Kate Middleton's Christmas Look Sent a Quiet Message About Her Cancer Journey
Kate Middleton has come a long way since she was diagnosed with cancer in March 2024. Now in remission, the Princess of Wales has slowly and steadily returned to royal duties, carefully balancing recovery with work. On December 25, she looked every bit the future Queen as she stepped out in a Blaze Milano coat for the Christmas morning service at Sandringham. What many missed was the deeper meaning behind the look, which she previously wore during a surprise visit to the hospital where she received cancer treatment.
It was deeply symbolic for Middleton to wear the same burgundy plaid coat at the end of a year defined by recovery, having also worn it at the start of 2025 during a surprise visit where she was treated for cancer. In January, she had made an unannounced stop at The Royal Marsden Hospital's Chelsea site, where she spoke with patients undergoing treatment and thanked staff for their service. Shortly after the visit, it was confirmed she had received care there and was named a Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust with Prince William. Following the meaningful outing, she announced she was 'in remission' after undergoing preventative treatment in 2024.
In the January update, Middleton wrote in part on X, "It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to." After announcing her remission, the Princess of Wales slowly returned to royal duties, candidly speaking about her 'difficult' journey, and how nature brought her solace during her recovery at royal engagements.
The Princess of Wales has also been known to have a particular affinity for burgundy outfits, as the color is associated with traits like strength, courage, and confidence, reflecting her bravery during her cancer treatment. Reflecting on her many appearances, fashion expert Karen Haller said that the color captured Middleton's 'public persona.' She told the Daily Mail, "This rich shade reflects the balance Catherine achieves in knowing when to take center stage and when to step back. It carries an understated authority and natural poise, projecting confidence without being showy."
As for Middleton's savvy fashion sense, she has reportedly long been aware of the attention her outfits attract, so much so that she has refrained from revealing details about them. A Palace source explained her approach to The Times, saying, "There is an absolute feeling that it [the public-facing work] is not about what the Princess is wearing... She wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people, and the causes she is spotlighting." They added, "There will always be an appreciation of what the Princess is wearing from some of the public, and she gets that. But do we need to be officially always saying what she is wearing?"