Why Kate intentionally wore teal instead of traditional green outfit for St. Patrick’s Day

Kate, Princess of Wales surprised royal fans with her vivid shade of teal at the Irish Guard’s St Patrick’s Day parade yesterday. The colour of her outfit was unexpected because she usually wears dark green to the regiment’s traditional celebrations. But there was an important reason why the Princess broke away from tradition.

Green is the colour most associated with Ireland and is often worn by those marking St Patrick’s Day.

Kate has worn green outfits seven out of the nine parades she’s attended since joining the Royal Family. Yesterday’s teal shade and a brown coat on one occasion make up the nine appearances.

Although Kate’s teal colour choice felt surprising, it is believed she was intentionally matching with the Irish Guards’ plume which is in the same hue of blue-green. The colour teal also features prominently on their regimental badge.

Therefore, Kate’s outfit colour choice was a fitting tribute considering she formally accepted the responsibilities of Regimental Colonel during her appearance.

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Prince William, who was also in attendance, officially handed over the role of Regimental Colonel, and in turn, Kate took the royal salute during the march-past for the first time.

Kate first took on the honorary role of Regimental Colonel in December 2022 after Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III’s accession to the throne meant military patronages in the Royal Family had to be reshuffled.

William, as the new Prince of Wales, became Colonel of the Welsh Guards leaving a spot open for another member of the Royal Family to step into, and Kate was nominated or offered.

As for the design of the coat dress Kate wore, it is believed Catherine Walker created it bespoke for the Princess, and there were a few details that referenced her new military role.

Gert’s Royal on Twitter explained how “the buttons on Princess Kate’s coat match the pattern of buttons on the other [Irish Guards’] uniforms”.

“Four buttons than a gap, then four more buttons. Different Guards Divisions and regiments group their buttons in different numbers. This is done to make it easier to tell regiments apart.

“Grenadier- Single, Coldstream – Pairs, Scots – Threes, Irish – Fours, Welsh – Fives,” they explained.

The collar on Kate’s coat was also a similar shape to the military uniforms, and it featured a waistband belt, possibly inspired by the white belt those in the Irish Guard wear around their uniform.

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Kate also wore a coordinating fascinator in the same shade of Teal which was the Vesper design by Jane Taylor.

The hat retails for £1050 online and is made to order, taking up to three weeks for creation and delivery.

The Princess carried a clutch bag and leather gloves in a matching shade of teal.

The bag is believed to be the Emmy London Natasha Clutch – of which Kate owns 12 of them in a variety of colours, but the brand of the gloves has not been identified yet.

Her heels were the Gianvito 105 pumps by Gianvito Rossi in turquoise suede. Kate owns the same heels in eight other colours.

In terms of jewellery, Kate chose a pair of emerald and diamond cluster drop earrings, of which the brand is unknown.

She also wore a gold shamrock brooch, which is a piece from Cartier and is crafted from gold, with what appears to be three green gemstones in the middle.

The brooch has previously been worn by the Queen Mother and Princess Anne.

source: express.co.uk