The Significance Behind Kate Middleton's All-White Trooping Look You Might Have Missed
Ever since revealing her cancer diagnosis back in March, Kate Middleton has, understandably, taken a step back from royal duties, and remained out of the public eye while undergoing treatment. So it came as quite the happy surprise when the Princess of Wales shared a health update on Friday – 'I am making good progress,' she wrote, but 'I am not out of the woods yet' – before announcing that she would be attending the annual Trooping the Colour event over the weekend.
As a result, the crowds turned out in their record numbers to watch the King's birthday parade on Saturday, no doubt largely for the opportunity to see Kate in the flesh for the first time since Christmas. It follows, then, that the Princess' appearance would be a major talking point of the event – and even more so than usual, given the circumstances.
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Ever the seasoned pro, Kate knew the importance of hitting the right note for the occasion, and opted for an ensemble that was rife with meaning. Emerging for her first public appearance in months, Kate was a vision of elegance in head-to-toe white, an uplifting colour that symbolises rebirth, purity and hope – and that isn't so bold or bright that it could be seen as detracting from the King (who, in theory at least, the event was all about).
Kate's choice of designers felt significant, too. The Princess' dress was by Jenny Packham, her hat a Philip Treacy, shoes by Jimmy Choo, pearl earrings by Cassandra Goad and her bag by Mulberry: all classic, stalwart British brands that have long been her go-tos, offering a sense of continuity as well as ongoing support for homegrown talent.
Indeed, in line with Kate's longtime love of outfit repeating, the knee-length Jenny Packham dress was in fact one she had worn before – almost exactly one year ago during the King’s Coronation weekend. This time, though, it was given a joyful update courtesy of a striped belt and grosgrain bow detail at the neck. Not only can this be seen as a nod to the late Princess Diana, who often sported nautical-inspired styles, but the subtext is again of progress and new beginnings, while still being grounded in tradition.
It's no coincidence that Kate's children also wore co-ordinating looks: Princess Charlotte mirrored her mother's aesthetic in a distinctly nautical-style dress and white hair ribbon, while the boys wore navy suits. Prince William, meanwhile, was in traditional military dress, but still enjoyed a sweet PDA moment with his wife on the balcony before the adoring crowds. A sartorial show of family unity and unwavering strength if ever we saw one – and just the positive, reassuring image the public had been hoping for.
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