The Princess of Wales is no stranger to sartorial diplomacy, having carried out many an overseas tour. Whether it's through color choices, traditional fabrics, or symbolic accessories, her outfits always manage to hit the right notes, and Tuesday, Dec. 3 was no different as the princess joined King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William for a major state visit at Buckingham Palace.
The 42-year-old royal—who has been making a gradual return to public duties amid her cancer battle—welcomed the Amir of Qatar and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Hamad Bin Suhaim Al-Thani, to London during a special ceremony. The princess looked elegant in a bespoke Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen coat, and she wasn't just choosing a burgundy style because it's one of the season's hottest colors; the royal's McQueen coat was crafted in the same maroon hue as the Qatari flag.
She kept her diplomatic dressing going by wearing head-to-toe burgundy accessories, choosing a previously worn Sahar Millinery hat, an old favorite Chanel top-handle bag and a new pair of maroon leather boots.
The Princess of Wales paired her coat with tall leather boots.
The princess carried a burgundy Chanel bag for the visit.
But it wasn't just her outfit that honored Qatar, with the princess wearing jewelry that holds a special meaning both for the Qatari people and the Brits.
The Princess of Wales wore Queen Elizabeth's Japanese Pearl Choker—a piece she wore to both the late Queen's funeral and the service for Prince Philip—along with Queen Elizabeth's Bahrain Pearl Earrings. Pearls are a significant symbol of Qatar and its history, as the pearl diving industry has been a part of the nation's culture for thousands of years.
In fact, Sheika Jawaher gifted Queen Camilla a multi-strand pearl necklace during her visit.
The Waleses posed with the Amir of Qatar and his wife before the official welcome ceremony.
Following the official welcome ceremony for the Amir and Sheika, the Prince and Princess of Wales traveled in a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace along with King Charles. Queen Camilla was forced to pull out of the event due to the lingering effects of a chest infection she's been fighting off for weeks, but joined the group for lunch at the palace.
On Monday, it was announced that the princess—who was originally only scheduled to attend the welcome ceremony—would join the Qatari royals for the private lunch followed by a viewing of some special objects from the Royal Collection Trust that are related to the country.
Princess Kate will not be attending the state banquet on Tuesday night, however, while Queen Camilla will join the party for photos and the dinner portion of the evening.
While the princess's exact outfit isn't available to shop (we all can't have custom McQueen), get the look with some similar options, below.
-
What Is the "Protect the Dolls" TeeCelebrities from Pedro Pascal to Tilda Swinton have co-signed Conner Ives’s slogan tee, turning it into a viral rally cry that has already raised over $300,000 for Trans Lifeline.
-
The 'Weak Hero Class 2' Cast Breaks Down Its Shocking Ending, From the Major Team-Up to the Tragic DeathStars Park Ji-hoon, Ryeo-un, Choi Min-yeong, and Lee Min-jae have a lot of thoughts about the K-drama's epic finale.
-
Prince William and Princess Kate's "First Priority" Is "Very Different" Than Queen Elizabeth's WasThe Prince and Princess of Wales are changing the modern monarchy.
-
Former Royal Butler Says Prince William and Princess Kate's "First Priority" Is "Very Different" Than Queen Elizabeth's Was
The Prince and Princess of Wales are changing the modern monarchy.
-
Princess Kate Is "Allergic to Any PR Gimmicks" and Takes Inspiration From This Unexpected Royal as She Prepares to be Queen"She’s hugely influential behind the scenes in hiring and decision-making," a royal source said.
-
Kate Middleton Is Determined "to Make Sure" George, Charlotte and Louis are "Better" Than Her at This Royal SkillThe Princess of Wales is starting them out young.
-
The One Thing That "Triggers" Prince William and Makes Him "Fly Off the Handle" When It Comes to Kate Middleton"I had never seen her husband, Prince William, so angry," a royal expert explained.
-
King Charles Made an "Awful" Press Comment During Prince William's Awkward 2005 Interview About Marriage"Look, I'm only 22 for God's sake."
-
I Tried Kate Middleton's Surprisingly Simple Morning Routine—Here's What WorkedMy results were hit or miss—but the princess is on to something with one step.
-
Former Royal Nanny Reveals Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Have Such Different Personalities"You see how grounded they really are."
-
Why Princess Kate Will "Never" Try to "Outshine" Prince William, But She's "Hugely Influential" Behind Closed DoorsAccording to royal experts, Kate is often forced to act "as a gatekeeper."
