The Top 13 Times Kate Middleton Played Fashion Diplomat
Since her wedding in 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge has been paying close attention to one of the queen's secret style weapons: sending diplomatic messages of appreciation in the way that she dresses. Her majesty has always paid her respects through what she wears and the way that she wears it, and Kate has been an eager pupil.
Kate has shown time and time again that an outfit can speak volumes. On the eve of her royal tour of India and Bhutan, we're taking a look at highlights from the times the young duchess has paid her diplomatic respects with her wardrobe — so far.
A Nod to Malaysia's National Flower
In September 2012, Kate wore a white and gold Alexander McQueen dress that was stitched with gold hibiscus, Malaysia's national flower.
An Inclusive British Wedding Gown
During the creative process, the bride-to-be requested that the Alexander McQueen dress made for her April 2011 wedding be embroidered with English roses, Welsh daffodils, Scottish thistles, and Irish shamrocks to represent all of the United Kingdom.
Canadian Maple Leaves
For a July 2011 appearance at national day in Ottawa, Kate paid homage to Canada's flag by sporting a red maple leaf pillbox by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock & Co as well as the queen's diamond maple leaf brooch.
Representing Canadian Fashion
For an engagement in Montreal in July 2011, Kate wore a dress by Canadian-born — but British-based — designer Erdem Moralioglu.
A Shout-Out to Singapore
At a state dinner hosted by Singapore's president in September 2012, Kate chose a design by fashion darling Prabal Gurung, who was born in Singapore.
Supporting Singapore Fashion
Local designer Raoul provided the duchess's dress for a visit to a Singapore housing community in September 2012.
A Flash of Scottish Tartan
When William and Kate are in Scotland, they are known as the Earl and Countess of Strathearn. As he was inducted by the queen to became a Knight of the Thistle in July 2012, Kate carried a scarf in the Strathearn tartan.
Canadian-Made Earrings
To attend the biggest rodeo in Canada, the Calgary Stampede, in July 2011, Kate wore earrings by local designer Corrie McLeod.
Embracing New Zealand Style
In April 2014, Kate selected a dress by New Zealand-born designer Emilia Wickstead for a Sunday church service. She added a Jane Taylor hat adorned with the New Zealand national symbol of the fern along with the queen's diamond fern brooch.
Black-Tie Fern Fashion
In tribute to her host nation of New Zealand during her April 2014 visit, Kate had her Jenny Packham dress embellished with a hand-stitched fern made of silver beads.
Chinese Red
The diplomatic duchess chose to wear red, the color of the Chinese flag, for a state dinner honoring the Chinese president in October 2015 in London.
An Aussie-Appropriate Hat
To attend a ceremony in Canberra, Australia, in April 2014, Kate wore a hat by one of her favorite milliners, Australian Jonathan Howard.
Australian Color
To disembark from her plane after arriving in Sydney in April 2014, Kate paid tribute to the Australian national color, gold, with her Roksanda Illincic dress.