Home > HEIRS & SPARES > KATE MIDDLETON

Kate Middleton Steps Out in Red Power Suit With a Hidden Meaning Not Many Noticed

Kate Middleton smiles as she meets the England Women's rugby team at Windsor Castle. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Kin Cheung - WPA Pool)
Kate Middleton smiles as she meets the England Women's rugby team at Windsor Castle. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Kin Cheung - WPA Pool)
Jan. 16 2026, Published 04:37 AM. ET
Link to Facebook Share to X Share to Flipboard Share to Email

Kate Middleton never fails to impress, with her impeccable fashion sense and strong commitment to duty. She became the talk of the town on January 15, while hosting a reception at Windsor Castle for England's Women's rugby team, her first solo royal duty of the year. While her warm personality charmed guests, it was her savvy outfit choice that garnered headlines. Middleton stepped out in a bold red power suit, reinforcing her status as a fashion icon with an intention.

The Princess of Wales hosted the grand reception to celebrate the rugby team's World Cup victory last September. Her decision to wear the powerful red pantsuit was a subtle nod to the team's 'Red Roses' nickname. As patron of the Rugby Football Union, she closely followed their journey, even attending their tense Pool A match against Australia during the World Cup. What many didn't realize is that her red ensemble was already sitting in her wardrobe. The asymmetric blazer and wide-leg trousers were first worn in 2023 at the launch of her Shaping Us campaign. The suit is designed by her favorite fashion house, Alexander McQueen, who also created her iconic 2011 wedding gown.

Kate Middleton meets members of the England Women's rugby team at Windsor Castle. (Image Source: Getty Images| Kin Cheung - WPA Pool)
Kate Middleton meets members of the England Women's rugby team at Windsor Castle. (Image Source: Getty Images| Kin Cheung - WPA Pool)

During the reception, Middleton was seen accepting gifts from the team, including a signed rugby jersey. The athletes proudly showed her the Rugby World Cup trophy, followed by a group photo, with the Princess seated in the front center row. Ahead of the celebration, the Red Roses players and team staff were given a tour of Windsor Castle, recognized as the oldest and most inhabited royal Castle in the world. The event followed Middleton's official return to royal duties on January 8 for the year, when she carried out a joint engagement with Prince William at Charing Cross Hospital in West London.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales meet healthcare staff during a visit to Charing Cross Hospital on January 8, 2026 in London, England. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Isabel Infantes)
Prince William and Kate Middleton meet healthcare staff during a visit to Charing Cross Hospital. (Image Source: Getty Images | Isabel Infantes)

During the celebrations, Middleton revealed that her sons, Prince George and Prince Louis, play rugby at school, while Princess Charlotte sometimes joins her siblings at home. She continued, "Charlotte is playing rugby, but at home with the family, so she isn't yet at school. Rugby is so accessible; Louis is playing touch rugby, and it's such a great game. Actually, they shouldn't necessarily need to push boys and girls in particular sports too early." She joked, "Obviously, as they get physically stronger – George now, if we play at home, I do not want to get tackled by George! But, up to a certain age, I think it's great."

Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.  (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Max Mumby/Indigo)
Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis watch a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. (Image Source: Getty Images| Max Mumby/Indigo)

As for her affinity for bold red outfits, color expert and fashion commentator Marina Thomas has previously told HELLO! that the Princess of Wales often wears red to high-profile engagements because it symbolizes courage, willpower, and sacrifice. She said, "Wearing red certainly portrays confidence and a willingness to be seen and noticed, making it a powerful choice for occasions where impact and presence matter."

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories