Catherine 'sent clear message' at Baftas and Six Nations amid 'national visibility' for Royal Family

On Sunday, Catherine appeared at the Baftas alongside Prince William in a re-worn Gucci gown, complemented by classic royal heirloom jewellery.

Susie Nelson, fashion expert and founder of Modes and More, spoke exclusively to GB News about Catherine's two appearances over the weekend.

She said: "The Princess of Wales is using her wardrobe and jewellery choices to send a clear message - that it is very much business as usual.

"The Royal Family understand the importance of demonstrating, through presence and appearance, their unwavering commitment to duty and public service.

"At Saturday's rugby international, the princess chose an occasion-appropriate ensemble that struck the perfect balance between practicality and polished authority.

"A tailored Alexander McQueen coat in a rich shade of blue, elegant, structured, and one hopes suitably warm, was styled with a black polo neck and an England scarf bearing a bold rose motif.

"She carried a DeMellier bag, and several pieces, if not all, appear to have been worn on previous occasions, a commendable nod to conscious dressing."

Ms Nelson noted this conscious dressing continued into Sunday with Catherine's visit to the Baftas alongside Prince William.

"At the Bafta Film Awards, the princess was quite simply red carpet ready," the fashion expert said.

"She chose a previously worn Gucci gown in soft shades of lilac, a stunning choice, with the belt thoughtfully coordinated with the Prince of Wales's jacket.

"A single wide bracelet provided an elegant finishing touch, allowing the gown to speak for itself. The bracelet is Queen Mary's diamond choker bracelet and has been worn by previous monarchs, and one hopes future ones as well!

"The earrings were a gift to the late Queen on her wedding day. I think the public, and the many charities and organisations the princess so dedicatedly supports, would both expect and appreciate her choices. They convey grace, consistency, and a quiet reassurance that the work goes on."

Meanwhile, jewellery expert Nilesh Rakholia, founder of Abelini, told the People's Channel: “Catherine’s jewellery choices across the Six Nations and the Baftas this weekend revealed a clear through-line. At moments of national visibility, she gravitates towards pieces that carry history and meaning.

“The repetition of sapphire jewellery in that setting felt deliberate and cohesive. The deep blue of the coat amplified the tone of the stones, creating a composed, monochromatic statement.

“The sapphire and diamond combination naturally echoes her engagement ring, once worn by Princess Diana. Even when the ring itself is not the focal point, the repetition of sapphires reinforces that visual link. It keeps the thread of continuity present in a subtle but powerful way.”

He continued to say that colour symbolism plays an important role: “Blue has long been associated with loyalty, trust and stability. In a stadium environment, representing patronage, country and public duty, that message resonates. The jewellery was refined rather than showy, which felt appropriate for a sporting context. It signalled presence without overshadowing the event itself.”

At the Baftas, that language of continuity shifted into a more formal register, according to Mr Rakholia.

“If the Six Nations' appearance expressed personal continuity, the Baftas articulated dynastic continuity,” he explained.

“The Greville Chandelier Earrings and Queen Mary’s Diamond Choker Bracelet are among the most historically significant diamond pieces in the royal collection. They carry decades of visibility and association.”

Mr Rakholia continued: “The chandelier earrings create vertical drama and light, perfectly calibrated for a red carpet environment. Meanwhile, the Art Deco diamond bracelet introduces structure at the wrist, balancing the fluidity of the blush pink gown. It is a study in proportion. By leaving the neckline clear, she allowed the earrings to command attention without competition.”

The jewellery expert noted that both looks relied on jewels that have been seen before. “Historic pieces accrue meaning through repetition,” he said.

“They become recognisable markers of continuity. By revisiting them in different contexts, Catherine strengthens their narrative rather than diluting it. That sense of consistency is what makes the styling feel assured.”

Mr Rakholia concluded: “Across both appearances, the message is measured and consistent. Whether wearing sapphires at a national sporting event or grand diamond heirlooms at a red carpet ceremony, she uses jewellery to reinforce continuity and composure. It is not about novelty. It is about resonance.”