The Prince and Princess of Wales presented a united image during their visit to Northern Ireland on Thursday by deploying a "powerful sartorial trick" in subtly coordinating their outfits, Newsweek has heard.
William and Kate, who have taken on the new titles of Prince and Princess of Wales, having been given them by King Charles III following the death of the late queen, visited Northern Ireland to undertake a day of engagements on October 6.
The royals spent time with community based organizations during their visit including youth charity Carrick Connect which works closely with young people experiencing social or emotional difficulties in Carrickfergus.
When they married, Queen Elizabeth II gave William and Kate the Northern Irish titles of Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus, forging a link between themselves and the area.
For the days engagements, the prince and princess appeared wearing coordinating shades of blue.
Kate wore a longline tailored coat in powder blue over a pussybow blouse from the label Winser London. She also wore a pair of navy trousers and carried a bag by DeMellier London.
William appeared stylishly beside her in wearing a pair of navy chinos with a jacket, a cobalt blue jumper and a shirt perfectly matched to the shade of Kate's coat.
This strong visual image of the couple is not the first the public has seen.
"We have definitely seen the royal couple coordinating in the past," royal expert Christine Ross told Newsweek.
"A memorable occasion is their glamorous look in Pakistan where they both shone in emerald green. It's a creative and powerful sartorial trick to portray them visually as a single, united entity."
"Blue tones have become a favorite color palette, and you could say an iconic color, for the Princess of Wales, and it's easy for William to coordinate," she continued.
"This matching tactic keeps both William and Kate side-by-side and coordinating on front pages and news articles, which publications may be more willing to share than a solo shot of Kate."
It's not just the princess who has become a fashion leader. Like his father before him, William is becoming increasingly known for his style choices, an example being his outfit for the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in London earlier this year where he had a bespoke pair of shoes made for the event with tiny fighter jets embroidered on them.
"William has become more fashion conscious in recent years," Ross noted.
"I think he has always had an eye on men's style but is really embracing the power of fashion these days. Recent looks, such as his green velvet blazer or embroidered smoking slippers have really stood out, which then brings his events and causes into the headlines."
On the significance of William and Kate presenting this united front as they begin their tenure as Prince and Princess of Wales (the princess title not used by a member of the royal family since the death of Princess Diana 25 years ago), Ross comments that it is part of the couple's "charm offensive."
"The first few events for the new Prince and Princess of Wales, especially as they visit the countries of the United Kingdom, are particularly important in cementing the relationships with these countries early.
"These visits assure wavering spirits that the monarchy is alive and well—and still an important and powerful presence.
"Coordinating outfits add extra charm to the charm offensive that William and Kate are embarking on across the U.K."
Since the death of the queen both William and Kate have made an increased number of public appearances that are expected to continue throughout the rest of the year.
Ahead of the queen's state funeral on September 19, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hinted that there could be a tour down-under on the cards for the couple and their children.
"There have been some preliminary discussions about the now Prince and Princess of Wales visiting Australia," he told ITV, adding: "I would hope that if they visit they would bring their children with them."
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more
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