Why Kate Middleton's Dior look at Macron's visit was more than just fashion

Kate Middleton wowed royal watchers with a show-stopping Dior ensemble as she welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron to Windsor Castle, but her fashion choice carried a subtle diplomatic message.

The Princess of Wales, 43, opted for a blush-toned Dior blazer and flowing tulle skirt, a nod to one of France’s most iconic fashion houses. 

The centrepiece: Dior’s 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar jacket, a design rooted in the legendary 1947 silhouette that revolutionised women’s fashion.

By wearing Dior, Kate not only paid tribute to French elegance but also honoured a shared history: Queen Mary of Denmark has also chosen the Dior Bar jacket for French state occasions, adding an extra diplomatic layer to this stylish choice.

Kate accessorised her look with a hat by London milliner Jess Collett and a Mulberry clutch, further blending British and French fashion heritage.

The tribute ran even deeper. Dior was a favourite of Princess Diana, who helped make the Lady Dior handbag globally iconic. Diana’s connection to the French label is legendary, from her beloved quilted bag to unforgettable fashion moments like her 1996 John Galliano slip dress.

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