The Princess of Wales never fails to strike the right chord with her stylish looks – but beyond being effortlessly fashionable, her ensembles also frequently pay homage to her surroundings.

Kate is no stranger to dressing to theme with both literal and figurative nods to the heritage of where she is visiting, or building on an aesthetic through patterns, symbols and accessories.

These range in subtlety.

During her and William’s most recent visit to Northern Irelandthe royal, 43, made her fondness of the region clear as donned an emerald green trench coat for engagements near Cookstown in county Tyrone.

Earthy, khaki camouflage shades followed in later outfits throughout the day – with sweet shamrock-shaped earrings to add glam.

It’s not the first time the Princess has opted for colour as a way to pay tribute – she has also worn hues present on the flags of nations she has visited multiple times, including a poignant navy and yellow dress when meeting displaced Ukrainian families.

Earlier this year, when arriving for engagement in Pontypridd, Wales, Kate was elegant in a scarlet Alexander McQueen coat, matching the patriotic red dragon – also sporting a daffodil to accentuate regional pride.

Other times, her choices have been more rooted in context than culture.

Over the summer, the Princess – who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – made a dazzling appearance at the final.

What did she opt for? A tribute to tennis whites, of course.

Kate once again focused attention on the reason for the season with an ivory fitted ensemble featuring a structured button-up shirt and flowy skirt.

And to add a little extra athletic fair, she went for a purple ribbon – one of the AELTC’s signature colours.

At other times, it’s not just the garments that do the talking.

In January, the Princess of Wales wore a necklace from a celebrated Jewish curator as she attended a moving a Holocaust Memorial Service in London.

As she made an appearance at the event, which paid tribute to those who suffered the horrors committed during World War IIKate appeared to send a message of support as she donned a stunning vintage faux pearl necklace from luxury jeweller Susan Caplan during the commemoration.

The brand took their Instagram page to thank Kate for highlighting an artist from a community which was horrifically victimised.

‘Today marks 80 years since the Holocaust, and as a Jewish owned brand we are honoured that the Princess of Wales chose to wear our necklace for today’s memorial to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day,’ they penned, in a post alongside a photo of the future Queen.

And in other instance, Kate has also opted for more hidden statements.

Over spring, she presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design – and championing UK creatives, Kate showed her support for another sartorial legend, Victoria Beckham.

The royal attended an event held by the British Fashion Council at London‘s 180 Studios in May, to celebrate those at the helm of Britain’s thriving fashion industry, as well as recognise those who are leading the way in sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment.

Paying homage to yet another icon in the industry, Kate was typically sophisticated in a stunningly tailored khaki power suitsporting VB’s patch pocket jacket, retailing for £850, and matching £490 ‘Alina’ trousers, both in the colour ‘willow’.

The mother-of-three is known for her love of literal dressing, and regularly gives a nod to the event she is attending and countries she is visiting with her clothing.

She often selects ‘nautical’ style outfits for maritime visits, such as arriving at a sailing regatta for charitable causes, having in 2022 donned a striped navy top with a pair of white shorts for the occasion in Plymouth.

Meanwhile she also gives a nod to the sporting teams she is supporting with her outfit. That same year, the royal wore a full red ensemble to watch England play Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup quarter-final match at the DW Stadium, Wigan.

Elsewhere, she also regularly chooses floral prints while visiting Chelsea Flower Show.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Los Angeles based stylist Tyler Ellis that the method has made the Princess of Wales into ‘the female embodiment of the United Kingdom itself’.

‘She represents an entire nation with authenticity, grace, and elegance, her wardrobe serving as a reflection of her devotion to both duty and diplomacy,’ she explained.

‘Kate, already one of the most recognised women in the world and future Queen Consort, has gracefully embraced a lifelong role of support and service, making it uniquely her own.

‘With quiet strength, she embodies respect and dignity – not only through her actions but also through the thoughtful subtleties of her wardrobe.’

Tyler explained that the Princess’s style is ‘never accidental’.

‘With great sensitivity, she uses fashion as a diplomatic tool honoring the countries she visits with gestures to their national symbols and traditions,’ she shared.

‘She wore a maple leaf–red dress with the Queen’s maple leaf brooch during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, a striking green gown in Ireland reflecting the nation’s color, and in Poland, she appeared in crisp white and red to mirror the Polish flag.

‘On her tour of Bhutan, she paid homage to the culture with an ensemble reflecting traditional Bhutanese dress, blending respect with modern elegance.

‘Her choices at home carry the same intention. Most recently, on Christmas Day 2024 at Sandringham, she wore an emerald Alexander McQueen coat with a heritage Scottish scarf, an elegant reference to national tradition while capturing the festive spirit of the season.

‘In past years, she has often turned to rich reds, deep greens, and classic seasonal patterns to reflect both the holiday mood and her role within the Royal Family.

‘For maritime engagements, she has gravitated toward timeless navy-and-white stripes, a quiet but deliberate acknowledgement of the nautical setting.’

However, the expert added, Kate also does a great job of knowing when to play the method more subtly.

‘There are her red-carpet moments where she shows mastery of glamour while never compromising her innate elegance,’ she explained.

‘The shimmering gold Jenny Packham gown she wore to the 2021 James Bond premiere, walking alongside Prince William, remains a defining moment.

‘It was regal, radiant, and commanding, an unmistakable reminder that she can stand shoulder to shoulder with global icons while still embodying the refinement expected of her role.’