Kate Middleton's burgundy wardrobe signals ambition, diplomacy and timeless style

Color experts say burgundy symbolizes ambition, wealth, sophistication and power, traits many associate with royalty. The Princess of Wales has embraced the rich shade as one of her signature tones, often pairing it with monochromatic dressing that layers burgundy from head to toe. This approach, color psychologist Karen Haller notes, reflects Kate's public persona: 'This rich shade reflects the balance Catherine achieves in knowing when to take centre stage and when to step back. It carries an understated authority and natural poise, projecting confidence without being showy.'

In recent months, Kate has repeatedly returned to burgundy for high-profile engagements, underscoring its versatility and flattering appeal. Here, we revisit some of her most memorable ensembles in the regal hue.

Emilia Wickstead coat dress - worn in 2025

Kate joined the Royal Family in welcoming President Donald Trump and the First Lady to Windsor in head-to-toe burgundy, debuting a bespoke Emilia Wickstead coat dress based on the designer's Chaney style. Crafted from wool crepe, the tailored piece featured a double-breasted front, a cinched waist and soft pleat detailing that added movement. She complemented the look with a Jane Taylor veiled hat and Gianvito Rossi suede court shoes, showcasing a restrained, diplomatic elegance.

Alexander McQueen coat - worn in 2024

In December 2024, Kate greeted the Emir of Qatar during his UK state visit in a striking burgundy Alexander McQueen coat. The bespoke design featured the house's signature double-breasted cut and slanted pockets, offering military-inspired precision. She paired the outfit with merlot Gianvito Rossi leather boots, a quilted Chanel bag and Cornelia James touchscreen gloves, illustrating meticulous attention to detail. The outfit drew praise as a masterclass in diplomatic dressing, with the color itself paying subtle tribute to Qatar's national colours.

Roland Mouret suit - worn in 2022, 2023 and 2024

Between 2022 and 2024, Kate repeatedly turned to her burgundy Roland Mouret suit on four public occasions, including the Boston visit and the Shaping Us Symposium. The tailored blazer, designed with flap pockets to flatter the silhouette, was paired with wide-leg trousers for a contemporary take on traditional suiting. She varied the styling with contrasting separates, from a white bodysuit to a pink pussy-bow blouse, proving the ensemble's versatility across engagements.

Karen Millen trench dress - worn in 2023

During a 2023 visit to Birmingham, Kate opted for a burgundy Karen Millen trench dress. The polished design featured a pleated skirt and waist-defining belt, creating a feminine yet structured finish. She accessorised with matching Gianvito Rossi pumps and Sézane chandelier earrings for a coordinated look.

Eponine London coat dress - worn in 2023 and 2022

At the 2022 Christmas carol concert, Kate wore a burgundy Eponine London coat dress, styled with her Gianvito Rossi courts. The family coordinated their palette, with William and Charlotte incorporating the same rich hue. She had previously worn the coat in 2022 to mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death; on that occasion, she carried a recycled Mulberry bag first seen in 2017. The 2023 reappearance reinforced the cohesive, autumnal family aesthetic.

The burgundy wardrobe has become a quiet language of diplomacy and poise for Kate and the broader royal circle. Color psychology and a long-standing emphasis on coordinated palettes appear to underpin how sartorial choices support public messaging across royal engagements, with burgundy serving as a versatile, authoritative statement that remains central to the princess’s public image.