IN IVORY, SOMBRE KATE STRIKES RIGHT NOTE

CHOOSING an ensemble for such a poignant event is a sartorial balancing act. The Duchess of Cambridge has to avoid a fashion statement that will thrust her too far into the limelight — while still dressing to display the dignity and regal stature her presence demands.

Her solution? A single block colour with subtly co-ordinated accessories – an elegant, understated outfit that perfectly suited the mood.

She turned to a favourite Alexander McQueen ivory coat dress with flyaway lapels and a covered button placket, first worn for Princess Charlotte’s christening two years ago.

In Flanders yesterday, Kate accessorised it with oversized pearl earrings and a matching lapel brooch that secured a poppy.

The most eye-catching part of her outfit was an ivory flying saucer-style hat by Lock & Co, previously worn for Trooping the Colour in 2015.

The Marisabel style, designed by Sylvia Fletcher, is crafted from a stiff sinamay millinery straw and features two curled plumes. Smart but not showy, it is designed to perch asymmetrically over the brow, and would be secured with hat pins to ensure it stays in place.

With her newly-trimmed hair styled in the neat chignon at the nape of her neck that she favours for formal occasions, the duchess carried off the outfit with aplomb, without detracting from the formality of such a sombre event.