Kate Middleton’s red dress at Christmas carol concert a heart-warming tribute to senior royal

Kate Middleton’s red dress features a stunning bow design and features a subtle link to someone very special

Kate Middleton's red dress wows as she attends the "Together at Christmas" community carol service on December 08, 2021 i
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Kate Middleton’s red dress wowed fans as she hosted a poignant Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey and it featured a subtle tribute to a much-missed royal.  


Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped out on December 8th as the Duchess hosted a Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey. The pair were joined by other royals including Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Zara and Mike Tindall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The concert also brought together inspirational people who’ve done so much for their communities over the past year.

Though filmed, it won’t be broadcast until Christmas Eve on ITV, with Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly banning the BBC from airing it after the controversy surrounding their The Princes and the Press documentary. Entitled Together at Christmas, the concert will reflect on the challenges and celebrate small acts of kindness. 

For the occasion, Kate Middleton opted for a magnificent red coat dress and whilst many of Kate Middleton’s dresses capture fans’ imaginations with their elegant silhouettes and rich colors, this one also has a special significance to it.

Kate Middleton wears a red dress as she attends the "Together at Christmas" community carol service on December 08, 2021

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

From Kate’s sparkly gold gown for the James Bond premiere to her Eponine London dress for the Festival of Remembrance, she’s had some truly iconic looks in recent months alone. Now Kate Middleton’s red dress might just have topped them all, with it’s beautiful bow neckline design, sweeping skirt and festive crimson colour. 

Worn with a pair of simple red heels, this classic look was made even more special by its connection to a senior royal that was likely greatly missed at this important event. According to Vogue, Kate's dress is a Catherine Walker piece and her designs were also a hugely popular choice for the late Princess Diana, who often sported them at similarly special occasions. 

Who could forget her blue-green sequin dress? Worn to Austria and then again for the Diamond Ball in 1990. Whilst according to People, during her and Prince Charles’ Royal Tour of Australia in 1983, the Princess of Wales took two pink Catherine Walker looks with her. 

Princess of Wales, at the Culture Centre during her official visit to Hong Kong on November 8, 1989

(Image credit: Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)

Her iconic ‘Elvis Dress’ was also a Catherine Walker creation and Diana also wore it when presenting the British Designer of the Year Award at the British Fashion Awards. She even reportedly described Catherine Walker as her designer of the year.

Given Princess Diana’s great love for this iconic brand, Kate Middleton’s red dress is not only a beautiful design in its own right, but a wonderful tribute to her late mother-in-law at a time of year that is all about family. 

Kate Middleton wears a red dress as she attends the "Together at Christmas" community carol service

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

And it seems family was very much on the Duchess’ mind that evening as she also accessorized her coat dress with a piece from the Queen. As reported by People, Kate’s beautiful sapphire and diamond fringe earrings are a pair that belong to Her Majesty and previously belonged to the Queen Mother. 

Though the Queen, who is currently residing at Windsor Castle, wasn’t amongst the royals who attended the carol concert, she is said to have found another way to show her support.

See more

The monarch supposedly donated some Christmas trees from Windsor Great Park to decorate the Abbey. Wearing the Queen’s earrings, as well as such an eye-catching Catherine Walker red dress was certainly a lovely way for Kate Middleton to include both her and Princess Diana in the 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!