Kate Middleton projects ‘controlled confidence’ with new look amid royal family crisis

Kate’s symbolic ensemble

The royal also wore Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Rhymes Boots in Merlot’ to round off her monochrome look. The choice of colour piqued the interest of fashion stylist, Leanne Jones.

“Kate’s colour choice is particularly interesting as in traditional colour analysis, she would typically sit within a ‘summer’ palette, yet she continues to embrace richer, deeper tones – from her striking orange coat, to the Victoria Beckham khaki suit, and now this blend of aubergine and burgundy,” she tells us.

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“Burgundy itself carries quiet symbolism. Where bright red signals passion and immediacy, burgundy speaks of composure, maturity and controlled confidence. It’s a shade that communicates depth rather than drama, and that feels entirely in keeping with the image she is projecting.”

The stylist adds: “The head-to-toe colour blocking is a masterclass in dressing. Bravo!” 

Kate recycles her most confident look

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William’s wife also proved the versatility of the figure-skimming coat as she wore it in a more dressed-up fashion in 2024 to convey quiet confidence during the Qatari state visit to the UK.

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To greet the Emir of Qatar and his first wife, Sheikha Jawaher, at Windsor, Kate accessorised with a Sahar Millinery teardrop beret, as well as Queen Elizabeth II’s pearl drop earrings and a four-strand pearl choker. Her It-girl status was signalled through her Chanel ‘Art Nouvelle Small Flap Bag in Burgundy.

Kate swaps her understated burgundy for ‘passionate’ red

Meanwhile, Kate made the swap to the ‘passionate’ bright red just days later as she featured in a video on St David’s Day alongside Prince William. The royal, who spoke in fluent Welsh in the clip, was seen inside Frogmore House on the Windsor Home Park estate, wearing a houndstooth dress by Alessandra Rich.

Swapping her understated tastes for something bolder, Kate embraced a printed moment with this piece that featured a Chelsea collar and a pleated skirt.

Kate wears red on a special day

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She, once again, used her fashion to signal a message. “It felt incredibly symbolic seeing the Princess of Wales choosing to wear red [one of the country’s national colours] as a clear nod to her role representing Wales,” Sian Clarke of Styled by Sian told us. 

“The print is definitely busier than what she usually gravitates towards – and I really love seeing her step into something more experimental for this moment.”

It came after the princess debuted the dress in 2021 when she visited London’s V&A Museum to mark its reopening to the public following the COVID-19 lockdown. On this outing, she paired it with black Jennifer Chamandi heels and a Mulberry clutch.”