Princess Kate sends two subtle messages during her return to royal duties
The Princess of Wales joined Prince William at Kensington Palace on Tuesday to welcome the Emir of Qatar and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher, marking her latest significant appearance since finishing cancer treatment in September.
The royal couple hosted the guests as part of the State Visit to the UK.
Kate sent two subtle messages through her fashion choices for the special occasion.
The princess made a tribute to Qatar by wearing a maroon coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, paired with a matching Sahar Millinery hat.
The colour choice paid homage to Qatar’s flag, while Kate accessorised the outfit with a pearl necklace.
The necklace may have been a tribute to Prince William’s grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who previously owned the item of jewellery.
Kate’s brunette hair was elegantly styled in a chignon, complementing the sophisticated ensemble.
Queen Camilla was absent from the welcoming ceremony, having withdrawn from the occasion on Monday evening due to a lingering chest infection.
The 77-year-old Queen has been advised by doctors to rest and fully recover from the illness, which she contracted a month ago following her travels to Australia and Samoa.
While participating in the daytime elements of the state visit, the Princess of Wales will not attend the evening’s State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.
Kate and William accompanied the visitors to Horse Guards Parade for the ceremonial welcome, where the King formally greeted the Qatari leaders at the Royal Pavilion.
The ceremony featured full military honours, with presentations and a Royal Salute from the Guard of Honour.
In a traditional display of diplomatic ceremony, the King and the Emir conducted an inspection of the Guard of Honour, formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, accompanied by the Regiment’s Band.
Following the ceremonial welcome, the Qatari royals were joined by the King and the Prince and Princess of Wales in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
A second Guard of Honour, formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Irish Guards, awaited their arrival at the Palace.
The Band of the Irish Guards performed both the Qatari and British National Anthems as the carriages arrived at their destination.
