The Princess of Wales has travelled to northern Italy for her first overseas royal engagement in nearly four years. During her visit to Reggio Emilia, near Bologna, Kate will be presented with a Primo Tricolore, the city’s highest honour, for her work in promoting early years development.
To greet fans, Kate Middleton made a springtime statement in this season’s most covetable colourway.
The royal wore a head-to-toe blue suit by Canadian-British designer Edeline Lee. The longline blazer (£1,400, Edelinelee.com) features sharp lapels, padded shoulders and a flattering cinching detail at the back. The trousers (£650, Edelinelee.com) have a high waist fit and slightly flared leg.
The princess styled the suit with a Holland Cooper V-neck shirt (£149, Hollandcooper.com) and accessorised with earrings from Annoushka (£450, Annoushka.com) and a pearl necklace from Monica Vinader (£144, Monicavinader.com), complete with an Asprey diamond mushroom charm (£7,000, Asprey.com). Her matching pale blue bag hailed from Asprey, a British bag label that she’s worn countless times over the years. Kate rounded off the look with a pair of tan stiletto heels.
The princess is known for her power suiting, be it her Bella Freud grey check suit, a bright purple Emilia Wickstead number or a baby pink Alexander McQueen pantsuit. The Edeline Lee style makes a case for cornflower blue – and it’s the perfect shade for spring and summer occasions. Whether you’re looking for a wedding guest option or stylish office attire, here’s my pick of the best high street alternatives.
Jigsaw linen notch lapel blazer
Buy now £185, Jigsaw-online.com
Reiss suit trousers in blue
Buy now £170, Reiss.com
French Connection Sammie tailored suit
Buy now £89, Frenchconnection.com
Mango Pedro tailored pant suit
Buy now £59.99, Asos.com
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