Princess Catherine and her sister Pippa Middleton wowed fans with their immaculate fashion sense during their combined appearance at Wimbledon on July 14, but their clothes had a deeper meaning than just flair. The Princess of Wales, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, made a rare public appearance at the gentlemen’s singles final, dressed in regal purple. This was only her second public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The color purple not only showed her royal rank but also paid homage to her role in the club.

Since taking over Queen Elizabeth II’s patronage in 2016, Kate has routinely accented her Wimbledon outfits with a bow tie pin in the club’s official colors of purple and dark green. This year’s attire echoed the same hues, emphasizing her link to the famous event and her late grandmother-in-law’s habit of wearing bright colors to stand out in a crowd. Kate’s dress, designed by London-based boutique Safiyaa, was also inspired by a teal gown she wore to the Royal Variety Performance in November 2023.

Safiyaa, a name beloved by royalty such as Meghan Markle and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, found the ideal balance of elegance and symbolism for Kate’s Wimbledon ensemble. Kate was joined in the Royal Box by her sister Pippa, who wore a pink floral Beulah dress. The dress, which Pippa had previously worn at their brother James Middleton’s wedding in 2021, emphasized a family tie and a feeling of continuity in difficult circumstances. Throughout Kate’s treatment, the Middleton family has rallied around her, with James expressing his support in an emotional Instagram post highlighting their unity.

Princess Charlotte also made a fashion statement by wearing a miniature version of her mother’s blue polka dot outfit. Charlotte’s outfit, combined with her distinctive haircut of two small braids pulled back with a bow, showcased her developing sense of fashion. This attire, paired with pink Ray-Ban Kids sunglasses, gave the trio a youthful appearance. As the royal family generally withdraws from public view over the summer months, Princess Catherine is expected to continue her rehabilitation, likely spending time at Scotland’s Balmoral Castle, a popular royal retreat.