Kate Middleton dons camouflage during visit to military base
The Princess of Wales temporarily exchanges her modest dresses for military camouflage.
Kate, 41, was photographed visiting Robertson Barracks in Norfolk, England, on Wednesday, November 8, in a decidedly different kind of outfit than we’re used to seeing.
The royal looked ready for action in a camouflage jacket, vest and helmet. She wore the military garb over a sleek, monochrome outfit consisting of a black turtleneck and black pants.
The princess also wore a red poppy on her vest, a symbol used since 1921 to commemorate soldiers who died in the war. Britons across the United Kingdom, especially members of the Royal Family, wear the accessory throughout the month of November to pay tribute to Remembrance Day, which takes place on November 11 every year.
The princess’s visit to the regiment comes three months after she passed through King Charles in August.
The prestigious role was previously held by King Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
Kate got her hands dirty as she took a ride in a military tank and even flew a drone with the help of one of the regiment’s officers. She also took time to present some awards to members of the regiment, including long service and good conduct medals.
Humans weren’t the only ones celebrated at the event. Kate also formally promoted Trooper Longface Emrys Jones – a Bay Welsh mountain pony who has served as the regiment’s mascot since 2016 – from ‘Lance Corporal’ to ‘Corporal’.
Kate then changed out of her military attire and into a black fitted blazer with gold buttons to meet families of the regiment’s members. There she listened attentively as family members told her about their experiences and the welfare support available to them.
Of course, Kate understands what it means to marry a soldier. Her husband Prince William served in the Household Cavalry from 2006 to 2008 before joining the RAF Search and Rescue Force in 2009 and serving as a pilot in the East Anglian Air Ambulance from 2015 to 2017.
Kate holds several military titles and is no stranger to donning military attire during official royal visits.
In March 2023, she wore a hooded camouflage jacket, army green hat and green khaki trousers while visiting the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in Wiltshire, England (she was appointed colonel of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in December 2022).
With Kate’s latest military role, we hope we see more sporty camouflage outfits from the princess in the years to come.