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Why Princess Kate broke self-imposed golden rule in Dior


The Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed President Macron of France


Catherine, Princess of Wales shoulders up in blush jacket and hat© Getty
Katie Daly
Katie DalyLifestyle Writer
July 9, 2025
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The Princess of Wales oozed Parisian chic on Tuesday as she stepped out with the Prince of Wales to welcome President Macron of France and his wife Brigitte to the UK on their three-day state visit.

Kate, 43, was seen nailing a fashion first as she wore French luxury designer Christian Dior for the first time. Her tulle ballerina skirt was paired with a waist-cinching blazer with buttons down the front and a pocket on each hip.

The Christian Dior jacket is the '30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar' style from the 2024 Collection. It was reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was inspired by the original, a garment first created in 1947 by Christian Dior himself.

William and Kate arrive to greet France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron © Getty Images
William and Kate arrive to greet France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron

The designer look broke Kate's golden rule for symbolically important visits. Usually, she would honour a country's national colours, like her green outfits for St Patrick's Day or how she wore red during her 2016 royal tour of Canada.

Catherine in red dress and heels© Getty
Kate wore red in Canada in 2016

"Choosing to wear this elegant outfit by the iconic French designer is a real tribute to the country. Although more subtle than wearing national colours, it is more poignant decision as it is paying tribute specifically to French culture in a very thoughtful manner," Marina Thomas, Image Consultant at Image by Mantis tells us. "The choice of this muted tone of pink is an incredibly approachable choice of colour, a real symbol of peace. It is a sign of wanting to promote security and tranquility. 

"The rose pink with beige undertones, promotes neutrality and symbolises sophistication and elegance, perfect for a diplomatic state visit."

Kate in soft pink outfit beside william in suit© Getty
Kate wore a Dior ballet skirt and a Jess Collett hat

The ballet pink look was paired with a stunning Jess Collett hat adorned with a bow and a pair of nude suede heels. For accessories, Kate elevated her vintage-style look with a number of heirloom jewels.

Kate in a blush pink skirt, blazer and hat© Getty
Kate wore a blush pink look by the French label

The mother of three wore Diana, Princess of Wales' earrings, as well as a pearl necklace from the personal collection of the late Queen as she made her arrival at RAF Northolt. Rounding off her look was an understated suede clutch.

Emmanuel Macron shaking hands with people; Prince William and Kate Middleton are with them© Getty Images
Macron pictured shaking hands with guests after disembarking the plane

Her luscious brunette locks were styled in the bounciest waves with a stunning glossy finish as they cascaded down her back. Meanwhile, her makeup look featured her trademark smokey eye and barely-there lip colour.

Princess Kate and Prince William riding alongside two French politicians© Getty Images
Kate joined the carriage procession

Kate's understated look

The princess' uber-chic French ensemble starkly contrasted with her pared-back look from an outing last week. Kate visited Colchester Hospital wearing a pair of chocolate brown cigarette trousers with white Veja trainers.

Princess of Wales holding cup of tea and wearing blazer and striped shirt© Getty Images
Kate carried out a secret visit after her engagement at Colchester Hospital

One for an unexpected fashion move, Kate also doubled up on stripes as she layered a Blaze Milano jacket over Ralph Lauren's 'Capri' shirt in tan and white hues.

The Princess of Wales getting out of car in blazer and trousers© Getty
The Princess of Wales teamed her blazer with chocolate trousers

The outing came after she wore a look that resembled her Dior look to the Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, in June.

two women laughing and chatting in formal attire© Getty Images
Duchess Sophie and Princess Kate were all smiles ahead of the service

Attending with the Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince William's wife opted for a crisp white Self-Portrait look featuring a boucle belted jacket and pleated lace skirt. 

duchess sophie talking to princess kate ahead of service at chapel© Getty Images
Kate wore Self-Portrait

Once again, she wore a triple string of pearls and a wide-brimmed hat atop her bouncy curls. Her biscuit-toned heels tied the look together effortlessly.

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