A Deep Dive into the Princess of Wales’ Color Preference and Its Public Persona

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has long been recognized for her impeccable fashion sense, and one color that consistently appears in her wardrobe is burgundy. While she has an affinity for a wide range of styles and designers, including Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, Catherine Walker, and Emilia Wickstead, her love for burgundy stands out as a signature element of her personal style. According to color psychology expert Karen Haller, the rich hue reflects the balance Kate achieves in her public life—knowing when to take center stage and when to step back. This understated yet powerful color conveys confidence and poise without being overly showy, aligning with her public persona.

Kate’s recent appearances in burgundy have included high-profile events, such as greeting Donald and Melania Trump during their state visit to the U.K. in September 2025, where she wore a bespoke Emilia Wickstead coat paired with a Jane Taylor veiled hat and Gianvito Rossi suede court shoes. Earlier in 2024, she donned a burgundy Alexander McQueen coat during the Emir of Qatar’s state visit, accessorized with merlot Gianvito Rossi leather boots, a quilted Chanel bag, and Cornelia James touchscreen gloves. These choices highlight her ability to blend elegance with practicality in high-stakes settings.

Her affinity for burgundy is not limited to formal occasions. Kate has also incorporated the color in more subtle ways, such as when she wore a burgundy sweater during an engagement at the Natural History Museum in London in 2019 or when she paired burgundy pants with a white top and gray jacket at Shout’s Crisis Volunteer celebration event in 2019. These moments showcase her versatility and how she can adapt the color to different contexts, from casual to formal.

Kate’s consistent use of burgundy dates back to her early years as a member of the royal family. She was spotted in a burgundy dress during the annual Place2Be School Leaders Forum in 2017 and even opted for an all-burgundy look during her first Christmas in Sandringham with the royal family in 2011. This enduring preference suggests that the color holds personal significance for her, reinforcing her image as a composed and elegant figure in the public eye.

From bespoke coats to iconic suits, such as her beloved Roland Mouret suit, which she has worn on multiple occasions—during a visit to non-profit Roca in December 2022, at a reception for the England Wheelchair Rugby League Team in January 2023, and at a reception ahead of the Shaping Us National Symposium in November 2023—burgundy has become a recurring theme in Kate’s fashion narrative.

Another notable burgundy look is her burgundy Eponine London coat dress, which she wore to the 2022 ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey and again at a service in September 2023 commemorating the life of the late Queen Elizabeth. These appearances highlight how she uses the color to honor tradition while maintaining a modern and accessible image.

Burgundy also appears in more understated moments, such as her maternity style during her second pregnancy in 2014, when she wore a burgundy coat during a visit to New York City with Prince William. These choices reflect her ability to blend personal style with the expectations of her role.

From high-profile state visits to intimate family events, Kate’s use of burgundy continues to symbolize both elegance and a grounded presence, reflecting the balance she maintains in her public and private life. Her fashion choices are not just about aesthetics—they are a carefully curated reflection of her identity, values, and the image she wishes to project as a modern royal.