Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, recently stepped out in Southport on September 23, 2025, alongside Prince William to show support for the local community following a tragic incident in which three children lost their lives at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July 2024. This marked the couple’s second visit to the town, reaffirming their commitment to honoring the families, children, and first responders affected by the tragedy. For this outing, Kate wore a sentimental outfit, featuring a steel gray coat from Jigsaw, the fashion brand where she worked after graduating from the University of St. Andrews.


Kate’s connection to Jigsaw is particularly personal, as she worked there in 2006 after completing her degree in the History of Art at St. Andrews. At the time, she worked part-time as an accessories buyer and spent several days a week at the brand’s London office. The gray coat she wore during the Southport visit is the Maxi City Coat from Jigsaw, a stylish and versatile piece that currently retails for $525, though Kate’s specific shade is no longer available.
In a 2008 interview with the Evening Standard, Jigsaw’s founder, Belle Robinson, recalled Kate as being mature for her age and down-to-earth. “She sat in the kitchen at lunchtime and chatted with everyone from the van drivers to the account girls. She wasn’t precious,” Robinson shared, highlighting Kate’s approachable nature during her time at the company.

Kate’s career at Jigsaw was relatively short-lived, as she left in 2007 to work for her family’s business, Party Pieces. The following year, she became engaged to Prince William, marking a significant turning point in her life. Since then, she has continued to support the brand, incorporating pieces from Jigsaw into her royal wardrobe. One notable instance was in December 2024 when she wore a bow from Jigsaw to refresh a red Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen coat for the Together at Christmas carol service. This demonstrated how Kate creatively incorporated accessories to breathe new life into her existing outfits.

Kate’s continued connection to Jigsaw reflects her down-to-earth persona and her ability to maintain meaningful ties to her past, even as she carries out her royal duties. The Princess of Wales remains a symbol of grace and relatability, seamlessly blending her personal history with her royal role.
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