Catherine, Princess of Wales made her long-awaited return to the red carpet at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall this evening — her and Prince William’s first joint red carpet appearance in two years — and it instantly felt like a winter tradition had snapped back into place.
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Because when Catherine steps out in velvet, you know the cold weather has officially arrived.
London’s temperatures dipped practically overnight, so her choice of a plush emerald Talbot Runhof off-the-shoulder gown couldn’t have been more fitting. The richness of that green is Catherine at her most seasonally assured. And let’s be honest, green has always been her colour. Not just for St Patrick’s Day, not just for specific engagements — it’s a shade she returns to because it loves her just as much as she loves it.
Her picking a German designer tonight is also… interesting. With the upcoming German State Visit and State Banquet just two weeks away, this could be a subtle warm-up to some diplomatic dressing. Catherine has always been intentional in these moments — she’s referenced host nations through designers, and jewellery before — so while this may not be a direct teaser, it certainly doesn’t feel accidental.
Her accessories tied everything together with quiet regality. The Manolo Blahnik dark green velvet pumps continued the monochrome winter story.
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Then came the bling. A Jenny Packham Casa clutch but it was the jewellery that brought the royal history that her fans love decoding: Queen Mary’s diamond bar choker bracelet and the Greville diamond chandelier earrings, both steeped in heritage, anchored the modern gown in something deeply traditional.
And while Catherine delivered a masterclass in winter glamour, Prince William deserves a small style note of his own. He coordinated with a black velvet dinner jacket — a subtle, elegant match that made the couple’s return to the red carpet feel considered and cohesive.
A strong comeback for the Waleses.
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