young designers gathered together in the city yesterday for the BFC Foundation’s Impact Day, where the winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award was announced. And while the competition was exceptional, it was Patrick McDowell who took home the 2025 title.

Patrick McDowell Wins 2025 Queen Elizabeth II Award

Celebrating the sustainability and community practices of young names in the fashion industry, this year’s Queen Elizabeth II Award went to Liverpool-born designer Patrick McDowell. Taking place at 180 Studios in London, the event also marked a surprise appearance from the Princess of Wales, who on behalf of the royal family presented the award to McDowell.

(L to R) Designer Patrick McDowell and the Princess of Wales (c) Shaun James Cox/British Fashion Council

McDowell, who launched their eponymous label in 2018, is known for spotlighting circular practices with limited-edition, made-to-order pieces crafted from conscious materials and secondhand fabrics (with redesign and repair services available to maximise the longevity of each garment). For the event, the designer even wore a jacket crafted from a leftover Burberry Prince of Wales check that was donated for McDowell’s graduate collection at Central Saint Martins.

McDowell has also worked closely with the British Fashion Council (BFC) over the years to help redefine the role of sustainability within the fashion industry. Notably, the designer is a participant in the BFC’s Low Carbon Transition Programme, led by the Institute of Positive Fashion, which helps educate London-based businesses on decarbonising supply chains.

(c) Shaun James Cox/British Fashion Council

Speaking to the BFC, McDowell said: ‘I’m honoured to receive this award from HRH The Princess of Wales today, and join esteemed peers as a recipient. Thank you to the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Family and the British Fashion Council who support British craft, British talent and sustainability on a global stage. This kind of recognition is invaluable and provides a game changing stamp of approval for our circular luxury brand.’

‘A huge well done to Patrick, whose bold, sustainable vision is helping to shape the future of British fashion,’ added the Princess of Wales in an Instagram post. ‘Their commitment to creativity, community and circular design is truly inspiring.’

Ahead of the awards announcement, McDowell was able to give the royal a quick tour of their design process, introducing the royal to the seamstresses from their studio and presenting a selection of designs – including a fuchsia floor length kaftan-shirt and a lime green slip dress. The royal then went on to meet a selection of London’s top young designers, alongside British Vogue head Chioma Nnadi and former BFC CEO Caroline Rush.

(L to R) British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir, the Princess of Wales and designer Patrick McDowell (c) Shaun James Cox/British Fashion Council

What Is the Queen Elizabeth II Award?

The Queen Elizabeth II Award – or QEII Award – was set up back in 2018 by the British Fashion Council to recognise the role the fashion industry plays in society, as well as spotlight talented designers who have demonstrated trailblazing sustainable practices and community engagement.

Members of the royal have played a key role in the awards since its inauguration, with the late Queen herself kicking off the first edition by presenting Richard Quinn with the very first award at London Fashion Week in 2018. Since then, King Charles, the Princess Anne, the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess of Wales (who has now distributed the award twice) have all presented the award to young and up-and-coming designers.

What Did Kate Middleton Wear?

On this occasion, the Princess of Wales stuck with one of her go-to British designers: Victoria Beckham. Middleton wore an olive green suit from the label, made up of the Patch-Pocket Jacket and Alina Trousers. The blazer featured a single-breasted design with notched lapels, a centre back vent and deep front pockets – the latter detail of which was carried through to the matching trousers.

She teamed up the suit with a ruffled blouse from British women’s tailor Knatchbull and a pair of golden brown pumps from Ralph Lauren.

The Princess of Wales (c) Shaun James Cox/British Fashion Council

The Princess of Wales also infused her look with a sentimental touch thanks to her jewellery choices. The royal wore Queen Elizabeth II’s Bahrain Pearl and Diamond Drop earrings (which she previously wore on Remembrance Sunday), which were gifted to the late monarch by the ruler of Bahrain in 1947 as a wedding gift.