Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (R) sits by the The Imperial State Crown (L) in the House of Lords Chamber, during the State Opening of Parliament, in the Houses of Parliament, in London, on May 10, 2022. – The 96-year-old monarch, who usually presides over the pomp-filled event and reads out her government’s legislative programme from a gilded throne in the House of Lords, will skip the annual showpiece on her doctors’ advice. (Photo by Ben Stansall / POOL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The coronation of King Charles III, set to take place on May 6, is just around the corner. And though many are preoccupied with the guest list, we’re mostly interested in one thing: the outfits.

A momentous occasion for the royal family, the ceremony will mark Charles, the former Prince of Wales’ ascension to the throne following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Being a significant event, notable figures from all around the world will gather to observe his official coronation.

As with any royal affair, attire is of the utmost importance, particularly for a historical event like this that is steeped in politics. This year, however, is already breaking tradition for its dress code, with requests from Buckingham Palace calling for a more toned-down approach.

In the past, it’s been customary for members of the British aristocracy to wear specific robes that are red and feature ermine fur trims. Dukes, coronets and discounts are also Coronets have also been expected to wear ceremonial attire according to titles and peerage. But as recent reports have revealed, the royal family has requested guests “dress down” for the coronation, switching out their formal robes for “standard business attire.”

King Charles coronation dress code Kate Middleton Prince Harry
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 10: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

While this would be a departure from how past coronations have worked since the 15th century, the change has been made to respond to the ongoing cost of living crisis. To avoid excessive displays of wealth in light of the public’s changing attitudes towards the monarchy, outfits must “match the atmosphere of the pared-back ceremony.”

But of course, since the news came out that Meghan Markle will not be in attendance due to ongoing conflicts with the rest of the royal family and the coronation date coinciding with Archie’s birthday, all eyes will be on Kate Middleton — and the Princess may have just given us a major clue as to what she’ll be wearing.

What will Kate Middleton wear to the coronation?

Kate Middleton coronation outfit
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 14: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14, 2022 in London, England. The Commonwealth represents a global network of 54 countries with a combined population of 2.4 billion people, of which 60 percent are under 30 years old. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

During a trip to Birmingham, England, with her husband, Prince William, Middleton spoke to ITV host Alison Hammond about the upcoming coronation and gave her an insight into the look she’s chosen.

Recalling the pair’s conversation, the presenter said she asked the princess what she planned to wear to the highly-anticipated ceremony.

“I said to her, ‘I’m feeling like you’re gonna wear blue,’” she told the princess. “She was like, ‘There is a hint of blue,’ Hammond recalled.

As any keen follower of the royal’s style will know, blue is a go-to hue for Middleton. And if our instincts are correct, we suspect that the look will pair perfectly with the sapphire jewels handed down from her late mother-in-law Princess Diana.