The Princess of Wales delighted fans in a chic monochrome outfit as she joined her three children in a glass coach during Trooping the Colour on Saturday.
Kate Middleton, 42, cut a stylish figure in a white dress with a striped black ribbon neckline by British designer Jenny Packham and accessorised with a wide-brimmed hat by milliner Philip Treacy and Jimmy Choo heels.
And according to fashion commentator Amber Graafland, the royal, who coordinated with her children’s navy and white outfits, is the “master of using her clothing to send coded messages” – and her outfit on Saturday was no exception.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, she says: “With so much heartfelt concern over the Princess of Wales’ health the nation let out a collective sigh of relief when she appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Colour parade at the weekend.
“It was the first public engagement since Kate shocked the world with her cancer diagnosis in March and, despite the uncertainty over the health, she was determined to put on a display of normality.
“And of course, ‘normal’ for Kate is looking immaculate, poised and utterly perfect.”
READ MORE ON KATE MIDDLETON
This nod to normality was an attempt to reassure the public that while it might not be a return to ‘business as usual’ just yet, hope is most certainly on the horizon
Amber Graafland
Amber goes on to say that she believes there’s no doubt that Kate’s intention was to “put her family, and the public’s minds at rest” – and that’s exactly why she believes The Princess of Wales chose to wear white.
“White is a colour that not only symbolises new beginnings but is a signifier of hope, change and purity,” says Amber.
“In the English language white is often used as the shorthand for good, and what we are all waiting for right now is positive news about the princess’s health.”
The fashion pro also proceeds to point out that another reassuring message Kate’s outfit choice portrayed was “continuity.”
Amber explains: “Instead of opting to wear something new the princess chose to wear a dress that was last seen in May 2023 during the King’s coronation weekend.
“We know that Kate is a renowned for recycling her looks.
“She often re-wears her rotation of designed looks for official engagements.
“And Saturday was no exception.
White is a colour that not only symbolises new beginnings but is a signifier of hope, change and purity
Amber Graafland
“This nod to normality was an attempt to reassure the public that while it might not be a return to ‘business as usual’ just yet, hope is most certainly on the horizon.”
Meanwhile, some eagle-eyed royal fans picked up on Kate’s adorable nod to her youngest, Prince Louis.
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King’s Birthday Parade
The Princess of Wales accessorised with a pair of pearl cluster earrings Cavolfiore Pearl Earrings from Cassandra Goad which cost a whopping £4,360.
And for anyone who thinks they may be familiar, you’d be right… because they’re the same pair the mum-of-three wrote to Prince Louis’ christening back in 2018.