Kate Middleton Marks 10 Years of Attending Garter Day — and It Holds a Special Meaning With Prince William
Kate Middleton and Prince William had been courting for years before their 2011 wedding.
Before Prince William tied the knot with Kate Middleton during a dreamy ceremony at Westminster Abbey in 2011, the couple had courted each other for several years. They had met during their college years at St. Andrews and had survived two break-ups before finally making it official. However, it was Middleton’s appearance at the 2008 Garter Day, three years before the wedding, that announced to the world that the future queen of England had finally been anointed.
In 2008, William received his knighthood in the Order of the Garter, and Middleton had attended the event to support her then-boyfriend on his special day. Her presence was of much more significance than anyone would believe. It meant that the royal family had accepted the young woman into their orbit.
While the global spotlight started focusing on Middleton’s fashion after she joined the royal family, she had always possessed a love for a good outfit. And her stylish personality was on display when she stepped out at St. George’s Chapel in 2008. For her debut at Garter Day, Middleton had chosen a chic black polka-dotted skirt suit with an elaborate Phillip Somerville hat. She was spotted viewing the procession alongside her brother-in-law, Prince Harry.
Over the years, the beloved royal’s fashion game has changed drastically. Marking her tenth appearance at Garter Day this year, the Princess of Wales opted for a butter yellow coatdress with a matching wide-brimmed hat. She kept her look minimalist as she completed the ensemble with beige pumps, her iconic sapphire engagement ring, and a special set of earrings that served as a callback to her wedding day.
The style icon wore the custom Robert Pelham earrings she had sported at her wedding on Garter Day this year. The beautiful accessories were gifted to her by her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and featured oak leaves and acorns, the symbols of the Middleton family’s coat of arms, which was granted to them before the wedding.
In 2007, William and Middleton had a serious split when the former reportedly broke up with his college sweetheart over the phone. The couple talked about that difficult time during their engagement interview in 2010, as well. So, the now-royal’s appearance at the 2008 Garter Day was certainly a milestone moment in her relationship with William.
