The royal family is known for being both intentional and strategic with their fashion choices. Through the years, the royals have sent messages via designs, accessories, and colors. So, after Kate Middleton, a.k.a. Catherine, Princess of Wales, stepped out in back-to-back red outfits, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a sentiment behind the hue.

In February, Kate and her husband, Prince Williams, took a visit to Pontypridd, Wales, following severe flooding in the area. For the occasion, Kate looked lively in a red floor-length Alexander McQueen coat over an army green jacket, a plaid maxi skirt, and brown suede boots. A few weeks later, Kate celebrated Commonwealth Day 2025 in a bright red Catherine Walker coat dress. She nailed the monochrome trend for the March 10 appearance, pairing the dress with a matching red hat, clutch, and pointed-toe pumps. She topped her look off with a four-strand pearl necklace that was passed down to her from Queen Elizabeth and a pair of pearl-drop earrings that were previously owned by Princess Diana.

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While there are probably a number of reasons Kate chose to wear red for her most recent public engagements, I’m going to start with the obvious (well obvious to me as someone who has closely covered royal fashion in the past). Alexander McQueen and Catherine Walker are two of Kate’s go-to brands. She’s worn McQueen on numerous occasions, consistently for overseas tours and major events like King Charles’ Coronation in 2023 and Christmas Day 2024. Sarah Burton, Alexander McQueen’s former creative director, even designed Kate’s wedding dress. As for Catherine Walker, Kate sported the designer on Commonwealth Day in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. 

But beyond designers, the color itself carries meaning. Red can symbolize love, passion, strength, and power. Considering Kate recently announced that she is cancer free after revealing her diagnosis in March 2024, she may be using the color to send a message of confidence and resilience. Before going into remission, Kate took time away from the public eye, and the bold shade could mean she’s excited about her return. Additionally, red is especially significant in Wales. The flag features a red dragon with a white and green background, so Kate, as the Princess of Wales, may be sending a message of love and respect to the country. 

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In the past, Kate has worn her heart on her clothes to send messages of support for different causes and people. When she attended the 2018 BAFTAs, she opted for a dark green Jenny Packham gown featuring a black sash, subtly standing in solidarity with the event’s unofficial black dress code amid the Time’s Up movement. At the Holocaust Memorial Day service in 2025, she wore a necklace by Susan Caplan, a Jewish-owned jewelry brand. 

Kate’s fashion choices continue to prove that clothing isn’t just about style—it’s a powerful tool for storytelling.