Princess Kate made her return to royal duties on Monday, March 10, after a long hiatus, marking a joyous occasion for many. Her comeback was celebrated, but it also drew attention to two key aspects of the event that caught the public’s eye.

Catherine, Princess of Wales – known more commonly as Kate Middleton – reappeared in public on March 10, on one of the most significant days in the royal calendar: Commonwealth Day. This day saw the royal family gather for a special service at Westminster Abbey, an event of great importance. Kate’s return was especially notable given that she had missed this very event the previous year due to her cancer diagnosis. King Charles, who had been focused on his recovery in recent weeks, also resumed his royal duties and was seen attending the event after his break.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived first, followed by Prince William and Princess Kate. The royal family shared brief greetings, but the moment was intimate and not captured on camera or microphone. However, lip reader Jeremy Freeman was able to interpret the exchange, revealing that King Charles greeted his son with a warm “Nice to see you,” as the two shared a kiss on the cheek, as reported by the Mirror.

Body language expert Judi James offered further insights into the couple’s gestures during the event, noting a noticeable shift in their public appearances. Since Kate’s cancer diagnosis, the couple has often embraced each other during public engagements, but this time they appeared more composed, with a more traditional and professional demeanor. They moved separately but remained in sync, mirroring each other’s actions, which signaled a subtle change in their public presentation.

Princess Kate’s outfit also sparked considerable discussion. She wore a striking red Catherine Walker dress that had the appearance of a coat, paired with a matching Gina Foster pillbox hat. As is often the case, the princess’s fashion choices were widely discussed, particularly on social media, where people closely analyzed the outfit. Some royal followers speculated that Kate’s ensemble could hold a deeper meaning, perhaps related to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Canada.

One social media user pointed out the significance of Kate’s attire, writing, “Plus Princess Kate is wearing Canada’s red with a white pearl necklace,” suggesting that the colors might be a subtle nod to the strained relations between the two countries. Another user agreed, saying, “I also think the Princess of Wales is using her wardrobe to signal her support.” A third user shared similar sentiments, adding, “Apparently Catherine wore red with white pearls to show solidarity with Canada.”

Canada has made headlines in recent weeks, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the country should become the 51st state, and also imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian goods. As part of the Commonwealth of Nations, Canada has close ties to the United Kingdom, and King Charles is the monarch of Canada, although the country is governed by its prime minister and the governor general.

The Commonwealth itself consists of 56 member states, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The group represents a diverse collection of nations with shared historical ties to the British Empire. The relationship between the United States and Canada has been a topic of intense discussion recently, making Kate’s apparent message of support through her choice of clothing even more significant.

While the royal family’s public appearances often attract attention for various reasons, Princess Kate’s return was particularly meaningful, not only for her personal journey but also for the larger political context in which it occurred. Her choice of outfit, paired with her warm return to royal duties, was a subtle yet powerful way to express solidarity and reinforce the ties between Canada and the United Kingdom, especially in light of recent political tensions.