Kate Middleton Breaks Royal Tradition with Bold Red Nail Polish at Easter Service
In a surprising twist at King Charles’ first Easter service as monarch, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was observed breaking a long-standing royal tradition with her fashion choices. The event, held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, saw the royal family gather for a meaningful celebration, but it was Kate’s bold nail polish that caught the eye of many observers.
A Departure from Royal Nail Polish Norms
Kate’s outfit for the occasion was a stunning marine blue Catherine Walker coat paired with a matching pill-box hat by Lock & Co. However, it was her deep red nail polish that stood out as a departure from the usual royal aesthetic. Traditionally, royal ladies have been expected to adhere to a more conservative nail palette, favoring clear varnish, nude, or light pink tones.
This unwritten rule was particularly observed during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, with Her Majesty famously partial to Essie’s ‘Ballet Slippers’ shade. The presumed restriction on bold nail colors has been a topic of discussion among royal watchers for years.
A New Era of Royal Fashion?
Kate’s choice to wear a bolder nail color may signal a shift in royal fashion protocols. This isn’t an isolated incident, as Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was also seen sporting a deep red nail polish during a New York tour in March. These instances suggest that the supposed nail polish rule may be relaxing or perhaps never truly existed as a strict mandate.
Royal Family Easter Gathering
The Easter service saw the royal family out in force, enjoying the spring sunshine before the morning service. King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla coordinated in royal blue outfits, while Prince William and Prince George wore matching navy suits. Princess Charlotte donned a blue polka-dot dress, and young Prince Louis, attending for the first time, wore a suit jacket with light blue shorts.
Other royal family members in attendance included:
- The Princess Royal
- The Duke of York
- The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh with their son, James
- Princess Beatrice and Eduardo Mapelli Mozzi
- Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
- Zara and Mike Tindall with their daughters, Mia and Lena
A Poignant Moment
This Easter Sunday service held special significance as the first to take place since Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The late Queen’s final resting place is within St George’s Chapel, in the King George VI Memorial Chapel. She lies alongside Prince Philip, and her parents, King George VI and the Queen Mother, with their names inscribed on a new black stone slab in the floor.
Conclusion
While Kate Middleton’s bold nail polish choice may seem like a small detail, it potentially represents a broader shift in royal fashion norms. As the royal family continues to modernize and adapt, we may see more instances of personal style expression, even within the confines of royal tradition. This Easter service not only marked a new chapter for the monarchy under King Charles but also hinted at the evolving nature of royal protocols and expectations.