During Trooping the Colour in June, following Kate’s cancer treatment, the Princess of Wales wore a white Jenny Packham dress with a navy-and-white striped neck bow, while Charlotte complemented her look with a navy sailor-style dress adorned with a white bow.

Writing for Vogue, Elise Taylor reflected: “Her appearance at Trooping the Colour needed to reiterate to the public that her health is on the mend and prevent anyone from jumping to such cruel conclusions. How to do that? By presenting a picture of stability. Amid an incredibly abnormal time, the princess looked remarkably normal.”

Royal style expert Miranda Holder offered insight into the matching ensembles, telling Hello: “First and foremost, it looks visually appealing—and ‘tidy’—in photographs. This is something that is always at the forefront of the royals’ minds. Secondly, it looks more cohesive and is a way of conveying to the world that they are a solid family unit, without having to say a single word.”

Kate and Charlotte’s affinity for bows also caught attention, with stylist Georgie Gray explaining their charm: “Velvet bows are making a comeback because they effortlessly combine elegance with a hint of nostalgia, offering a soft, luxurious texture that enhances any outfit. They add instant charm and sophistication without being overly formal, making them versatile for both casual and more dressed-up outfits.”

Interestingly, Kate and William often coordinate their outfits too. Relationship consultant Mairead Molloy shared her perspective on the phenomenon: “Mirroring your partner’s fashion choices is related to having a keen sense of empathy, and signifies a high level of happiness and content within a relationship. It demonstrates the couple’s emotional unity.”

She concluded: “Harmonious dressing can be a subconscious occurrence that typically happens about six months into a relationship.”