Kamal Ghorui
In a gentle nod to the British Indian community, Catherine, Princess of Wales stepped out in Leicester on March 5 to mark Holi. The festival, loved for its riot of colours, celebrates spring, joy, and togetherness. But instead of bright hues, Kate chose something quieter. She wore white — a colour that, in many traditions linked to Holi, represents simplicity and equality. It was a subtle gesture, but one that people noticed.Her outfit leaned into that soft, understated mood. Kate wore a cream pleated midi dress from Ralph Lauren, with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt that moved easily as she walked. Over it, she layered a tailored coat by Savile Row designer Chris Kerr — not brand new, but a thoughtful rewear from her 2023 Christmas carol service. And she kept the rest simple: camel suede pumps and a matching clutch. Nothing loud, nothing flashy. Just clean, classic styling.
But the real conversation online was about her earrings. Kate chose the ‘Dina’ earrings from Sézane – gold-plated drops with blue stones and delicate beadwork. There’s something slightly handcrafted about them, and many people felt the design had a quiet connection to traditional Indian jewellery styles. Well, they did. The pair is made in India, as listed on the brand’s website! They originally retailed for around $130 (about ₹11,900) but were reportedly marked down to $50 (roughly ₹4,500) on the brand’s site. And honestly, that mix – polished tailoring with a relatively accessible accessory, is something Kate does often.
Social media noticed almost immediately. After British Vogue shared photos from the visit on Instagram, the comments started rolling in. One person wrote that she looked “stunning in white” and loved the rose garland she received. Someone else pointed straight to the jewellery, calling the earrings a perfect choice for the occasion. Others kept it simple: admiration for how she always seems to get the balance right.And then there was a lovely moment when she arrived at the Aakash Odedra Company. She was welcomed with a traditional mala made of fresh red roses and pearls. The deep red blooms sat against her ivory coat and suddenly the whole look came alive. It was a small splash of colour, but it felt fitting for Holi – graceful, respectful, and just a little celebratory.
