Kate Middleton steps out in chic fall look as London Fashion Week begins

Kate Middleton is ushering in fall with a quintessentially British fashion moment.

The Princess of Wales stepped out alongside Prince William on Thursday, September 17, for the couple’s first official visit to the Isle of Bute in Scotland, debuting an autumn-ready look on the same day London Fashion Week kicked off in the capital.

For the outing, Kate embraced a rich palette of earthy tones, wearing a dark chocolate brown trench coat believed to be by Burberry over a forest green turtleneck sweater and fitted brown trousers. She completed the look with suede ankle boots and an embroidered statement belt, while wearing her long hair in loose waves.

The timing made the British fashion choice particularly fitting. London Fashion Week officially began on September 17 and runs through September 21, with dozens of catwalk shows, presentations and events celebrating British designers and emerging talent. 

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Burberry, one of the country’s most recognizable fashion houses, is also celebrating its 170th anniversary this year.

Kate’s trench even featured the house’s instantly recognizable check lining, which became visible as she took part in one of the day’s more energetic activities.

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The Princess tried her hand at shinty during a visit to Bute Shinty Club in Rothesay. One of Scotland’s oldest traditional sports, shinty is played with a curved wooden stick known as a caman and a small ball. Kate appeared in her element as she joined players on the field, smiling and laughing as she took a shot.

The sporty appearance was a natural fit for the famously athletic royal, who has repeatedly shown her competitive side during engagements over the years. As the weather turned rainy, Kate adapted her look by adding a dark newsboy-style cap.

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William and Kate, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, traveled to Bute to highlight the importance of community, connection and volunteering across the island.

Their visit to the shinty club introduced them to players, young people and volunteers who help keep the generations-old sport thriving. The club was founded in 1946 and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom are former players.

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The couple also visited Ettrick Bay, where they met members of Beachwatch Bute and learned about efforts to protect and preserve the island’s coastline. 

Kate’s polished country look proved practical for the outdoor engagements, which included meeting volunteers and some four-legged locals along the way.

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It marked William and Kate’s first official visit to the Isle of Bute, following their trip to the Scottish Isles of Mull and Iona last year. 

The destination also has a special connection to their royal titles. Rothesay, the island’s main town, shares its name with the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay titles they use while in Scotland.

And while the runways were getting underway hundreds of miles away in London, Kate delivered her own lesson in British fall dressing, combining heritage fashion with a practical look made for a rainy day in Scotland.