The Princess of Wales made a stunning appearance at the Royal Variety Performance held at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday, marking an important step in her re-emergence into public engagements.

Throughout her royal journey, Kate Middleton has mastered the art of accessible fashion and harnessed the influence of color psychology, often communicating subtle messages through her attire. Her choice of a dark green velvet gown by Talbot Runhof was a testament to this skill.

This season, green is not just a trendy color; it carries profound significance. Whether in shades like jade or emerald, or Middleton’s selected deep tone, green symbolizes renewal and growth, drawing inspiration from its ties to the natural environment.

Color psychologist Jules Standish sheds light on the hue’s effects, stating, “Green, as a wavelength, is inherently soothing to the eye, maintaining a sense of calm. It represents the heart center, conveying warmth and empathy, perfectly reflecting Kate’s amiable and compassionate nature.”

Additionally, green is often linked to the pursuit of good fortune. For the Princess of Wales, gradually resuming her royal responsibilities after a year of recovery, the color gains a fresh dimension.

Radiant at the Royal Variety Performance Kate showcased her love of green in a figure-hugging Talbot Runhof velvet gown that featured a subtle mermaid skirt and plunging neckline with cape sleeves

Kate teamed the green gown with the Greville Chandelier Earrings, a historic pair from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection

During a St David’s Day celebration walkabout in Wales in 2022, Kate was asked about her favorite color. Clad in a green Sportmax coat, she replied, “It’s what I’m wearing. Do you know why? It’s because it reminds me of nature.”

That fondness has not dimmed, if anything, in 2025 it has intensified. This year alone, the princess has stepped out in a kaleidoscope of green ensembles, each more symbolic, more polished and more confidently worn than the last.

Her Royal Variety appearance merely underlined a pattern that has defined her public re-emergence. Kate is choosing green not by accident, but with purpose, wrapping herself in both symbolism and reassurance.

“Green is the colour of new beginnings and growth, we relate it to the nature in spring and the grass growing,” continues Standish. “It is soothing, calming and nurturing of wellbeing, and Kate uses this colour in a positive way for herself and to project positivity to others.”

But this was not the first time green has taken centre stage in her wardrobe this year. One of Kate’s standout daytime looks of 2025 remains the olive green Victoria Beckham trouser suit, a piece she has already worn twice this year.

Colour expert Standish explains that olive is a creative and intuitive colour. “The colour is compassionate and gentle towards others. It’s slightly different as it has the warmer yellow tones which give a sense of adventure, showing that Kate is embracing new experiences.”

Taken together, these appearances form more than a simple style streak. They reveal a woman using colour strategically and almost therapeutically, since green is widely regarded as one of the most stabilising hues in the spectrum.

 The Princess of Wales went green in a monochrome sartorial statement with warm tones of olive, choosing a Victoria Beckham suit layered over a matching sweater to visit Home-Start in Oxford in October 2025

Stepping out with Melania Trump in September, Kate looked at one with nature in her olive ME+EM suede jacket and green patterned scarf from Sudbury Mill

Leaning into green for a visit to Northern Ireland in October, Kate chose a long, military-style coat by Alexander McQueen. In a deep, Irish-inspired green with structured shoulders and a high collar, she rewore a favourite that had previously been seen for Christmas in 2022

“Scientific studies have suggested it can reduce stress, lower heart rates and evoke feelings of safety and restoration,” explains Standish. “It is no coincidence that Kate, renowned for her poised public presence, gravitates to a colour that signals both control and calmness.”

“Gone are the occasional sharp citrines or fashion-forward chartreuses. In their place are rich, grounding shades of olive, forest, emerald and moss. These are shades that feel grown-up, rooted and serene, chosen by a woman who knows her palette, knows her position and knows how to use clothing to communicate without ever uttering a word.”

This new era of green dressing also has another dimension, one of quiet support. Green is famously a colour associated with encouragement and reassurance. For a princess who has spent the past year balancing personal recovery with public expectation, wearing a colour steeped in positivity feels like a carefully considered decision. And as she walked beside William at the Royal Variety Performance, the symbolism of that supportive shade was unmistakable.