The Princess of Wales is known for “diplomatic dressing,” often subtly (or not so subtly) paying tribute to those she is visiting or hosting via her fashion choices. Take the time she wore a maple leaf brooch, originally belonging to the Queen Mother, during a tour of Canada back in 2016, or when she wore a cerulean blue jumper while visiting London’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre in 2022, in a nod to the country’s flag.
It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that for day one of President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK, Kate opted to wear a French fashion house: Dior. The royal arrived at RAF Northolt this morning wearing a blush-pink Bar jacket and tulle skirt by former creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, along with a matching hat by British milliner Jess Collett. Finishing off the look? The late Queen Elizabeth II’s pearl choker and pearl drop earrings.
The outfit choice is notable considering that the Princess has never worn Dior—a brand favored by both Princess Diana, who often carried the Lady Dior bag, as well as the Duchess of Sussex—in public before. However, it’s not the first time Kate has opted for a French luxury label, with the royal wearing Chanel several times in the past.
The Princess, along with Prince William, will now accompany President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte to Windsor Castle, where they will be met by the King and Queen. Might we see Kate wearing another French designer at tonight’s state banquet? We wouldn’t bet against it.