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Kate Middleton’s Shift to Red: A Fashion Statement or Strategic Choice?

In recent years, Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla have often favored blue, but now, a noticeable shift is taking place. The Princess of Wales has begun embracing red, a color that has increasingly featured in her wardrobe choices.

Since December, Middleton has sported various shades of red, showcasing her new preference. The trend began at her “Together at Christmas” carol concert held at Westminster Abbey, where she donned an eye-catching red ensemble by Alexander McQueen. In February, she continued with this color palette during a visit to a prison, wearing a maroon turtleneck to emphasize the significance of mother-child relationships. This was followed by another appearance in bright red in Wales alongside Prince William, and most recently, she attended the Commonwealth Day service in a striking Catherine Walker outfit. This choice marked her return to public engagements after a health-related absence in 2024.

While the late Queen Elizabeth was known for her vibrant, multicolored wardrobe—embracing the notion that visibility was key—both Camilla and Middleton exhibit a pattern of favoring specific hues more consistently. Each royal has a personal style, but Middleton, in her tenure as a senior member of the royal family, has frequently been seen in a diverse spectrum of colors. However, she is currently gravitating towards bold reds, showcasing a longstanding affinity for this vibrant shade.

At her recent appearance, Kate’s ensemble was thoughtfully coordinated; she paired her Catherine Walker dress with accessories from Gina Foster, Gianvito Rossi, and Miu Miu, all harmonizing in color. This shift away from blue could be attributed to Camilla’s established preference for that color, which might leave other royal women, like Kate, to experiment with different shades. An additional layer to this scenario is the idea of ‘flag dressing.’ As red is one of the colors of the Union Jack, Kate’s choice might also be interpreted as a nod to national pride.

Various theories could explain why red has emerged as Kate’s chosen color recently. It’s possible that her repeated wardrobe choices are strategic, aiming to draw attention to her royal duties rather than her fashion. An article from February in The Sunday Times highlighted this point, indicating that her intention is to shift focus onto critical issues and the individuals and causes she represents. A source from within the palace mentioned, “She wants the focus to be on the really important issues.”

Susan Kelley, founder of the site What Kate Wore, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that it’s reasonable for the Princess to want her work to take precedence over her clothing choices. This presents a common challenge faced by women in prominent positions. Yet, she noted that it’s possible to appreciate both the royal’s fashion and her commitments, stating that many of her readers appreciate her fashion while being equally interested in the underlying causes she supports.

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