Kate Middleton has made a striking return to the world of royal engagements, embracing the symbolic hue of burgundy with both elegance and depth. On Tuesday, the 42-year-old Princess of Wales, after a lengthy hiatus from her royal duties amidst her brave battle against cancer, emerged donned in the emblematic deep red, from her head to her toes, adorned with an array of special jewels that caught the eye. She was accompanied by her partner, Prince William, also aged 42, at a grand welcome ceremony for the Emir of Qatar, who is set to spend the subsequent two days in the United Kingdom. The royal couple coordinated their attire flawlessly, with the prince opting for a burgundy tie that mirrored the colors of their nation's flag.
Middleton wore a sleek and tailored Alexander McQueen coatdress, complemented by a chic Sahar Millinery drop beret hat, elegant Cornelia James gloves priced at $188, and stylish knee-high Gianvito Rossi leather boots. She carried a sophisticated burgundy Chanel top-handle purse for the Ceremonial Welcome held at Horse Guards Parade. Beyond her meaningful choice of color, the princess also wore the Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker, a piece steeped in history and once owned by Queen Elizabeth II. According to The Court Jeweller, the necklace was reportedly a gift from the Japanese government, possibly acquired during Her Majesty's state visit to Japan in the 1980s. The late Princess Diana, too, had worn this sentimental piece during her royal engagements in the 1990s. Middleton has been spotted wearing this piece on various royal occasions, including the funerals of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 2021 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
For this morning's ceremony, Middleton paired the meaningful choker with her beloved Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings, which were also handed down to her from the queen. Kate has worn these drop earrings numerous times in the past and they undoubtedly rank among her favorite pieces of jewelry.
Throughout the ceremony, the couple warmly welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his first wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani. Intriguingly, the princess changed into two outfits on Tuesday; for the indoor segment of the welcome events, Middleton swapped her ensemble for a virtually identical burgundy coatdress by Epione London and traded her boots for delicate Gianvito Rossi pumps. Royal enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate seeing more from this mother of four in the days ahead.
