Kate Middleton Wears a Blue Sweater to Support Ukraine
Like Diana, Kate Middleton Chooses a Sweater to Make a Political Statement
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Kate Middleton visited the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in London on March 9, wearing a yellow-and-blue pin, in support of Ukraine's national colours, and a soft, blue Alexander McQueen sweater to emphasise the political statement. During the day, the duchess learned about the efforts being made to support Ukrainians in the UK and across Europe, as well as details about donations being made to those on the front lines following Russia's invasion.
Some will note that the style choice follows in the footsteps of Princess Diana, who routinely chose to wear specific colours or designers out of respect for the territory or country she was visiting. For her first royal visit to Wales in 1981, for example, Diana styled silk suit separates in the signature Welsh shades of green and red. And for Emperor Hiro Hito's 1986 banquet at the Imperial Palace In Tokyo, Diana wore a royal blue dress by Japanese designer Yuki Torimaru.
Diana also made many other fashion choices, not necessarily for political reasons, but to reflect her mood. Her iconic black sheep sweater from Warm & Wonderful spoke to her feeling of being an outcast in the royal family; the bright, playful colours she wore to visit children were meant to boost their mood.
While it's no surprise to see the Duchess of Cambridge in one of her go-to designers, Alexander McQueen, it's the specific shade of cashmere she chose that shows her dedication to sending important messages through fashion. By wearing one of Ukraine's national colours, along with a yellow-and-blue pin, Middleton shows solidarity with the embattled nation without saying a word.
Styled with black, belted slacks, suede, pointed-toe shoes, and her sapphire engagement ring, the look was both a lesson in simplicity and a powerful political statement, much like Princess Diana's in the past.
Scroll to shop Kate's exact jumper, which retails for $740, then reminisce about Princess Diana's history of dressing with purpose and meaning.
