This unique dress, a recycled piece from the 1950s, featured a vibrant combination of blue, yellow, and red stripes, reflecting her great taste and desire to experiment with classic styles. Catherine’s dress highlighted both sustainability and classic fashion, and it appears her team modified the dress by removing the thin straps and adjusting the neckline for a fresh look. This striking shift dress not only made a fashion statement but also celebrated Jamaica’s rich culture.
The bold colours of her dress stood out beautifully against the backdrop of Trenchtown, where she and Prince William visited the birthplace of music legend Bob Marley and interacted with the local community. She paired her shift dress with stylish open-toe raffia Impulse pumps by Rosella and Bromley. The Italian-made shoes feature a modern block heel and leather lining, adding a contemporary twist to her classic outfit. The natural tones of the shoes complemented her outfit perfectly, creating a relaxed yet stylish look for the sunny Caribbean.
As for accessories, Catherine wore pearl drop earrings and gold hoop earrings designed by Maria Black, which she first wore during her tour of Denmark. These elegant pieces added a touch of sophistication to her casual outfit. She also wore a gold bracelet called the She Royal Cuff, created by Jamaican jeweller Londa Bailey Miller. This stainless steel bracelet celebrates local craftsmanship and demonstrates Catherine’s respect for Jamaica during her visit. During their time in Trenchtown, Catherine and Prince William immersed themselves in the local culture.
They toured areas that were significant to Bob Marley, visited the Trenchtown Cultural Grounds Museum, and played soccer with local youth. Their enthusiastic engagement demonstrated their desire to make meaningful connections with the Jamaican people. In addition to cultural activities, the couple met with local leaders to discuss community initiatives focused on youth development and education in Trenchtown. Their visit was part of a larger Caribbean tour to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and the diverse cultures of the Commonwealth.
Catherine’s appearance in Jamaica was more than just a fashion statement; it represented her evolving role as a modern royal. Her choice of a sustainable vintage dress and locally crafted jewellery reflects her awareness of the environmental impact of fashion and her support for the local economy during royal engagements. Looking ahead to 2024, royal watchers are excited about Catherine’s return to public life. Following high-profile engagements at Windsor Castle in September for her annual Christmas Carol concert, there has been much speculation about her expected return later in the year.