Here’s why it was significant that Kate Middleton wore Alexander McQueen yesterday

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Yesterday the Duchess of Cambridge was joined by Prince William to visit the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Stanford Hall, Loughborough.

She picked a sombre outfit for the occasion, in the form of a navy military-style jacket and skirt by Alexander McQueen. This in itself isn't unusual as she often wears the UK label since it's one of her favourites, and of course the one behind her iconic wedding dress.

What was rather significant though was the fact that yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the death of the label's founder and designer, Alexander McQueen.

(Image credit: 2020 Max Mumby/Indigo)

This might be a pure coincidence of course, but given Kate's close affiliation with the label and its current designer, Sarah Burton, I wouldn't be surprised if this was her subtle way to pay tribute.

You'll also notice she carried her clutch bag in her left hand on arrival, which royal women often do, even if they are right handed. This is all to do with royal protocol, as it leaves their right hand free to shake hands.

The Duchess was also accompanied by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall on the official visit.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.