The Princess of Wales, Catherine, made another public appearance that caught the attention not only in Britain but also in Spain. Her visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London on November 27 sparked lively discussions in fashion circles and on social media. For the occasion, the 43-year-old princess chose an elegant blue dress with long sleeves and a classic houndstooth pattern—a look that Spanish commentators immediately compared to the impeccable style of Queen Letizia.
The dress was elegantly complemented by a matching belt that accentuated her waist, while the high, shirt-style collar added a touch of formality and sophistication. Sapphire and diamond earrings and pale blue pumps completed the ensemble. Once again, this appearance reaffirmed Kate’s status as a style icon, effortlessly blending classic and contemporary trends—a quality also shared by the Spanish queen, well-known for her affinity for sharp yet feminine silhouettes.
The visit was timed to an important event: the princess, who has supported the Anna Freud Centre for a decade in its research into children’s mental health, announced the launch of a new joint project with the Royal Foundation. This initiative aims to provide advanced training for health visitors to better support the early social and emotional development of children.
A style fit for a queen
The choice of a dress with a houndstooth pattern particularly caught the attention of fashion experts. This print is considered a timeless classic and often appears in the wardrobes of members of European royal families. Queen Letizia has also repeatedly chosen outfits with this pattern for official events, demonstrating her commitment to elegance and restraint. According to Spanish stylists, Kate’s choice is no coincidence—it reflects solidarity with pan-European royal traditions and underscores the seriousness of her role.
In her statement on social media, the Princess described the meeting as “insightful” and emphasized the vital role that relationships and connections play in shaping the mental health of children and young people. “It was a pleasure to meet the families who helped shape the curriculum and to mark the appointment of Peter Fonagy as President of the Anna Freud Centre,” she wrote. This focus on practical support and engagement with people also aligns her approach with that of Queen Letizia of Spain, who personally oversees numerous social projects.
Fighting for Mental Health: A Shared Mission
Children’s and adolescents’ mental health is a key issue for both royals. The Princess of Wales became the patron of the Anna Freud Centre in 2016 and has been actively involved in its work ever since. According to her, the new project ‘will strengthen the skills of health visitors and those working alongside them to support early social and emotional development, ensuring that more infants and young children lay the foundation for lifelong well-being.’
In Spain, Queen Letizia is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is actively advocating for the protection of children’s rights and their mental health. She regularly visits institutions, takes part in conferences, and draws public attention to this pressing issue. The parallels between these two influential women are clear: both use their status to promote socially important initiatives, focusing on the most vulnerable members of society.
Return to royal duties and a new image
This appearance marked another step for Kate toward fully resuming her public duties after a tough battle with cancer, which became public knowledge at the beginning of 2024. After completing her treatment, the princess announced her remission in January 2025. During one of her hospital visits in Essex in July, she openly spoke about the challenges she faced after treatment. “You stay strong during treatment. The treatment ends and it seems like you can return to normal life, but in reality the next phase is very, very tough,” she shared.
Gradually returning to work over the summer and fall, the princess also debuted subtle changes to her appearance. Her hair has become noticeably lighter. During a recent visit to the Royal Albert Hall, actress Sue Pollard even complimented her on it. “I love your hair, it looks much lighter,” she said. To which Kate reportedly replied with a smile, “It used to be brown but got sun-bleached.”
Reference RUSSPAIN. Catherine, Princess of Wales, née Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, was born on January 9, 1982. She is the wife of William, Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne. After their wedding in 2011, she was given the title Duchess of Cambridge, and following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of Charles III, she became Princess of Wales. Catherine is known for her active charitable work, focusing particularly on mental health, children’s issues, and the arts. She serves as patron to more than 20 charitable and military organizations. The Prince and Princess of Wales have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
