When Kate Middleton attended Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal wedding on May 19, 2018, her outfit choice sparked considerable discussion. The Duchess of Cambridge donned a pale yellow Alexander McQueen coat dress that, under certain lighting and camera angles, appeared white. This fashion moment led to a swirl of speculation and interpretations, with some questioning the appropriateness of her attire and others coming to her defense.
Kate’s choice of attire was not white but a pastel yellow, a hue frequently chosen for royal events. However, due to lighting in Windsor’s St. George’s Chapel and the brightness of outdoor photos, the coat dress appeared much lighter than it actually was. Experts in royal fashion have repeatedly clarified that Kate followed protocol and did not upstage the bride.
Pastel colors are a staple for royal occasions, as they allow the focus to remain on the central figures—such as the bride and groom—without overwhelming the visual setting. Kate’s understated look complemented the grandeur of Meghan’s Givenchy wedding gown and kept the spotlight where it belonged.
Some analysts speculated that Kate's choice was also a nod to Meghan Markle herself. Pastel yellow exudes warmth, optimism, and freshness—qualities well-suited to a spring wedding. The shade symbolized joy for the happy couple and reflected Kate’s support for her new sister-in-law.
Royal observers have also noted that Meghan and Kate’s relationship at the time was amicable. Kate, just weeks after giving birth to Prince Louis, made an effort to attend and fully support Harry and Meghan’s big day, wearing a sophisticated yet comfortable ensemble.
Despite the logical explanations for Kate’s outfit, media outlets and social media users quickly seized on the apparent "white dress" narrative. Some accused Kate of breaking wedding etiquette by wearing white, a shade traditionally reserved for the bride. Others framed the story as a deliberate snub, fueling rumors of tension between the two duchesses.
However, these claims were largely dismissed by experts in royal affairs. Commentators highlighted that the royal family operates under different cultural and social norms. Kate’s choice was likely a calculated and respectful one, vetted by advisors to ensure it would not detract from the occasion.
Kate Middleton’s pale yellow coat dress for Meghan Markle’s wedding is an example of how royal fashion choices can be subject to over-analysis. While some may have perceived her outfit as inappropriate, others see it as an elegant, understated look that adhered to protocol.
The episode also underscores the scrutiny faced by royal women and how their every decision can be magnified in the public eye. Ultimately, Kate’s attire served its purpose: complementing a joyous occasion without overshadowing it. The narrative around her outfit choice may have stirred debates, but it did little to dampen the overall celebration of love and unity between Harry and Meghan.
In hindsight, the focus should remain on the happiness of the couple rather than the clothes of their guests—a sentiment that echoes the purpose of any wedding, royal or not.
