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All eyes were on the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) as she made her first appearance at Royal Ascot in three years.

The princess attended Day Two of the annual horse racing event alongside her husband, Prince William, and wore a color that days earlier had her shooting an icy glare at anti-monarchy protesters during Trooping the Colour as she rode in a carriage with her children.

The anti-monarchy pressure group Republic, which organizes such demonstrations, makes sure they are seen at royal events waving bright yellow flags with messages against the Crown. So, Kate had everyone buzzing and wondering if she was sending a message of her own when she arrived at Ascot Racecourse decked out in bright, can’t-miss canary yellow.

Nick Ede is a UK-based brand and culture expert and public relations specialist with over 20 years of experience in fashion and entertainment. He is a regular commentator on television and in the press. Alongside his media work, Ede runs a PR agency and is a dedicated charity campaigner, having raised significant funds and awareness for stroke charities through his initiative Style For Stroke. He was also once close friends with Meghan Markle.

Ede spoke on behalf of Lottoland Live Casino about the princess’s outfit choice, telling Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “Her look was elegant, sophisticated, and reassuringly royal. It reinforced her role as the future queen and reminded everyone why she remains one of the most admired women in the world.

“The canary yellow looked sensational. Designed by Roksanda, it was the perfect way for her to come back to Ascot with William and her mother and sister by her side. It felt joyful, polished and quietly powerful – exactly what this moment needed. Fashion-wise, Kate struck exactly the right note.”

He added, “Kate’s appearance is one of the defining moments of this year’s Royal Ascot because she hasn’t been there for three years. What was fascinating was the contrast between the small number of protesters who chose to boo and the overwhelming support she received from the crowds and online.

“The reaction from royal fans has been incredibly protective because many people feel they have been on a journey with Kate over the past few years. They admire the dignity she has shown under intense scrutiny and feel invested in her well-being. Kate handled it with exactly the kind of composure people have come to expect from her.”

Body language and behavioral expert Darren Stanton also talked about Kate’s color choice, as well as her demeanor as she arrived at the racecourse.

Speaking on behalf of OLBG, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “The choice of color is very interesting. Usually, Kate’s go-to colors are superhero and primary colors. These colors are used by royals to project their thoughts, feelings, and personalities in certain situations. For instance, here she is wearing yellow, and that is evoking confidence and optimism. It’s very vibrant, and she wants to be visible in a positive way.”

According to Stanton, “Kate is showing minimal facial expressions. She is definitely in a good place, and in the carriage she is aware that the cameras are following her. The Princess of Wales didn’t want to give too much away. She appears very happy and maintains self-control and composure.

“Her body language indicated her relaxed shoulders and her back was up, which are all positives. Kate knows exactly how to convey herself and interacted very well with the other royals. She looked very elegant and sophisticated as normal. The way she is coming over to everyone else shows she is very comfortable in her surroundings and is enjoying herself.” 

So whether or not wearing the bright yellow was a deliberate in-your-face message from Kate to the protesters, royal fans all agree the princess looked lovely for her big return.

Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.

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