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Um, Kate Middleton’s Iconic Roller Disco Shirt Showed Up on eBay This Week—with a $100 Asking Price

This was a pre-William look

kate middleton sequin halter top universal
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

When you consider Kate Middleton’s royal wardrobe, you think almost immediately of polka dots and statement coats—not sequins. But flashback to the Princess of Wales’s pre-royal life and it’s hard to forget the totally sparkly (and, frankly, iconic) aqua number she once wore for a night on the town with pals in 2008. And the exact same top was just up for sale on eBay and for a non-royal price: $100.

kate middleton roller disco 2008
Max Mumby/Getty Images

The top, made by Bay Trading, a now defunct high-street brand that was well-known in the 2000s for its party-wear, was out of character for Kate at the time. The soon-to-be Duchess of Cambridge (she wed William in 2011) was more prone to wearing muted attire that gave off a university vibe—think riding boots and cable-knit sweaters, but also skirt suits and skinny jeans. Given the brand went under, it’s especially rare to see a version of Kate’s iconic look available to the highest bidder on eBay. (Before it sold, it was listed as a U.S. size 4 and in “excellent condition”—belt included.)

kate middleton prince william RAF graduation
Pool/Anwar Hussein Collection/Getty Images

A bit more about Kate’s scene-stealing outfit: She was just 26 years old when she stepped out to co-host the Day-Glo Midight Roller Disco at the Renaissance Rooms in London, a charity fundraiser with an ‘80s theme and a goal of raising $200,000 for a children’s hospital ward. Of course, Kate’s sequin-covered outfit wasn’t the only reason for all the attention. She just so happened to be in a very serious relationship with one of the U.K.’s most eligible bachelors, Prince William. (The pair famously met in boarding school at St. Andrew’s University in 2001.)

kate middleton roller disco pippa middleton 2008
Max Mumby/Getty Images

It wasn’t just the sequin top that made her look a stand-out. Kate paired it with bright yellow shorts and hot pink leg warmers. According to People, she spent the night on roller skates that lit up and with a tray of donuts she passed out. Princess Beatrice and Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton were also in attendance, per the report. (William, though invited, wasn’t able to attend.)

Not sure where you’d wear such a shimmery number should you bid on it? Details, details. After all, sequins continue to be buzzy this year and you can’t go wrong with a halter silhouette.



rachel bowie christine han photography 100

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

  • Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
  • Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
  • Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College