There was a lot of speculation leading up to the ceremony over what Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, would wear. While some of the predictions were correct, there was a lot more symbolism in the colorful outfit she wore during the crowing of King Charles.
As predicted, Kate wore an outfit by Alexander McQueen.
It was almost a given that Kate would go with an Alexander McQueen look, which has been her go-to for several key moments in her life as a royal.
A traditional gown for a coronation ceremony is a full-length ivory gown, as Bethan Holt, fashion director of The Telegraph, previously said. While there was speculation that Kate would go in another direction to be more modern, she did stick with an ivory full-length gown.
But there was more to her outfit and a lot of color.
On the bottom hem of her gown and on the sleeves, Kate had beautiful embroidery details with roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks. These designs were added to represent the United Kingdom's four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Adding to her look were the bright red and blue ceremonial robes, which was a nod to the colors of the nation's flag, the Union Jack.
There was a lot of talk in the days leading up to the ceremony on what Kate would have on her head.
Would she wear a tiara? A fascinator? Rumors swirled that she would wear a floral headpiece, and that's what she did — but it was super elegant.
Jess Collet x Alexander McQueen designed the delicate silver and crystal headpiece. But it wasn't just any ol' headpiece, it was an intricate design full of crystals and silver leaf embroidery.
Princess Charlotte also wore a similar headpiece, coordinating with her mom.
But the flower headpiece was more than a matching moment between mother and daughter. There was a beautiful message attached to the design chosen.
"The jewelry design is seemingly a nod to a motif used throughout Charles's coronation of the Green Man," Vogue explained. "An ancient figure from British folklore, the Green Man symbolizes spring and rebirth. He wears a crown of oak, ivy, hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers."
Kate's jewelry was symbolic and a nod to the late Princess Diana and the late Queen Elizabeth.
In addition, the headpiece, Kate also accessorized her outfit with a pair of earrings that once belonged to Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana.
According to the Daily Mail Kate donned the same pearl earrings that were gifted to Diana before her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981. Kate has worn the same earrings several times, as did Princess Diana.
Finishing up her look was a necklace that was created in 1950 — the George VI Festoon Necklace. It features 105 diamonds, and was one of one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s favorite pieces.
The coronation events continue on Sunday, including the Coronation Concert, where performers will include Take That, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Andrea Bocelli.
