A New Hue for the Princess of Wales

In recent years, the royal fashion scene has witnessed a notable shift as Kate Middleton transitions to a vibrant red palette. Having been a steadfast proponent of blue—favored by both Kate and Queen Camilla—the Princess of Wales is now often seen in striking reds, a color she wore frequently in early 2025.

Significant Appearances in Red

Since late 2024, Kate has embraced red on several important occasions:

• December 6, 2024: Kate donned Alexander McQueen for the “Together at Christmas” carol concert, embracing a festive color theme.
• February 11, 2025: A maroon turtleneck marked her visit to a prison, aimed at highlighting mother-child relationships.
• February 26, 2025: Kate revisited Alexander McQueen’s bright red during an engagement in Wales alongside Prince William.
• March 10, 2025: The Princess attended the Commonwealth Day service wearing a Catherine Walker ensemble, following her recovery from illness.

Insights from Fashion Experts

Kate’s affinity for red has sparked discussions among fashion experts. Susan Kelley, founder of What Kate Wore, voiced the dual interest in tracking both royal causes and fashion, stating, “I consistently hear the same message from my readers: I came for the fashion but stayed to learn about the causes.” Kelley underscores a shared challenge faced by many high-profile women—striking a balance between fashion and focus.

Strategic Dressing at the Heart of Change

The choice of red is potentially strategic. A source quoted in The Sunday Times shared that Kate aims to emphasize her work over her wardrobe. The source expressed, “She wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting.” This approach may suggest a desire to align her fashion with the royal duty of prioritizing meaningful engagements and public issues.

The Influence of Royal Preferences

The selection of colors within the royal family is often seen through the lens of etiquette and preference. Queen Camilla’s sartorial leaning towards blue might have contributed to Kate’s shift in palette, as Camilla customarily chooses her outfits first. The choice of red could also symbolize Kate’s subtle practice of “flag dressing,” representing the Union Jack’s iconic red, white, and blue.