Kate Middleton brought back a familiar look for this morning’s German State Visit.
The Princess of Wales re-wore her bold cobalt blue Alexander McQueen design from Christmas Day 2023 (below, right) as she officially welcomed the German President and his wife to the UK (below, left).
Kate styled the tailored coat exactly as she did on Christmas Day 2023—bringing back the same sharp tonal navy accessories—but swapping out her dress underneath.
The look follows the “state visit uniform” Kate has perfected over the last few years. For these high-profile welcomes, she often wears a single, saturated colour from head to toe. Usually a tailored coat, matching hat, coordinated accessories and simple jewellery. The tonal approach always photographs well and gives her a polished, recognisable silhouette.
With her husband William, Kate welcomed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Ms Elke Büdenbender on the tarmac on behalf of King Charles.
The plane arrived this morning into Heathrow Airport.
From Heathrow, the royal couple travelled with the President and First Lady to Windsor.
At Windsor, the King and Queen formally welcomed the German President and Ms Büdenbender at the royal dais. Royal salutes were fired from both the Home Park and the Tower of London.
Blue was the order of the day for both the men and women, it seems. Very coordinated!
A carriage procession followed, taking the party through the town and up to Windsor Castle.
In the Quadrangle, a Guard of Honour gave a royal salute while the regimental band played both national anthems.
The President, accompanied by King Charles, inspected the troops before rejoining the Queen, Ms Büdenbender, and the Prince and Princess of Wales to view the military march past.
After the ceremonial welcome, the royal party moved inside Windsor Castle for a private lunch in the State Dining Room, joined by members of the Royal Family.
As with previous state visits, the King and Queen invited their guests to view a special Royal Collection exhibition in the Green Drawing Room—this time, the focus was on Anglo-German history.
The President later travelled to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister and attended a UK–Germany business roundtable. Ms Büdenbender separately visited Judith Kerr Primary School, celebrating its connection to the beloved German-born British author behind The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
This evening, the King, joined by the Queen and members of the Royal Family, will host a grand State Banquet at Windsor Castle for the German President and Ms Büdenbender.
If Kate attends—and based on the year’s pattern, she likely will—we can expect a white-tie gown, heirloom jewels and a tiara moment. (Her third of the year!) How exciting!
The visit marks the start of a three-day programme hosted by The King and Queen at Windsor Castle.
This is a particularly significant diplomatic moment. According to Buckingham Palace, it is the first inward German State Visit in 27 years, and only the fifth since 1958.
Kate’s outfit deep-dive:
For the welcome, the Princess turned to her tried-and-tested State Visit formula, a strong, saturated colour.
Kate has used this approach consistently during inward State Visits. Think back to the Qatar welcome last year, where she wore maroon head-to-toe. For this summer’s French welcome, she opted for a Dior ensemble as an unmistakable nod to French style heritage. For the US State Visit in September, it was burgundy. For the 2023 Korean State visit, Kate arrived it was striking crimson:
Today, the Princess wears a blue coat by Alexander McQueen with navy suede boots by Gianvito Rossi and the coordinating ‘bow and arrow’ fascinator by Juliette Botterill.
She wears her late mother-in-law’s double-drop sapphire earrings and her Prince of Wales Feathers Brooch.
I expect she’s carrying her Emmy London Natasha clutch. That, along with the gloves are TBC.
According to an article in PEOPLE, Kate’s wearing a Burberry dress underneath the coat. We’re likely to get a full look at the garment later, when she’s inside the castle, viewing the exhibition.
Except for her Italian boots, Kate’s look today showcases the best of British fashion.
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