Princess Kate, known for her impeccable fashion sense and thoughtful sartorial choices, made a significant style statement at Wimbledon this year with her choice of a purple dress.
This wasn’t just a nod to contemporary trends or a showcase of her exquisite taste; the dress was imbued with historical significance and symbolic meaning.
Wimbledon, one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, has a storied tradition intertwined with its official colors—purple and green. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that these colors were officially adopted by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the venue that hosts Wimbledon. Over the years, these colours have become synonymous with the event, representing its heritage and standing in the tennis community.
Princess Kate’s purple dress from Safiyaa was a deliberate and respectful homage to this legacy. The shade of purple she chose closely aligns with the purple traditionally associated with Wimbledon. Historically, purple dye was expensive and rare, making it a colour linked with nobility and luxury. In choosing purple, Princess Kate subtly reinforced the tournament’s esteemed status and her own connection to its rich history. She paired the dress with tan Lucia slingbacks from one of her go-to labels, Camilla Elphick.
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The Princess has often paired her Wimbledon outfits with her signature dark green and purple bow, a symbolic accessory representing the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. This accessory is more than just a fashion choice; it signifies her role and patronage of the club. The colour green, traditionally associated with the grass courts of Wimbledon, symbolizes the lush, manicured lawns that are a hallmark of the tournament. Grass courts are unique among Grand Slam tournaments, with Wimbledon being the only major played on this surface, further emphasizing the tournament’s distinctive character.
© Getty ImagesAs Wimbledon has grown in popularity and global recognition, the colors purple and green have become integral to its branding. Despite the evolution of the sport and the tournament, Wimbledon has maintained many of its original customs, and the purple and green colors are a visible reminder of this enduring legacy. Princess Kate’s choice of a purple dress not only paid tribute to these traditions but also reinforced Wimbledon’s reputation as a symbol of prestige and heritage in the world of tennis.
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Through this thoughtful selection, Princess Kate continued to bridge the past and the present, celebrating Wimbledon’s rich history.
