Kate Middleton Resumes Royal Duties in Monochrome Burgundy and Pearls from Queen Elizabeth

Kate Middleton Resumes Royal Duties in Monochrome Burgundy and Pearls from Queen Elizabeth

On Monday, Kate Middleton arrived at the welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade for the State of Qatar’s visit to the United Kingdom. Getty Images

Kate Middleton is back in burgundy.

On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales, 42, emerged from a long absence from royal duties while battling cancer, wearing the symbolic head-to-toe dark red color and some special jewelry.

She was joined by Prince William, also 42, at a welcome event for the Emir of Qatar, who is spending the next two days in the UK. The two men were matched, with the prince choosing a burgundy tie, reflecting the colors of the country’s flag.

She and Prince William honored the flag of Qatar with their outfits, choosing burgundy and white to reflect the nation’s colors. Samir Hussein/WireImage
The Princess of Wales wore a four-strand pearl necklace, which once belonged to Queen Elizabeth. Samir Hussein/WireImage
She added leather boots, gloves and a Chanel handbag. Samir Hussein/WireImage

Middleton wore a well-tailored Alexander McQueen coat dress with a Sahar Millinery beret, Cornelia James gloves ($188) and knee-high Gianvito Rossi leather boots.

She carried a burgundy Chanel handbag for the welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.

In addition to her significant color choice, the princess wore the four-row Japanese pearl choker, which has a long and storied history in the royal family as it was once owned by Queen Elizabeth II.

According to The Court Jeweler, the necklace is “a gift from the Japanese government, probably acquired in the 1980s, during a state visit to that country.”

The late Princess Diana also designed this sentimental piece for her royal duties in the 90s.

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly received the pearl necklace from the Japanese government. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
The late Princess Diana wore this sentimental piece in the 80s. PA Images via Getty Images
Middleton was seen in the pearl necklace at Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021 WPA Swimming Pool/Getty Images

Middleton has been seen in the sentimental room at past royal affairs, including the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 2021, as well as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

For this morning’s ceremony, Middleton paired the meaningful piece with her beloved Bahraini pearl earrings, which were also passed down from the Queen.

Kate has worn these earrings countless times in the past and are definitely some of her favorite pieces of jewelry.

The royal couple posed with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher. P.A.
William matched his tie to Middleton’s monochrome look. British press via Getty Images
The princess has taken an extended break from royal duties as she recovers from her battle with cancer. P.A.

During the ceremony, the couple welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.

The princess actually wore two outfits on Tuesday; For the indoor portion of the welcome events, Middleton swapped her outfit for a nearly identical burgundy coat dress from Epione London and swapped her boots for delicate Gianvito Rossi pumps.

Royal fans can expect to see more from the mom of four in the coming days.