On March 25, 2026, Canterbury Cathedral witnessed a momentous occasion as Dame Sarah Mullally was installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. This event was made even more significant as Mullally made history by becoming the first female to lead the Church of England, which boasts a rich tradition spanning over 1,400 years. The ceremony saw the attendance of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Catherine Middleton, who were present to represent King Charles III.
The choice of attire by Princess Kate attracted considerable attention, particularly due to its subtle yet meaningful nod to her husband’s royal status. The Princess of Wales donned a stylish coat featuring the prominent Prince of Wales check pattern, an elegant design that harkens back to her husband’s title, bestowed upon him by King Charles following his accession to the throne in September 2022.
Her attire for this high-profile event was a carefully selected Suzannah London Washington Cashmere Coat. The coat’s distinctive grey, black, and white plaid design pays homage to traditional British fashion, making it a versatile and timeless choice for both men and women. Princess Kate has embraced this pattern in the past, indicating her appreciation for its heritage and significance.
In addition to her striking coat, Princess Kate accessorised her outfit with a Houndstooth Straw Boater hat from Juliette Botterill Millinery, further enhancing her sophisticated appearance. Her fashion choices at the event were not only about aesthetics but also carried a deeper meaning, serving as a visible tribute to Prince William’s role as the Prince of Wales during this historic ceremony.
It is noteworthy that Princess Kate has previously incorporated the Prince of Wales check into her wardrobe. For a visit to British textile manufacturers in Suffolk and Kent in September 2025, she opted for a fashionable pantsuit featuring the same pattern, showcasing her affinity for the design. This attention to detail in her clothing choices reflects her understanding of the importance of fashion in royal engagements.
In a personal touch, the Princess wore a sentimental necklace that holds the initials of her three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—demonstrating her commitment to family amidst her royal duties. This blend of personal sentiment with royal symbolism illustrates Princess Kate’s unique approach to her public persona.
Princess Kate’s stylish nod to the title held by her husband also draws parallels with the late Princess Diana, who similarly embraced the Prince of Wales pattern during her time as the Princess of Wales in the late 1980s. Diana’s legacy continues to resonate, and by sporting this iconic design, Princess Kate pays tribute to her late mother-in-law while also modernising the look for contemporary audiences.
As the royal couple celebrated a historic first in the Church of England, the harmonious blending of tradition, personal significance, and contemporary fashion in Princess Kate’s attire underscores her role as a modern representative of the monarchy. With each public engagement, she not only fosters goodwill towards the royal family but also reinforces the continuing evolution of royal fashion.
The installation of Dame Sarah Mullally is undeniably a moment of great historical importance. However, the visual presentation of the day, including the thoughtful choices made by the Prince and Princess of Wales, emphasises the intertwined nature of royal history, personal style, and public engagement in contemporary British society. The event itself, alongside Princess Kate’s homage to her husband’s title through her fashion, serves as a reminder that the royal family’s image is not merely about tradition, but also about accessibility and relevance to the public.