However striking the Princess of Wales looked – her fashion choice can also be seen as a clever message of diplomacy. Complimenting Queen Camilla, who was dressed in an Anna Valentine blue outfit, they were together the colours of the taegeuk symbol, which is shown on the flag of South Korea and means balance in the universe. ‘This is a powerful greeting statement, it’s a wonderful welcome colour,’ says Jules Standish, a colour expert and author of the book A Colourful Dose of Optimism. ‘There is a lovely contrast between Camilla’s serene, calming outfit and Kate’s energetic, fun and festive look.’
It is thought that this colour contrast will have been a conscious decision too. Said Cyrus, who now designs Catherine Walker after the death of his wife, the titular founder of the company, is extremely private about the conversations he has with the royals. But, in 2010 he said in an interview with The Telegraph: ‘There’s an awful lot you can get from Getty images.’
