Things we learnt from Kate Middleton wearing the Pantone Colour of the Year
At the beginning of December the Pantone Colour of the Year 2020 was announced, Pantone 19-4502 Classic Blue. It’s a shade that we have seen a lot of recently but we couldn’t remember why until it dawned on us - why, it’s one of Kate Middleton’s favourite ever shades!
And who can blame her? Classic blue reportedly symbolises confidence, stability and according to some experts, encourages thoughtfulness and peace. Blue is also a classic regal shade - it’s the colour of Kate’s engagement ring and the shade she chose to wear when announcing her engagement to Prince William (who can forget that slinky Issa dress?)
Classic blue is a neutral and rich shade, making it universally flattering and easy to wear for anyone - whether you’re a 5”10 brunette-haired duchess or not.
According to Pantone, the ‘classic blue’ shade is a popular choice because it’s “non-aggressive and easily relatable” and is “the trusted Classic Blue lends itself to relaxed interaction.” The deep, vivid blue shade “fosters resilience” which may be needed for Kate who is one of the most photographed women in the world and has a huge public-facing image to upkeep.
Pantone Colour Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman, said: “That dusky, midnight blue speaks of the day winding down, a time to seek refuge, to seek quiet.”
The classic blue has proven to be a staple in Kate’s royal wardrobe for a number of years - from red carpet events in India to state visits to Poland. The duchess often wears the colour in styles she knows suit her: fitted coats with nipped-in waists and midi-length dresses, continually returning to wearing the hue time and time again.
Pantone states, “As technology continues to race ahead of the human ability to process it all, it is easy to understand why we gravitate to colours that are honest and offer the promise of protection” and that seems to be the case for the royal.
If it ain’t broke why fix it?
See some of Kate Middleton’s best Pantone 2020 colour moments below...
Getty ImagesUnderstated elegance at the Imperial War Museum in October 2018.
Getty ImagesSmart and approachable for a visit at The Royal College Of Obstetricians And Gynaecologists in February 2018.
Getty ImagesModest and discerning for a trip to see the Tower Of London's Ceramic Poppy Field in August 2014.
Getty ImagesQuietly classic at a visit to Dundee in October 2015.
Getty ImagesFigure-fitting perfection a visit to the CBUK Stratford in January 2017.
Getty ImagesA peaceful cornflower shade during the Royal Tour of Poland and Germany in July 2017.
Getty ImagesBold but elegant at the Fostering Excellence Awards at BMA House in November 2015.
Getty ImagesBeautifully regal at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, India in April 2016.
Getty ImagesPerfect portions at the launch of the National Emergencies Trust at St Martin-in-the-Fields in November, 2019.
Getty ImagesPower mum at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in July, 2016.
Getty ImagesCalm and polished during a visit to Pakistan in October 2019.
Getty ImagesChic maxi style at the D-Day exhibition at Bletchley Park in May 2019.
Getty ImagesSleek tailoring during to open the Ronald McDonald Evelina London House in September 2017.
