Photographers Captured a Striking Portrait of Kate Middleton Standing Alone (& It Made Me Do a Double Take)

I was so distracted by Kate Middleton’s new hairstyle on St. Patrick’s Day that I nearly missed this stunning portrait.

Today, the Princess of Wales, 43, attended the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade of the Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks in London. During the ceremony, the royal presented medals to soldiers and distributed shamrocks to guards. Photographers captured a striking photo of Princess Catherine standing alone on stage, and the picture made me do a double take.

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The portrait showed the Princess of Wales standing up during the ceremony. Everyone around her is seated, casting an unofficial spotlight on the royal. The picture was the perfect balance between regal and enigmatic, showcasing the royal’s enduring fortitude. The image is perhaps even all the more striking considering that this week marks one year since she revealed her cancer diagnosis to the world in 2024.

Princess Catherine was wearing a dark green coat by Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren boots and black gloves by Cornelia James. (If her fascinator looks familiar that’s probably because it was previously worn by Princess Catherine at the same St. Patrick’s Day event in 2019.)

Her hair was styled in a stunning chignon with twisted layers of hair woven into a sophisticated knot. The hairstyle marked her first updo of 2025, since she usually wears her hair down.

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Similar to her body language on Commonwealth Day, the Princess of Wales appeared extremely confident and in her element. She even flashed a bright smile when she was joined onstage by an officer who received an award.