On Monday, to the 80th anniversary VE Day celebrations, she joined her husband Prince William, as well as his aunts Princess Anne and Duchess Sophie, for a family reunion, in one of her first major royal events since completing her chemotherapy last year.
For the Princess of Wales, clothing is sentimental just as often as it is stylish, and, earlier this week, she paid tribute to a beloved family member in an incredibly subtle way.
However, she also commemorated another member of her family in an understated manner that’s touching, though easy to miss.
Princess Kate wore a golden brooch on her lapel that appeared to be the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm brooch featuring Air Force wings, which was a tribute to her late grandfather.
READ: Candid Captures: Kate And Charlotte Share A Tender Moments During VE Day Celebrations
Princess Kate’s RAF grandfather
The Princess of Wales’ grandfather, Ronald Goldsmith, was a fighter pilot during the Second World War. He died in 2003, at the age of 72, after an eight-year battle with the degenerative disease Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
Speaking about Ronald, Princess Kate’s uncle, Gary Goldsmith, said: “Dad was always so entertaining and full of life but MSA robbed him both physically and emotionally. It was heartbreaking to watch.”
He added: “Even though he had been ill for eight years, it was a huge shock when he died. Sadly he was very poorly by the time Kate began dating William and he never lived to see the royal wedding, but he would have been thrilled.”
With her RAF brooch, the Princess of Wales paid her respects to the late fighter pilot in a meaningful but very low-key manner.
Princess Kate’s VE Day outfit
As usual, King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s daughter-in-law looked incredibly glamorous at the event.
The Princess of Wales looked extraordinary in a deep purple Emilia Wickstead coat dress, which featured a waist with a belt and a pleated skirt, donning a hat from Sean Barrett, adorned with a bow, and tan Ralph Lauren heels to match.
Princess Kate previously wore the same outfit back in 2022 when she met the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
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