On Easter Sunday, Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, surprised royal watchers with a bold fashion choice — dark red nail polish. Attending the Easter Mattins service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, Catherine, who is known for her classic and understated style, added an unexpected splash of color to her ensemble. Her deep red nails stood out against her otherwise refined outfit, which included a blue Catherine Walker coat, a custom £825 pillbox hat, a matching clutch bag, and nude heels. While the royal family typically opts for neutral or clear nail shades, Catherine’s choice sparked both intrigue and admiration among fans.
For years, it has been widely believed that there were strict rules regarding the appearance of members of the Royal Family, particularly when it came to personal grooming. During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, skin-toned nail polishes were preferred, with colors such as translucent or dusky pink considered acceptable. The late Queen was reportedly not fond of brighter hues, with experts claiming that shades like hot red or bright pink were deemed improper, particularly for official occasions or during periods of mourning. William Hanson, a royal etiquette expert, previously told The Sun that such colors were not appropriate for public appearances, as they were seen as too attention-grabbing for members of the royal family.
Despite the historical precedence, Catherine’s decision to wear dark red nails at a public service has been met with mixed reactions. Some royal observers felt that her choice was a bold and refreshing break from tradition. Social media was abuzz with comments, with many expressing how surprised they were to see the Princess of Wales sporting such a vivid color. One Twitter user noted, “Royals in blue at Easter services today in Windsor. And more color than usual on Kate’s nails,” while another added, “Look at the princess’ finger nails… surprising.”
Kate has been seen with painted toe nails in open-toe shoes on occasion, but colorful nails on her fingers have been a rare sight. In contrast, Meghan Markle made headlines in 2018 when she attended the British Fashion Awards with darkly painted nails, which many experts claimed violated the Queen’s unspoken rule about nail polish. The controversy surrounding Meghan’s choice further highlighted how delicate the balance can be between royal tradition and personal expression.
Catherine’s decision to wear red nails also occurred during a bittersweet moment for the royal family. The Easter Sunday service was held just days before the second anniversary of the death of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, and marked another occasion where the royal family gathered without Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s absence, following her passing in September, has left a noticeable void in these family events, with the royal family continuing to navigate these occasions without her presence.
The Easter Sunday service saw not only the Princess of Wales and her immediate family in attendance, but also the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, as well as Zara and Mike Tindall with their daughters. The absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at this gathering was also notable. Despite the absence of some family members, the royal family’s public appearances remain a point of interest and scrutiny, with every detail being closely observed by royal fans and media alike.
The Easter service in Windsor was a poignant reminder of the ongoing changes within the royal family, particularly with King Charles III now at the helm. As royal traditions continue to evolve under his reign, Catherine’s choice to wear a bold color on her nails might be seen as a subtle but significant statement of her growing influence and individuality within the family. The royal family, often seen as the epitome of tradition, is slowly adapting to a more modern and relatable image, and Catherine’s gesture seems to reflect this shift.
As the monarchy navigates its future, moments like these — whether a splash of color on a royal’s fingertips or a change in royal etiquette — offer glimpses into the personal choices and evolving dynamics of the family. With King Charles modernizing royal protocols, it’s clear that even the smallest gestures can hold meaning in shaping the future of the royal family. For Princess Catherine, her dark red nails have sparked both admiration and discussion, serving as a reminder of how the royal family continues to adapt while holding onto the values that have defined them for generations.
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