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    1. Style

    This is why Kate Middleton always wears white at christenings

    Penny Goldstone's avatar
    By Penny Goldstone
    Published 9 July 2018 In News

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    The Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear an Alexander McQueen outfit for the christening of Prince Louis today at the Chapel Royal at St James' Palace in London.

    It's a nice nod to the christenings of Prince George in 2013, and Princess Charlotte in 2015, as she also opted for Sarah Burton designs then, in a similar shade of cream.

    A photo posted by on

    This time round, the dress featured a simple v neck and slightly padded shoulders, and was nipped in at the waist, with a flared skirt.

    She accessorised with a 1940s style hat by Jane Taylor and pearl cluster earrings in the shape of a flower.

    Kate Middleton

    Kate Middleton at Prince George's christening in 2013, wearing Alexander McQueen

    While there's no Royal etiquette rule that says what the mother of the baby can and can't wear to Christenings, Kate has carried on this little tradition herself.

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    First off, wearing cream matches the Royal Christening Robe, which is a replica of the fine Honiton lace gown made in 1841 for the christening of Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Victoria, Princess Royal.

    The original gown was subsequently worn for all Royal christenings, including The Queen, her children and her grandchildren, until the youngest of The Queen's eight grandchildren, James, Viscount Severn.

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    The family were photographed together for the first time

    The Duchess of Cambridge also wore a cream Alexander McQueen dress for Princess Charlotte's christening in 2015

    Secondly, there is the connotation of the colour, which often represents purity, innocence and new beginnings - very apt for a christening.

    But there might be another significant detail in Kate's outfit this time round: the fact that she wore floral pearl earrings. You see Princess Diana's favourite flower was a white rose, and while the shape is more that of a daisy than a rose, it could be a subtle nod to the late Royal, who never got the chance to meet her grandchildren.

    Penny Goldstone
    Penny Goldstone
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    Contributing Fashion Editor

    Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

    She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

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