Princess Catherine and her sister Pippa Middleton captivated onlookers with their impeccable fashion sense during their joint appearance at Wimbledon on July 14, but their attire carried deeper significance beyond mere style.

The Princess of Wales, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, chose a regal purple dress for her rare public outing at the gentlemen’s singles final. This marked only her second appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The choice of purple not only underscored her royal status but also paid homage to her role within the club.

Since assuming the patronage from Queen Elizabeth II in 2016, Kate has consistently accessorized her Wimbledon outfits with a bow tie pin featuring the club’s official colors of purple and dark green. This year’s ensemble echoed these hues, emphasizing her connection to the prestigious event and recalling her late grandmother-in-law’s practice of wearing vibrant colors to stand out.

Kate’s dress, designed by the London-based brand Safiyaa, also evoked memories of a teal gown she wore at the Royal Variety Performance in November 2023. Safiyaa, favored by royalty including Meghan Markle and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, provided a perfect blend of elegance and symbolism for Kate’s Wimbledon appearance.

Joining Kate in the Royal Box was her sister Pippa, who chose a pink floral dress from Beulah. This dress, previously worn by Pippa at their brother James Middleton’s wedding in 2021, emphasized family connection and continuity during challenging times. The Middleton family has shown strong support for Kate during her treatment, with James expressing his solidarity through a heartfelt Instagram post, highlighting their united front.

Princess Charlotte also made a fashionable statement in a mini version of a blue polka dot dress that mirrored her mother’s style. Charlotte’s look, complemented by her signature hairstyle of two mini braids tied back with a bow and pink Ray-Ban Kids sunglasses, added youthful charm to the trio’s appearance. As the royal family traditionally withdraws from the public eye during summer, Princess Catherine is expected to focus on her recovery, possibly spending time at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, a favored royal retreat.