Kate Middleton revived a touch of 1980s sophistication as she welcomed the President of Nigeria, choosing a refined two-tone coat and matching headpiece for the occasion. The Princess of Wales also debuted a piece by a Nigerian-British designer, adding a thoughtful cultural connection to her look ahead of a formal engagement with the King and Queen of England.
Just a day earlier, Kate stepped out in one of her most traditional outfits of the year for St. Patrick’s Day, wearing a protocol-driven green ensemble complete with a headpiece. Today, she returned to official duties with a regal, polished presence, greeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who are in the United Kingdom for a two-day State Visit culminating in a formal evening banquet.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesA Look That Nods to Nigeria
Taking on an increasingly prominent role within the Royal Family, the Prince and Princess of Wales welcomed the Nigerian President and First Lady at the Fairmont Windsor Park hotel, ahead of their meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. Kate’s outfit stood out not only for its elegance but also for its subtle tribute to her guests.
She wore a striking long, two-tone coat in grey and white, reminiscent of 1980s tailoring, featuring a double-breasted silhouette and corset-style detailing at the back. The midi-length design was a deliberate choice: it comes from designer Tolu Coker, who shares both Nigerian and British heritage.
© Getty ImagesBased in London, Coker presented this piece as part of her Autumn/Winter 2024–2025 collection during London Fashion Week on February 16, 2024. Notably, King Charles III attended that show, seated front row alongside Stella McCartney. With this appearance, Kate introduces the brand into her wardrobe for the first time.
Princess Diana’s Pearl Earrings Make a Return
Complementing the coat, Kate chose a coordinated grey-and-white headpiece with a bow by milliner Jane Taylor.
© Chris Jackson/coolGetty ImagesShe paired the look with her trusted grey snakeskin pumps by Hugo Boss, a staple in her closet since 2016, and carried the black crocodile-embossed Amberley handbag by Mulberry, first seen in February 2022.
© Chris Jackson/coolGetty ImagesFor jewelry, alongside her iconic engagement ring, she once again wore her Collingwood pearl drop earrings set with small diamonds.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThese earrings once belonged to Princess Diana, who received them as a gift from the Spencer family shortly before her wedding in 1981, adding a layer of personal and historical significance to the ensemble.
