Executing a flawless overseas royal tour wardrobe is no small feat.
Effortlessly and elegantly switching from formal state banquets and presidential meetings to local visits - often involving a slightly humiliating activity - is a minefield. How to remain regal and approachable; fashion forward but not too showy? It takes weeks of planning.
As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge get stuck into their eight-day Caribbean visit marking Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee year, Kate - so far - is playing it safe.
Both her landing outfit, and the day two look for a visit to the Che’il Mayan Cacao Farm and Chocolate Factory in Maya Center Village, have nodded to the deep blue flag of Belize, the first island the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have visited.
Disembarking from the plane on March 19, the Duchess opted for a daytime look by royal favourite designer Jenny Packham - the woman behind many of the Duchess’ most glittering red carpet looks.
The punchy cobalt shade knee-length skirt and matching shirt was smart and unmissable as she left the aircraft and was greeted by Belize’s Prime Minister Johnny Briceno and his wife Rossana. The scalloped clutch and heels also came colour coded for the true blue look, which was unadventurous but appropriate.
The following day, the duchess ditched the formalwear and tried out a summer twist as she got more hands on in the island. The floral print Tory Burch dress hung just over the knee, and incorporated red flourishes which again nodded to the host country’s flag, proving the duchess’s commitment to sartorial diplomacy on this trip.
She swapped the sapphire earrings from day one for a pair of statement blue woven earrings by French brand Sézane that cost £55, paired with a beach ready Anya Hindmarch fan shaped straw clutch.
The look was let down by a pair of clumpy cork wedges, which have had plenty of royal summer outings in the past, and are designed by Stuart Weitzman. Nevertheless, they survived an impromptu beach dance at the Garifuna Cultural Centre.
The smiles and chocolate tastings of yesterday’s trip come after a shaky start to the Caribbean visit, as Indian Creek villagers on the island of Belize objected to the Cambridge’s arrival. Taking to the streets with signs that protested colonialism, they refused to allow their land to be used as a helicopter site for the couple.
The tour continues until March 26, when it will conclude in The Bahamas.
