Kate Middleton's nostalgic nod to her and Prince William's love story as she wears 11-year-old boots

Kate Middleton’s boots have a special history behind them and she brought them out for the couple’s trip to Wales.

Kate Middleton's nod to love story with Prince William in her boots, seen here visiting the Blaenavon Heritage Centre
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Kate Middleton made a nostalgic nod to her and Prince William’s love story as she re-wore 11-year-old boots on their recent visit to Wales. 


Kate Middleton’s dresses and suits often steal the show and the Duchess of Cambridge is just as fond of her stunning outfits as fans are, recycling them multiple times for major engagements and giving them a new twist. Back in May last year, Kate’s romantic nod to Prince William via her choice to re-wear a meaningful blouse caught our attention. And who could forget the lilac gown she brought out again for the Earthshot Prize 2021 Awards when Prince William and Kate’s “gentle PDA” delighted fans. 

Now for their recent joint engagement to Wales, Duchess Kate once more delved into her closet for a much-loved staple from 2011. And it had a similarly sweet connection to her and Prince William’s love story. 

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visits the Blaenavon Heritage Centre

(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge traveled to Wales on March 1st to undertake a packed schedule of engagements, including a visit to Abergavenny Market as well as Blaenavon Heritage Centre. Here they chatted to fans, planted a tree and Kate’s weird trait was even revealed by her husband. For the engagements Kate opted for Meghan Markle’s style staple with a khaki green coat and smart roll-neck in a matching earthy shade. 

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge's boots close up as she visits Abergavenny Market

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

She paired them with dark jeans and black, heeled ankle boots that are understood to be Aquatalia Rouge boots. This stunning choice not only worked perfectly with her duo-tone outfit, but also paid sweet tribute to her and Prince William and her time in the Royal Family.

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The Duchess of Cambridge wore these same ankle boots back in February 2011 when she undertook her first ever engagement. At the time, Kate was engaged to her future husband and two months away from their spectacular royal wedding.

Prince William and Kate Middleton visit the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station

(Image credit: Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

She and Prince William visited the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station together to officially launch the new RNLI's lifeboat Hereford Endeavour. That time she wore the boots with a simple but elegant beige coat, black tights and a matching black scarf, already keeping things tonal with her outfits. 

Following this, Kate is believed to have worn the boots again several times in the early days of her marriage for one of her first solo engagements as she became more used to life as a royal. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton meet members of the public after officially launching the new RNLI lifeboat 'Hereford Endeavour'

(Image credit: Samir Hussein via Getty)

The decision to re-wear boots from her first ever official engagement—likely a huge moment for her—is incredibly significant. So was the way both engagements took place in Wales, with her and Prince William expected to become Prince and Princess of Wales one day.

For any eagle-eyed fans who spotted these over-a-decade-old boots on St David’s Day, Kate Middleton’s boots could’ve brought a huge sense of nostalgia to this significant occasion.

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!