At the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London on March 9, 2020, Catherine, Princess of Wales (then Duchess of Cambridge), showcased a coordinated burgundy ensemble built around one of her most frequently worn footwear choices: suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
While Kate opted for rich tonal dressing from head to toe, Meghan Markle chose neutral Aquazzura pumps for the same service, illustrating two distinct approaches to royal event footwear.
Kate’s berry-red ensemble balanced regal formality with modern restraint, pairing a custom Catherine Walker coatdress with carefully coordinated accessories
Her custom Catherine Walker coatdress, matching Sally-Ann Provan hat, and Bordeaux suede pumps formed a carefully coordinated berry-toned palette.
The addition of a burgundy velvet Prada clutch, matching gloves, and ruby-and-diamond Mouawad earrings reinforced the monochromatic effect, demonstrating how thoughtfully chosen accessories can make familiar pieces feel fresh rather than repetitive.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020, in London, England (Credit: Instar / WENN / Phil Lewis)
The appearance also highlighted her long-standing habit of rewearing well-made wardrobe staples. Kate had previously worn the Catherine Walker coat for a Christmas Day church service, pairing it once again with coordinating accessories and understated footwear.
Stepping from her car, Kate offered a closer look at the sharply pointed pumps that brought elegance and structure to the tailored silhouette
The footwear choice was equally characteristic. Rather than opting for a trend-driven heel, Kate relied on one of the silhouettes most closely associated with her public wardrobe.
The sharply pointed pumps complemented the structured tailoring of the coatdress while providing the understated elegance that has defined many of her most successful royal appearances.
The deep wine-colored suede heels added subtle texture to the outfit while creating the long, uninterrupted line that has become a hallmark of her formal dressing
The Commonwealth Day appearance was one of several high-profile engagements during early 2020 in which Kate relied on practical, familiar footwear.
One month earlier, she visited the RNLI lifeboat station on Mumbles Pier in Swansea, Wales, wearing Stuart Weitzman for Russell and Bromley Half N Half boots with a Zara midi dress, a Hobbs Bianca coat, and a Mulberry Darley clutch.
Kate layered a navy Hobbs coat over a vibrant red Zara dress, finishing the look with a matching Mulberry clutch and knee-high suede boots for the windswept visit to Swansea on February 4, 2020
At the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards, Kate stunned in a white and gold floor-length Alexander McQueen gown embroidered with gold Malaysian hibiscus flowers, Jimmy Choo’s Romy shoes, an Anya Hindmarch clutch, and a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace and matching earrings.
Kate paired an embroidered Alexander McQueen gown with glittering Jimmy Choo pumps, proving that subtle metallic accessories can have just as much impact as a statement red-carpet dress on February 2, 2020, in London
The Commonwealth Day Service was one of the final major royal engagements attended by both the Cambridges and the Sussexes before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back as senior working royals.
Why Gianvito Rossi Remains a Royal Wardrobe Staple
While the Commonwealth Day Service is remembered for its significance within the modern royal family’s history, it also offered another clear example of Catherine’s long-standing approach to footwear. Rather than chasing seasonal trends, she relied on a familiar pair of Gianvito Rossi pumps—an elegant, sharply pointed silhouette she has returned to repeatedly for public engagements, ceremonial events, and formal appearances.
From Wimbledon and Royal Ascot to Christmas services and international tours, Gianvito Rossi designs have become a consistent element of Catherine’s wardrobe. The enduring appeal lies in their versatility: refined enough for state occasions, understated enough to complement rather than compete with a carefully tailored outfit.
👠 Explore Catherine’s Gianvito Rossi Shoe Moments:
- 📏 Standing at 5ft 8¾ (174.6 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 8.5–9, Catherine often turns to sleek pointed-toe heels from Gianvito Rossi for polished royal appearances.
- 🤍 Her Garter Day return in a white Self-Portrait dress, finished with beige suede Gianvito Rossi pumps and a Strathberry chain wallet.
- 🎾 Catherine’s cream Self-Portrait look at Wimbledon, styled with nude Gianvito Rossi Ribbon slingback pumps for a softer summer take on royal courtside dressing.
- 👠 Why Gianvito Rossi suede pumps became one of Kate’s most repeated shoe choices, from olive and praline pairs to classic royal engagement styling.
- 🏇 Her Royal Ascot debut in white lace Dolce & Gabbana, grounded by praline suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
- 🍁 Catherine’s red Preen dress during the Royal Canadian Tour, completed with matching red Gianvito Rossi suede pumps and Queen Elizabeth’s maple leaf brooch.
- 🎄 Her Sandringham Christmas service look, where bespoke Gianvito Rossi knee-high suede boots gave a winter-ready finish to her green Alexander McQueen coat.