Princess Kate made fashion history today by wearing Christian Dior for the first time, greeting French President Emmanuel Macron at RAF Northolt as his three-day state visit commenced.
The Princess of Wales chose a pale pink 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket from Dior's 2024 collection for the momentous occasion, marking a significant departure from her usual preference for British designers.
The diplomatic fashion statement carried particular weight as Macron became the first EU head of state to make a state visit to the UK since Brexit, with the Princess's French fashion house selection serving as a powerful gesture of Anglo-French relations.
The striking garment was designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior's first female creative director, who drew inspiration from Christian Dior's revolutionary 1947 New Look that marked the end of wartime austerity.
Princess Kate makes calculated diplomatic gesture with latest move.
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The original design shocked French society with its feminine silhouette, featuring a cinched waist and full skirt crafted from generous amounts of wool crepe fabric.
Kate completed her ensemble with a coordinating hat by British milliner Jess Collett, a three-strand pearl necklace from Queen Elizabeth II's collection, and earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana.
The carefully curated look balanced French fashion diplomacy with meaningful royal heritage pieces.
The Princess of Wales joined a distinguished lineage of royals associated with the French fashion house, beginning with Princess Margaret, who wore Dior to her 21st birthday celebration.
Prince William and Princess Kate welcomed President Macron to the UK.
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Princess Diana became famously synonymous with Dior, frequently wearing the house's elegant designs and carrying the iconic Lady Dior bag, which became inseparable from her timeless style.
More recent royal connections include the Duchess of Sussex wearing Dior designs and Queen Camilla carrying the Lady Dior bag, demonstrating the brand's enduring royal appeal.
Kate's debut in Dior represented her entry into this sartorial legacy, reinforcing the fashion house's special relationship with the British Royal Family.
The Princess of Wales is renowned for her diplomatic dressing, often incorporating subtle tributes to visiting dignitaries or host nations through her wardrobe choices.
Prince William and Princess Kate made their first joint appearance in several weeks.
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Princess Kate looked radiant throughout the royal event.
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Her decision to wear Dior for Macron's arrival represented a calculated diplomatic gesture, particularly significant given the historic nature of this first EU state visit post-Brexit.
The French President and his wife Brigitte were welcomed before proceeding to Windsor Castle for a horse-drawn carriage procession, lunch with the King and Queen, and later a state banquet.
Kate's rare public appearance follows her absence from recent events, including Royal Ascot and the ongoing Wimbledon championships.
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