It wouldn't be Chelsea Flower Show without spotting a few national treasures perusing around the gardens, and this year Dame Mary Berry was back enjoying the opening day of the 2026 show. On Monday (18 May), Dame Mary joined the press preview to explore what's on offer, ahead of her BBC special later this week.
For the occasion, Dame Mary chose a pale pink shirt dress with a pleated midi skirt, and we couldn't help but notice the resemblance to one of the Royal Family's most popular choices. Dame Mary's dress featured a polka dot print, which is one of the most recognisable patterns worn by the Princess of Wales. Kate leans on the print often, particularly when attending Wimbledon. The long sleeves, fitted waistband and understated design of Dame Mary's dress also channel the style of dress which Kate has become almost synonymous with.
At Chelsea, Dame Mary wore Holland Cooper's 'Sorrento Shirt Dress' in 'pink polka dot', which is £299 and comes in sizes 6 to 16, although some stock is beginning to sell out. The Princess of Wales' dress is by Alessandra Rich, but is already sold out.
And, if you're inspired by Dame Mary and the Princess of Wales' timeless dresses, we've rounded up some more of our favourite options from the high street. Hush's dress feels most similar to their style, blending the cut of Dame Mary's shirt dress with the colours palette of Kate's. It comes in size XXS to XL and is available to buy online (at time of writing) for £130:
Matalan's black and white option, however, is a steal as its currently on sale. Reduced to £28 from £35, it comes in a range of sizes from 8 to 22:
Little Mistress Little Mistress Spot Print Midaxi Shirt Dress by Vicky Pattison
Little Mistress Little Mistress Spot Print Midaxi Shirt Dress by Vicky Pattison
Nobody's Child also has an option on sale, which feels particularly like the styles worn by the Princess of Wales. It is already selling out, though, so you'll have to be fast!
Black Polka Dot Ottillie Midi Dress
And why not inject some vibrancy into your wardrobe? We love this red polka dot shirt dress from Rixo, which spans sizes 6 to 26 (depending on stock availability):
Chelsea Flower Show opens to members from Tuesday 19 May and the public from Wednesday 20 May. You can watch all the action on BBC One and BBC Two, including Dame Mary's special on Friday 22 May.
