Why Princess Kate always wears red to diplomatic occasions

With every ensemble the royal wears, there's deeper meaning and symbolism behind it. 

Kate isn't afraid to wear any colour of the rainbow, but red is most certainly intentional.

Colour expert, personal stylist and fashion commentator Marina Thomas explains that Kate wears red at important and stately engagements for myriad reasons.

"The Princess of Wales often wears red to high profile events as did her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. 

"One reason Kate may be choosing to wear red is due to it symbolising courage, willpower and sacrifice," Marina told HELLO!.

"This symbolism dates back to the Spartans, Persians, and later the Romans, who all wore scarlet in battle. 

"Wearing red certainly portrays confidence and a willingness to be seen and noticed."

In addition to wearing red to portray courage and confidence, Marina also notes that there are more sentimental reasons for choosing the shade.

"The colour red is also strongly associated with love, as well as with protection, in many cultures, it is believed to defend against negativity. 

"This is certainly a strong message Kate is either actively or subliminally choosing to send to the public: a message of unity, strength, and hope."

On a practical level, the colour red is, notes Marina, incredibly versatile and a shade that almost anyone can wear.

"I regularly have clients telling me they avoid wearing red due to their insecurities. 

"This is, however, a huge shame, as it is the most versatile colour, it is the only colour that looks equally good on everyone."

As well as her outfit at the 2025 Commonwealth Day Service, Kate also wore a bright red coat on a visit to Wales, where she met local residents ahead of St. David's Day.

Another stand-out moment of Kate wearing red was in 2023 when she and William welcomed the President and the First Lady of the Republic of Korea.

 Even on more casual engagements, such as in 2023 while attending an early years' childhood event in Sittingbourne, Kate turns to her failsafe shade of red in the form of an on-trend blazer.

At Christmas, Kate is never far away from red.

In 2024, she looked sensational in her go-to coat dress by favoured designer Alexander McQueen. 

The red not only fitted perfectly with the themes of love, power and courage, as Marina explained, but was also in keeping with the festive season.