Princess Kate sent a “great message” after Prince William’s tour, a fashion expert has claimed.
The Princess of Wales demonstrated her commitment to sustainable fashion by reimagining a Catherine Walker & Co. coatdress for this year’s Remembrance Sunday service.
The elegant black military-inspired piece, featuring a velvet bow collar and velvet-covered buttons, initially appeared to be a new addition to her wardrobe.
However, fashion experts noted it was a thoughtfully modified version of a coat she first wore four years ago.
Princess Kate sends ‘great message’ following Prince William tour
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“We’ve seen Kate upcycle more lately and I think it’s a great message to be sending, especially so soon after William’s Earthshot tour,” Bethan Holt, a fashion expert told People.
The princess’s growing trend of reimagining formal pieces reflects a conscious effort to combine royal elegance with sustainable fashion choices.
This marks the third transformation of the coatdress since its initial appearance in 2020, when it featured tasselled epaulettes on the shoulders during Kate’s balcony appearance at the Cenotaph.
The first modification came in September 2022, when the princess had the tassels removed for her visit to the Army Training Centre Pirbright during the days leading up to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Princess Kate and the Duchess of Edinburgh pictured on Remembrance SundayReutersThe latest iteration, seen at this year’s Remembrance Sunday, showcases the piece’s versatility whilst maintaining its timeless appeal.
“I think she recognises she has lots of beautiful pieces already in her wardrobe, which, with a few small tweaks, can look entirely new,” Holt explained.
Kate’s commitment to upcycling extends beyond this single piece, with several notable examples from her royal wardrobe.
Earlier this year, she impressed at Trooping the Colour by reimagining an ensemble previously worn during the 2023 Coronation celebrations.
Princess Kate first wore the dress coat in 2020 for Remembrance Sunday
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Another striking transformation came in 2019, when she modified a black and floral Alexander McQueen gown, adding capped sleeves to what was originally an off-the-shoulder design from the 2017 BAFTAs.
The updated gown made its debut at the Portrait Gala, showcasing her dedication to sustainable fashion choices.
“Hopefully, they integrate this into all their style decisions,” Holt noted, emphasising the importance of the princess’s approach to sustainable fashion.
The Princess of Wales’s thoughtful approach extended beyond clothing modifications to her choice of meaningful accessories during the Remembrance weekend.
The Princess of Wales again wearing the coat dress to the Army Training Centre Pirbright in 2022
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During the Festival of Remembrance, she wore earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana, creating a touching connection to her late mother-in-law.
On Remembrance Sunday, she paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II through her carefully selected jewellery choices.
“I think Kate was showing remembrance on a wider level with her looks — not just those who lost their lives [in service], but there were nods to Queen Elizabeth and Diana, which gave her looks a very personal feel,” Holt said.