In 2023, Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a striking fashion statement at the Wimbledon finals by choosing elegant green ensembles on both Saturday and Sunday, subtly aligning her outfits with a deeper message of tradition, feminism, and visual symbolism. Her wardrobe choices not only paid homage to the tournament’s heritage but also conveyed a thoughtful and contemporary message.
Green, a color deeply tied to Wimbledon’s branding, played a central role in her weekend appearances. Alongside purple, green has served as one of Wimbledon’s official colors for more than a century. This particular color pairing replaced a previous palette of blue, yellow, red, and green. The earlier combination was eventually set aside when organizers realized it too closely resembled the colors of the Royal Marines.
Around the same time, Wimbledon was transitioning from a quintessential English summer pastime to an increasingly global sporting event. It was then that tournament officials decided to refresh the brand, and the new color scheme of purple and green was introduced. Each color carried its own significance—green symbolizing nature, health, vitality, and the outdoors, much like tennis itself, while purple evoked regality, sophistication, and exclusivity. This unique pairing came to define the essence of Wimbledon, encapsulating both the elite traditions of the sport and its wholesome image.
Alongside purple and green, white is another essential color closely associated with Wimbledon. Players are famously required by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) to wear white. This dress code traces back to the 19th century, when tennis first gained popularity and visible perspiration was considered improper. White clothing, it was discovered, masked sweat more effectively than other colors, thereby reinforcing the image of refinement and decorum expected at the event.
Interestingly, some fashion historians believe that green, white, and violet also hold historical feminist significance. These three colors were used by the suffragette movement, with the initials G, W, and V interpreted as an acronym for “Give Women Votes.” In this light, Catherine’s choice of green might not only be a nod to Wimbledon tradition but could also subtly resonate with the legacy of women’s empowerment.
On the first day of the final weekend, Catherine presented the women’s singles trophy to Czech player Markéta Vondroušová. For the occasion, she wore a pastel green midi dress by Self-Portrait that blended formality with a summery lightness. The dress featured a short-sleeved, blazer-style bodice with a boucle texture and a pleated chiffon skirt. She accessorized the look with nude suede pumps by Gianvito Rossi and a white chain clutch from Emmy London.
Finishing touches included oversized sunglasses by Victoria Beckham and pearl stud earrings by Cassandra Goad. Pinned to her lapel was a distinctive purple bowtie brooch, a detail that symbolized her role as patron of the All England Club—a position that grants her the privilege of wearing this specific accessory. She had worn it earlier during the tournament’s second day as well, underscoring her consistent support for the event and its traditions.
On Sunday, for the men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, the Princess of Wales brought along her husband, Prince William, and their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, turning the event into a royal family outing.
For this occasion, she chose a darker emerald green midi dress by Roland Mouret. The dress was distinguished by a dramatic asymmetrical ruffle detail along one shoulder, offering a modern and refined silhouette. She carried the same white Emmy London clutch from the previous day and completed the look with another pair of Gianvito Rossi heels. Her accessories included elegant drop earrings from Milina London and a gold bangle by jeweler Alighieri.
Through her thoughtful and cohesive fashion choices across both days, Catherine skillfully balanced style, symbolism, and tradition. Whether intentionally or not, her use of green—not just as a fashionable choice but as a color rich in historical and cultural meaning—reflected her understanding of the event’s heritage while possibly hinting at broader themes of strength and femininity. Her wardrobe during Wimbledon 2023 was more than just a set of outfits; it was a quiet, graceful statement.