Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a striking appearance at the 2024 Wimbledon men's finals on Sunday, her second public outing since announcing her cancer diagnosis. Dressed in a vibrant violet Safiyaa dress, Middleton not only captivated onlookers with her elegance but also delivered a message through her sartorial choice.
The lilac dress was more than a fashion statement; it was a tribute to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), where she serves as the royal patron. The AELTC's official colors are "Wimbledon purple" and a dark green known as "Wimbledon green." By choosing to wear one of these colors, Middleton honored her role and the prestigious institution she represents.
Adding to the symbolism, Middleton adorned her outfit with a special bow tie pin featuring the club's colors. This particular brooch is exclusive to AELTC members, a group limited to 375 individuals with a long waitlist for membership. The exclusivity of the pin underscores Middleton's unique position within the club.
The Princess completed her ensemble with a pair of nude Camilla Elphick slingbacks priced at $395, By Pariah hoop earrings at $650, Victoria Beckham sunglasses marked down from $295 to $207, and Halcyon Days bangles costing $215. Notably, one of her bracelets featured stones in a purple-blue "forget-me-not" hue, potentially a tribute to Princess Diana's favorite flower.
Kate Middleton attends Wimbledon’s Tennis Championships. pic.twitter.com/4OrAlZAeYN — Pop Base (@PopBase) July 14, 2024
This is the first time Middleton has chosen to wear purple at Wimbledon, a choice that resonated deeply given her current health battle. Bethan Holt, fashion director at the Daily Telegraph, commented on the significance of Middleton's choice. "Wearing purple underlines how important that role is to her and why she chose this event to make her second public appearance of the year," Holt told People. "It's also the color of courage, which could be a nod to what she is going through."
Middleton's choice of dress also drew parallels to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. In 1991, Diana attended Wimbledon in a lilac-colored blazer with exaggerated shoulders, paired with a white pleated skirt. The resemblance was uncanny, and many royal fans noted the similarities between Middleton and Diana's outfits. A royal fan account even shared side-by-side photos of the two moments, highlighting the continuity in their fashion choices.
Further echoing Diana, Middleton attended the match with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, who wore a dark blue polka-dot dress. This mirrored a 1991 appearance when Diana attended Wimbledon with a young Prince William, who was also nine years old at the time. The mother-daughter duo's presence added a poignant touch to Middleton's appearance, evoking memories of Diana and William's bond.
Kate Middleton's appearance at Wimbledon was not just about fashion but also about making a statement of resilience and dedication. Holt remarked, "I think she looked glowing and radiant, and it was lovely to see her looking so relaxed. She really is a kind of beacon of hope for many, but that also comes with a lot of pressure."
Middleton's fashion choices have always carried deeper meanings, and this occasion was no different. By choosing purple, she paid homage to her role at the AELTC, honored Princess Diana's legacy, and symbolized courage amid her health challenges. Her presence at Wimbledon served as a reminder of her unwavering commitment to her duties and her ability to inspire even in difficult times.
