The Waleses have arrived on their own territory.
Kate Middleton wore Welsh red today as she and Prince William made their first official visit to the country since becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales – and her new coat gave a subtle nod to Princess Diana.
The royal, 40, wore the LK Bennett “Spencer” coat ($1,080) in a touching tribute to the last princess of Wales — not only referring to her late mother-in-law’s maiden name, but also a reflection of Diana’s own first official visit to the land as a princess, wearing a red coat.
Part of the brand’s “LKB Conscious Collection”, the jacket is made from recycled Italian wool and features gold horse bit details on the pockets – a touch that the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was an avid equestrian and horse lover, would certainly appreciate have stated.
Under her new coat, the Princess of Wales wore black flared trousers and a black Boden cashmere crew neck ($170), per royal fashion Instagrammer Middleton Maven.
The princess gave her jewelry yet another nod to Wales, featuring her gold “Alia” rings ($85) from small Welsh brand Spells of Love. She added two other previously worn pieces, her black Grace Han “Love Letter” top-handle bag ($2,204) and Russell and Bromley black heels ($264).
The royal red moment stands out for more than one reason. Historically, the royals entered a period of “half mourning” after the official period of public mourning for a family member was over, but with today’s red coat, tradition seems to be a thing of the past.
This was the royal couple’s first official public engagement since Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8, and the palace posted on social media today that the period of mourning for the late monarch has come to an end.
“After the first two stages of mourning, widows and those closely related to the deceased wore muted shades of gray and lilac to show that they were still in mourning, but were slowly returning to a full wardrobe and life,” royal historian Jessica Storoschuk of A Historian of the City told Vidak For Congress Style.
As for the princess’s coat, the historian said she didn’t find it a surprising choice, adding: “Formal mourning is rarely observed out of court, and the British monarchy is doing what it can to be a modern monarchy.” and reflect those it represents.”
The Prince and Princess visited Anglesey, where they lived before taking on full-time royal duties in London, greeting members of the Welsh public and visiting a lifeboat station. They will visit the town of Swansea later today before returning to Windsor.