The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — or, as their friends call them, William and Kate — have successfully completed the couple’s vacation of the century: a week-long royal tour through the mausoleums, garden parties and safari rides in India and Bhutan.
The pair’s ventures were ravenously documented as the world opened each morning’s paper to see Kate feeding a baby elephant or William trying his hand in a cricket match. But just as interesting as their itinerary were their suitcases full of crisp blazers, dazzling evening gowns, Bollywood scarves and Bhutanese skirts.
While there was obvious care put into appearing culturally respectful and at times even celebratory, the most peculiar aspect of the couple’s wardrobe was how well the duo dressed as a pair — the makings of a true power couple.
On the first day, Kate wore a blue and white printed shift dress with her token nude heels. Right by her side was William, dressed in a matching sports coat and khakis.
It was a plausibly simple style choice, but when they sat in front of the Taj Mahal, they posed as a single unit of royal blues and quintessential British image. Two individuals became one pairing and created what could be the most regal Christmas card.
As the two flitted from political galas to archery exhibits, their united image persevered but in different forms. The first day they were to be seen as royals, but the next they needed to be athletic, later intellectual, another time charity-driven or sometimes simply modest.
With each new look, no matter how different from the previous one, the duke was always styled in partnership with the duchess, or she was always dressed in tandem with him.
Normally, style-matching on vacation means you’re the family who wears the same tie-dye T-shirts to Disney World.
Naturally, a royal is more understated, almost as if the couple’s cohesiveness came as an afterthought while running out the door. But from years of experience, it didn’t look like they needed any more preparation.
Depending on the event, William and Kate needed to convey different messages, and their image adjusted accordingly. At times William had to stand out to make a point, and Kate would dutifully draw back.
At an event celebrating the United Kingdom’s friendship with Bhutan, William was sleek and dashing in a navy suit and powder blue dress shirt. His classic styling was worthy of a Kennedy pedigree, and this issued an importantly conservative statement.
But on his arm was the ultimate statement piece — Kate wearing a vibrant ruby dress. She was strong, powerful and rightfully confident, all to accent his steady nature.
At times it was Kate’s turn to make a stand. She did so in a jeweled Jenny Packham gown that draped around the shoulders and gathered at the waist. Although she never sported a sari, this was Kate’s embracing traditional Indian style with a similar silhouette and beading.
At the same event, William’s style was more Western in a simple tuxedo. He was reserved to highlight her progression, all while creating a cohesive pair.
With the amount of publicity focused on this tour, it’s obvious how much the U.K. values its relationships with other areas of the world. The finances, resources and personnel required to transport the royal family across India and Bhutan came at a high price, and not one that was paid absent-mindedly.
Consequently, if this tour sought to establish strong relationships, its number-one priority was showcasing the strongest bond between the two royals on the frontlines.
