Kate Middleton returns to royal duties in monochromatic burgundy and Queen Elizabeth’s pearls

Kate Middleton is back in burgundy.

On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales, 42, emerged from a long absence from royal duties while battling cancer wearing the symbolic deep red color from head to toe and some special jewels.

She was joined by Prince William, also 42, at a welcome event for the Emir of Qatar, who is spending the next two days in the U.K. The pair matched, with the prince choosing a burgundy tie, mirroring the country’s flag colors.

Middleton wore a sharply tailored Alexander McQueen coatdress with a Sahar Millinery drop beret hat, Cornelia James gloves ($188) and knee-high Gianvito Rossi leather boots.

She carried a burgundy Chanel top-handle purse for the Ceremonial Welcome at Horse Guards Parade.

In addition to her meaningful color choice, the princess wore the Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker, which has a long, rich history in the royal family as it was once owned by Queen Elizabeth II.

According to The Court Jeweller, the necklace is “reportedly a gift from the Japanese government, possibly acquired during the 1980s, when she made a state visit to that nation.”

The late Princess Diana, too, styled the sentimental piece for royal duties in the ’90s.

Middleton has been seen in the sentimental piece at past royal affairs, including both Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in 2021 as well as the 2022 funeral for Queen Elizabeth II.

For the ceremony this morning, Middleton paired the meaningful piece with her beloved Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings, which were also passed down from the queen.

Kate has worn the drop earrings countless times in the past and are certainly among some of her favorite pieces of jewelry.

During the ceremony, the couple welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his first of three wives, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.

The princess actually wore two outfits on Tuesday; for the indoor portion of the welcome events, Middleton swapped her outfit for a near-identical burgundy coatdress by Epione London and traded her boots for dainty Gianvito Rossi pumps.

Royal fans can expect to see more from the mom of four in the coming days.