Kate Middleton's Dress In New Video Has Subtle Connection To An Unexpected Royal

On Monday, September 9, 2024, Catherine, Princess of Wales, shared a heartfelt video to all social media accounts to update the public on her recent cancer diagnosis. Kate Middleton revealed that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment six months after the official announcement and is "looking forward to being back at work." The uplifting family video provides a rare glimpse into the life of Princess Kate, Prince William, and their three children, and shows the 42-year-old looking as radiant as ever with free-flowing locks and a white paisley print dress. The flowy boho ensemble is a refreshing break from her typical royal attire and may be a subtle nod to an unlikely member of the royal family: the Duchess of Sussex.

The list of Kate's favorite fashion designers clearly indicates that the princess prefers British fashion labels. However, her dress of choice for the cancer recovery news belongs to American designer Veronica Beard, who happens to be one of Meghan Markle's favorite designers. This relaxed summer dress serves as a reminder of Kate's ongoing healing journey, but it could also convey a message about the relationship between Kate and Meghan.

Meghan Markle has worn Veronica Beard designs on several occasions throughout the years. In fact, she recently donned a head-to-toe Veronica Beard ensemble in August, during her and Prince Harry's tour of Colombia. Her outfit comprised a navy, buttoned vest with matching bottoms. The designer also shared a photo of Meghan wearing one of her dresses in 2018 during a visit to the Kingdom of Tonga. Meghan was also spotted in a Veronica Beard blazer in 2016, so her love for Veronica Beard designs stems back to her pre-royalty days when she worked as an actor on the corporate drama series, "Suits."

This classy yet laid-back fashion label is certainly popular among Hollywood celebs. That said, it's not a brand that one would usually associate with the British royal family, which lends to the belief that Kate's newfound interest in this American label serves an underlying purpose. Some speculate that this dress might be Kate's indirect attempt to extend an olive branch to the estranged duchess. This isn't the first time that Meghan and Kate's fashion choices had us seeing double, but there is something to be said about both the timing and context of Kate's potential offer of peace. Is the princess attempting to reconcile her relationship with Meghan? If so, why the sudden change of heart?

Anyone who has personally dealt with chronic or serious health conditions understands that you don't always come out as the same person. Life-changing experiences leave their mark, so it's entirely possible that Kate's recovery has reminded her of the importance of family. Much has happened between Prince William and Prince Harry, which has inevitably affected the relationship between Kate and Meghan. However, Kate and Meghan don't have a clear record either, as Meghan revealed during her interview with Oprah Winfrey. In truth, the two royals may never have gotten along, but the rift between the two brothers is partly to blame.

"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," Kate shared in her recent video. "With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything." As such, it's not impossible to believe that, despite their rocky history, Kate may wish to let go of past resentments for the sake of her family.

While Prince Harry and Meghan weren't directly informed of Kate's diagnosis, they did provide a statement (via CBS News) to "wish health and healing for Kate and the family." That said, Kate must also find it in herself to forgive Harry and Meghan's latest blunder — an ill-timed teaser for the couple's next Netflix series that the streamer dropped mere hours after Kate's update video.