A 1200 mile tour in the dead of winter on a musty and noisy locomotive with somewhat dated interiors (the last refurbishment was said to have taken place in 1977) and chilled pea soup often on the menu — doesn’t sound all that glamorous. Yet, despite the antiquated accommodations — the Duchess of Cambridge made the most of her ride the rails adventure alongside husband Prince William. Indeed, Kate showed off her seasonal best in a variety of cheery Christmas attire which felt like a warm hug in a year of much suffering and sadness.
Here we revisit and highlight the best of Kate Middleton’s Royal Train Tour Fashion:
Green McQueen
At Euston Station, Kate embraced the military coat trend in a calf length coat featuring a high collar and front flap pockets. The duchess kept the austere statement coat from one of her favorite design houses–Alexander McQueen–from being too uniform-esque by accessorizing with a colorful tartan scarf. The plaid poinsettia-y shawl was the perfect add-on for a pop of color and a bit of Scottish flair ahead of the couple’s journey to Edinburgh. Plus, the popular red and green print is strongly associated with Royal Stewart Tartan — a festive pattern which is the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. Thus, Kate’s seasonal statement won her brownie points with the Queen and served to offer a bit of sartorial diplomacy. A win-win all around.
Teal Appeal
Clad in Catherine Walker, Duchess Kate looked every inch the formidable fashion icon in a asymmetric dark teal coat with a high collar. The creaky train engines were clearly no match for this royal lass who managed to look chipper and cheerful on Scottish soil in another chic coat. Kate paired the Scottish flag tribute coat with Ralph Lauren Collection suede heel boots and a black croc embossed bar-closure wallet by Scottish brand Strathberry.
All Hail Hobbs
Full steam ahead! Appearing fresh and festive despite another evening on the Queen’s version of the Polar Express — Kate and Wills looked ready for royal duty and a series of engagements including a stop at a food share warehouse and a choir concert in Manchester. Earlier in the day, Kate wore the same look for a visit to a community center in Batley but did switch up sweaters from plain cashmere crewneck to fair isle knit. The mom of three looked especially elegant in the long navy Hobbs ‘Bianca’ coat with a tailored silhouette, patch pockets and burnished buttons.
Fest in Show
Not wishing to tread lightly in the tartan department, Kate went full plaid and opted for a scarf, skirt and later a face mask with the same print you may find adorning the walls of Santa’s Workshop. The comely duchess was radiant in red as she stormed the castle in Cardiff and later snacked on s’mores — in the afternoon the Cambridges finished their day’s journey with a stop at a local care home and a drop-in hospital visit. For the final leg of their train tour, Kate really sleigh-ed in the style department.
Queen of Green
Appearing impeccable after a few days traveling across the UK, Kate was every inch the poised and polished princess in a faux fur trim coat accessorized with a velvet box clutch and luxe diamond teardrop earrings gifted from Her Majesty. The duchess finished her Tour de Christmas Coats with a dark forest green Catherine Walker topper along with her pointed toe boots and a pair of bow adorned Cornelia James wool gloves. At Windsor Castle, the duchess didn’t clash with the Queen who looked regal in red and instead perfectly coordinated in Christmas colors with the reigning monarch.
