Eagle-eyed royal fans spot Kate Middleton’s sneaky outfit change during Qatar state visit – here’s why it happened

PRINCESS Kate delighted royal fans as she returned to duties today welcoming Qatar's Royal Family for a two-day state visit. 

Eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that the Princess of Wales, 42, made a sneaky outfit change during the outing - but did you spot it?

One royal wrote: “Don't miss the detail!! To join the rest of the Royal Family for the visit of the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery, Princess Catherine has changed her boots into a pair of burgundy stiletto heels.”

The Princess of Wales was snapped beaming with doting husband Wills by her side as they welcomed Amir Sheikh Tamim and his wife Sheikha Jawaher.

Arriving by carriage, and dressed to combat the cold, Catherine, Princess of Wales, opted for a chic all-burgundy outfit.

Comprised of items she already had in her closet, she opted for her go-to favourite Alexander McQueen coat, which she teamed with leather gloves.

But it was her knee-high Gianvito Rossi boots that grabbed attention.

Fashion expert Amber Graafland told Fabulous: “Joining the rest of the Royal Family at the  Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery, and safely inside and out of the cold, Kate swapped her boots for a pair of elegant £650 Gianvito Rossi 'Gianvito 105' Pumps in Royale Burgundy Suede. 

“Kate has long been a fan of the Italian footwear designer and was first spotted in a pair of their pumps in 2015. 

“Owning several pairs in different colours, this timeless stiletto heel court has become one of her style signatures. 

“This simple shoe change transformed her outfit, taking it from day through to evening, and adding a more feminine edge.”

Royal fans approved of the subtle switch, with one saying: “Both perfect, the one for outside the other for indoor.”

Another added: “Boots for outdoors and heels for indoors, but if I am forced to say which one looks better regardless I would say the heels.”

It wasn’t the only part of her outfit which grabbed attention.

Princess Kate also paid a touching tribute to the late Queen.

Kate's sweet nod

In a sweet nod to Elizabeth II, the Princess of Wales wore one of her diamond and pearl necklaces.

It was the third time Kate made the heartfelt decision to pair the jewellery with her outfit.

The second time was when she wore it in memory of Queen Elizabeth at her funeral.

Kate first wore the breathtaking choker to Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021, adding a set of matching pearl drop earrings, which belonged to The Queen's collection too.

The choker-style necklace is a four strand diamond and pearl piece.

The Queen was pictured wearing the lavish accessory multiple times including at events such as state banquets.

While The Queen often wore the priceless necklace during the 1980s, she loaned the four-strand choker to Princess Diana for a state banquet in the Netherlands in 1982.

Kate's Christmas legacy

Later this week on Friday, the Princess of Wales will hold her Together At Christmas concert in Westminster Abbey. 

She will attend with Prince William, their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and other members of the royal family. 

Palace aides have said the service will “provide a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.

It is expected to be extra special and poignant given Kate’s own struggles this year with cancer.