Sarah Ferguson takes lead from Princess Kate and Meghan Markle with £1,095 dress

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Sarah Ferguson shares a message with those affected by wildfires in LA
Marcus Donaldson

By Marcus Donaldson


Published: 18/07/2025

- 21:44

The mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie was on a solo trip away from the UK

Sarah Ferguson commanded attention at the Knights of Charity Gala in Cannes on Thursday evening, stepping out in a striking emerald green gown by London-based designer Safiyaaloved by both Princess Kate and Meghan Markle.

The Duchess of York attended the prestigious fundraising event at the Château de la Croix des Gardes, where she stood out in the jewel-toned creation featuring unexpected hot pink accents.


The 65-year-old's choice of the Dara jewel green long dress, which retails for £1,095, proved once again that the British fashion house remains a firm favourite amongst the Royal Family.

The maxi dress featured a square neckline with lotus sleeve draping, crafted from heavy crepe material that maintained a structured silhouette.

Sarah Ferguson

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Sarah Ferguson stepped out on Thursday in a dress by Safiyaa, a brand beloved by Princess Kate and Meghan Markle

The sculptural, twisting sleeves revealed the hot pink lining, creating a bold colour contrast against the emerald green.

Ferguson completed her look with a matching hot pink clutch bag by Furla, priced at £295.

She accessorised with delicate drop earrings, a silver bangle-style bracelet, and a simple black-strapped watch.

The colourblock design is available to order in several combinations, including pink and red, red and purple, and blue and white variations.

Sarah Ferguson

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Fergie was attending Knights of Charity Gala in Cannes, held at the prestigious Château de la Croix des Gardes

Safiyaa has established itself as a trusted choice for the Royal Family. Princess Kate wore the brand's Celia lilac midi dress to the Gentlemen's Singles final at Wimbledon in 2024, marking her second public appearance following her cancer diagnosis announcement.

The Princess of Wales previously donned a teal Safiyaa gown with crystal collar at the 2023 Royal Variety Performance.

Meghan Markle was also a devoted fan during her time as a working royal, first wearing the designer during a state visit to Fiji in October 2018.

The Duchess of Sussex later chose a black and white two-piece Safiyaa set for the Royal Variety Performance.

Kate Middleton

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Kate wore a Safiyaa dress during 2024's Gentlemen's Singles final at Wimbledon

The glamorous evening took place at the Château de la Croix des Gardes, famous as the filming location for Alfred Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief" starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.

The Belle Époque-style château, built in 1919 by Swiss industrialist Paul Girod, was later transformed with Palladian architecture.

The third annual gala featured a performance by renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Guests included US singer-songwriter Robin Thicke and champagne house founder Gregory Verlet.

The venue recently hosted one of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding celebrations last year. In 2017, film production company Limelight founder Christopher Parker acquired the property.

Meghan Markle

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Meghan also sported Safiyaa during the Royal Variety Performance in 2018

Fergie’s attendance at the prestigious soiree on Thursday follows her opening day appearance at Wimbledon earlier this month.

The Duchess of York ended her 24-year absence from the competition as she joined the Royal Box for the first time since 2001.

During the 1980s and 1990s, she was a regular presence at Wimbledon, often appearing alongside the late Princess Diana.

She was joined by her daughter Princess Beatrice, along with a host of celebrities including David Beckham, actor Eddie Redmayne, and writer Richard Osman.