Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla’s Rare Christmas Fashion Moment: The Meaning Behind Their Matching Green

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

On Dec. 25, the Princess of Wales, 42, and the Queen, 77, both wore deep green coats with coordinating hats for a morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate, where the British royals have celebrated Christmas for generations. It was a rare matching moment for Princess Kate and Queen Camilla, who each completed their looks with black gloves, boots and handbags.

It’s rare to see spot-on color coordination between the Princess of Wales and the Queen, who normally opt for different hues at public-facing events.

Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla, Prince William, King Charles and more royals walk to church at Sandringham on Dec. 25, 2024.Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

Though Princess Kate has only appeared in public a handful of times this year after undergoingtreatment for cancerand completingchemotherapy treatment, her matching moment with Queen Camilla was no Christmas coincidence. The royal family carefully coordinates their outfits ahead of important public appearances and the women’s matching moment was a show of family unity.

Kate also coordinated with her husband,Prince William, and children,Prince George, 11,Princess Charlotte, 9, andPrince Louis, 6, in alternating shades of green and blue.

Kate Middleton, Prince Louis, Queen Camilla, Prince William and King Charles walk to church at Sandringham on Dec. 25, 2024.OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty

OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty

“Although the King is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment. As a result William has been taking on more responsibilities, and he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they would have expected,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE about the Prince and Princess of Wales' year unlike any other.

“There’s a sense of calm before the storm. They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives, and of course, Kate’s health has taken priority, but it’s also allowed everyone to take a step back and figure out what’s important right now,” an insider says.

King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on Dec. 25, 2024.OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty

The transition to the throne will inevitably come, though it remains complex and carefully considered.

“It is something the institution is always mindful of,” a close source says of how plans are frequently updated."‘It is an institutional preparedness."

“Their circumstances will eventually change. Given what the future holds, it would be very sensible to build back slowly and prioritize family time,” the source adds.

Friends and sources say Princess Kate’s experience has reframed both at home and in her approach to royal duties, and that she is putting family first.

Kate Middleton at Sandringham on Dec. 25, 2024.OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty

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“Life-threatening illnesses bring a reconsideration of priorities. She and William have always made it clear that family is the most important thing,” a source close to the royal household says.

Looking ahead, she will resume more public-facing duties when she’s ready and her doctors give the green light.

A second source close to the household says, “She has to get back on top of it. And she will if she is left alone to work it out for herself.”

Step inside the royals’ holiday traditions with PEOPLE’s Special Edition:Christmas at the Palace: A Royal Family Album.

source: people.com