Kate Middleton re-wears pregnancy coat with sweet double meaning for intense engagement

The Princess of Wales' houndstooth coat has patriotic and family links and she brought it out of her closet for a high-profile occasion

Kate Middleton re-wears pregnancy coat in Wales. Seen here wearing it as she visited the Matteusskolan School in 2018
(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

Kate Middleton re-wore her pregnancy coat with a sweet double meaning for an intense engagement alongside Prince William. 


Known for her own sporting prowess, Kate Middleton unveiled her rugby talent in a special video last year as she replaced Prince Harry as Patron of the Rugby Football Union. It was in this role that she was spotted cheering on the English Rugby Team at Principality Stadium in Wales on February 25 as they took on the Welsh National Team in the annual Six Nations Rugby Union championships. 

Picking her outfit carefully for this important match it wasn’t one of Kate Middleton’s dresses which wowed the crowd, but an iconic statement coat that had not one but two special meanings behind it. Kate Middleton re-wore a red and white houndstooth pattern coat with bright red military-style buttons. 

Gerald Davies, President of the Welsh Rugby Union, HRH Prince William, Prince of Wales, and HRH Princess Kate, Princess of Wales, line up during the National Anthems

(Image credit: Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

She paired it with a black turtleneck, black tights and boots, though whether or not she had opted for a dress or top and skirt combination wasn’t totally clear. Instead, Kate’s coat did all the talking as she watched the intense match and met members of the England Rugby squad. 

This isn’t the first time the future Queen Consort’s vibrant outerwear has caught fans’ attention. She previously wore this Catherine Walker design when she was pregnant with her and Prince William’s youngest son, Prince Louis, who is now four and is fourth in the royal line of successions. Back in January 2018 the Princess of Wales opted for this houndstooth coat during a royal visit to Sweden.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the Karolinska Institute to meet with academics and practitioners

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

She was six months pregnant with Prince Louis at the time and paired the coat with a blackberry-toned bag and chocolate-brown gloves and heels. Her decision to re-wear this pregnancy coat to the England vs Wales game on Wales’ home ground could be seen as very significant in several ways.

Not only are red and white the national colors of the England Rugby team but given she was pregnant with him when she first debuted this coat, Kate Middleton could have been making a sweet nod to Prince Louis. Earlier this year the Princess of Wales discussed her son’s passion for the sport during a reception for the England Wheelchair Rugby League team.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visit the Karolinska Institute

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

As per The Mirror, she explained, “We’re always slightly competitive with each other. They all love sport and Louis is mad about rugby.”

Prince Louis has yet to be taken to watch an international rugby match by his parents but given Kate’s recent comments perhaps this is something fans can look forward to going forwards. Meanwhile, before the match Kate and Prince William’s “slightly competitive” side came out when the future King  - who is Patron of Welsh Rugby - discussed them supporting different sides.

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The future King is Welsh Rugby patron and he reportedly declared, “It’s going to be a very tense journey home. If we win today my wife won’t speak to me. It will be a tense evening."

Ultimately, England achieved a 20 - 10 victory over Wales on their home ground and Kate Middleton re-wearing her houndstooth coat was the perfect patriotic touch with its cute connection to Prince Louis. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!