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British Royals

Kate channels the 80s in a coat dress designed to impress at start of Nigerian State Visit

The Princess of Wales in grey and white

The Princess of Wales channelled the 1980s with her pick for the start of the Nigerian State visit to the UK but as well as making a style statement, Kate used her clothes to do some diplomatic talking.

The outfit worn by the Princess for the official welcome for President Bola Tinubu is by a British Nigerian designer, Tolu Coker.

The grey and cream double breasted coat dress has an immediate 80s vibe from the front which is ramped up by the corset detail on the back.

This is the second royal seal of approval for rising star, Tolu Coker. Last month, King Charles watched a catwalk show of her designs during a visit to London Fashion Week.

The Princess of Wales talks to the First Lady of Nigeria
Royal Family Channel You Tube still/ fair use

Her clothes are already in big demand with Traitors star, Cat Burns, choosing a design for the recent Brit awards.

And her clothes are also environmentally conscious. She previously told an interview for the London College of Fashion that ”as well as challenging traditional perceptions of luxury, I actively address fashion’s significant contribution to global waste and pollution.”

Kate chose the striking design for the official welcome that kicked off the Nigerian State Visit by President and Mrs Tinubu. This is the first State Visit by a Nigerian President in 37 years.

The Princess of Wales wears a grey and white double breasted coat dress
The Prince and Princess of Wales played a major role at the start of the State Visit
(Kensington Palace)

Along with Prince William, Kate met the President and his wife to accompany them to the ceremonial welcome in Windsor Great Park. There, King Charles and Queen Camilla took over hosting duties, introducing their visitors to dignitaries and then enjoying a coach procession alongside them.

King Charles and President Tinubu rode in the Australian State Coach while Queen Camilla and Mrs Tinubu were in the Scottish State Coach. The Prince and Princess of Wales took the Irish State Coach.

It’s been a busy start to the week for William and Kate. On St. Patrick’s Day, the Princess of Wales presented shamrocks to the Irish Guards. Prince William surprised BBC Radio 1 DJ, Greg James, by joining him for part of his epic cross country bike challenge in support of Comic Relief. 

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.