Her stylish red coat with an oversized black velvet bow at the throat was described by the Mail’s fashion writer as a ‘triumph’.
Once thought of as girlish, she said, bows are now a by-word for ‘grown-up dressing’ and a huge trend this winter, dominating both designer stores and the High Street alike.
Paired with a favourite designer coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the Princess of Wales was deemed to have ‘nailed’ the festive dressing theme at Friday’s Royal Foundation carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Now the secret to Kate’s look can be revealed – and fans will be delighted to know it doesn’t come with a designer price tag.
In fact the bow isn’t an item of clothing at all, but is a none-other than a hair clip.
And one that she picked up at High Street favourite Jigsaw for just £20.
The firm are advertising it, saying: ‘The bow is making its comeback as one of the most coveted accessories.
‘This oversized velvet bow hair accessory instantly dresses up a ponytail or down style for adding a touch of charm to your look’ – little realising that royalty would do just that.
The Princess of Wales’s statement black bow for her carol service cost just £20 from a high street fashion brand
Kate cleverly used the clip to attach it to her top to ‘style up’ her outfit, which was otherwise head to toe ‘rewears’.
It’s not the first time the princess has cleverly used a bow to ‘upcycle’ a look.
Earlier on this year she added a large black and white striped one to the neckline of an old Jenny Packham dress, giving it a completely new lease of life.
She has also reworked one of her favourite black Catherine Walker jackets on several occasions, removing its tassels and adding a black bow at the neckline and silver buttons.
Other subtle but effective tweaks to favourite outfits include an Alexander McQueen gown first worn in 2017, which was initially a strapless number but two years later had been miraculously given sleeves, completing changing its look.
It is believed the princess uses a private dressmaker and has the help of her equally long-standing senior private executive assistant, Natasha Archer, for style advice.
Lucy Smith, accessories buyer at Jigsaw, told the Mail of the Princess’ decision to buy and use one of their bows: ‘Proof the bow is not just for gift wrapping, our velvet bow adds a charming embellishment to any look, however you decide to wear it.’
The princess actually worked as Jigsaw after leaving St Andrew’s University when she was plain Kate Middleton, sourcing for their accessories line – showing that she had a keen eye even then.
The Princess wore the upcycled item as she returned to public duties for her ‘Together At Christmas’ carols last Friday
In fact the bow isn’t an item of clothing at all, but is a none-other than a hair clip from Jigsaw
Earlier this year at Trooping The Colour, Kate wore a dress designed by Jenny Packham with a striped bow
A beaming Princess of Wales stands with Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith at Westminster Abbey on the day of the Together At Christmas carol service
Last week Kate continued her return to public duties, holding her fourth ‘Together At Christmas’ carol service at historic Westminster Abbey, which will be televised by ITV on Christmas Eve.
The princess, who has been ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor, arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements.
Kate put on an elegant display in an Alexander McQueen red coat, featuring a statement black bow, which she teamed with her black Ralph Lauren boots for the occasion.
She was joined just before the start of the event by her three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – as well as her husband, the Prince of Wales, who read the first Lesson.
Both Prince George and Prince Louis were wearing festive red ties to match their mother’s outfit, while Princess Charlotte had on a red coat.
The entire Middleton family clan, who have been Kate’s dedicated support network throughout, was also present, as were other members of the Royal Family, including Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice and the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Pregnant Beatrice was joined by her husband Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and her stepson Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi.
Other royal guests included the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor and Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret’s daughter.
The Prince of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service
The Princess of Wales sat net to Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, who matched their mother’s red ensemble, during the carol concert
The King and Queen, however, were not amongst the guests.
Looking typically stylish for the outing, Kate completed her festive ensemble with a red check skirt, her Mulberry Amberley Baroque Pearl Earrings and a £110 Gold Plated bangle by British brand Halcyon Days.
The bangle is thought to have been a birthday present from Prince William in 2020, and features a subtle nod to Princess Diana as it’s called ‘the Salamander Torque Forget-Me-Not & Gold Bangle ‘ – named after the late royal’s favourite flower.
Showcasing her stylish prowess, Kate kept her brunette locks in soft waves and added to her features with a smattering of glamorous makeup.
The 1,600-strong congregation largely consists of members of the public recommended by Lord Lieutenants across the country for their community and charity work as a ‘thank you’ from the princess.
Also among them are members of the Southport community affected by this summer’s tragic stabbing, including children who survived the attack and the families of the three little girls who died.
Sources have told the Mail that the service’s theme of empathy and the importance of the support of others at the most difficult times in our lives has, understandably, been inspired by the princess’ own experiences this year.
But she has also been keen to highlight others who are also going through similarly hard experiences.
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis look at messages on the Kindness Tree ahead of the Together At Christmas carol service
The Princess of Wales was joined at the family occasion by her husband William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
Supported by her Royal Foundation, Kate has been determined to ‘celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled and comforted and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive’.
Appropriately the front cover of the Order of Service features a stunning illustration by artist and author, Charlie Macksey, creator of The Boy, The Fox and The Mole of a group of people walking towards the abbey, arms entwined, in a blanket of snow.
It reads: ‘How did I help? You were by my side, which was everything.’
Although the idea was Macksey’s, there it little doubt that it is also a message from the princess to her nearest and dearest.
The artist said: ‘Love, empathy and kindness are important messages for us all.
‘As the theme of The Princess of Wales’ Carol Service this year, it was very special to have been asked to create the illustration for the Order of Service. I hope it reminds us of the beauty of being there for each other at Christmas.’
This year, alongside their Order of Service, each guest will receive a special letter from The Princess of Wales, thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most.
In the letter, Her Royal Highness also reflects on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need each other in spite of our differences.
The royal mother-of-three greets children who are performing at Westminster Abbey for her carol concert
Kate was full of laughter as she chatted to some of her guests at the carol concert, including Paloma Faith
This year, alongside their Order of Service, each guest will receive a special letter from The Princess of Wales (pictured left at the outing today), thanking them for all they have done to provide comfort and hope to those who need it the most
Kate looked elegant in her Alexander McQueen red coat as she stepped out for the occasion
The Princess of Wales appeared radiant in a festive red coat, featuring a statement bow detail as she attended the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey
The future queen’s concert, which will air on ITV1 on Christmas Eve for the fourth year in a row, is supported by The Royal Foundation and today attended by royals and celebrities, including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and Adam Peaty.
The service will, Kensington Palace said, ‘shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities’. ‘It’s been a focal point for her, as it is each year,’ a source added.
Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan.
Guests will also watch a specially curated performance by two Soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School.
During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant.
Alongside this, candles will be lit by notable people linked to the theme including Lindsey Burrow, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and teammate Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan.
A letter from The Princess of Wales for the 2024 Together at Christmas Carol Service
The cover for the Order of Service has been designed by British illustrator Charlie Mackesy and bears a powerful message of hope – as Kate returns to public life after completing her cancer treatment earlier this year
Nodding to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, the Abbey will be adorned with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the Service.
This year a ‘Kindness Tree’ was situated outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life, highlighting the importance of empathy, love and kindness to us all.
‘In addition, guests waiting to enter the Abbey, will be treated to 2 music by young performers, including a 25-piece steel pan band and jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a nationwide charity funding music education for young people.
The event will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme, airing at on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
The broadcast will feature three special films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need.
Alongside the service at Westminster Abbey, fifteen community carol services will be taking place around the UK across December to provide a moment for people to come together and celebrate community work during the festive season.
Hosted by Lord Lieutenants, and supported by The Royal Foundation, these events will be tailored to their local communities whilst also including elements of the Westminster Abbey service – including the special letter from The Princess of Wales.
