Princess Catherines sweater has sparked a royal fashion frenzy. The familiar knit has become a symbol of significant moments sparking different reactions from netizens.
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games set hearts racing and spirits soaring, Prince William and Princess Catherine have joined the global cheer squad. They are lending their royal endorsement to Team Great Britain.
A fan comment dated on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Their heartfelt video message, however, has sparked quite a stir, blending regal support with a touch of Hollywood flair. The video kicks off with a surprise guest appearance from American rapper Snoop Dogg, who sets the stage with his signature charisma.
A screenshot of Prince William and Princess Catherine taken from a video shared on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
But the real show-stealer comes next: Catherine and William make their grand entrance. In a casual white shirt adorned with black stripes, the Princess of Wales radiates effortless elegance as she showers praise on the athletes.
“From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB!” she declared, her words brimming with pride and admiration.
A screenshot of Prince William and Princess Catherine taken from a video shared on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
William, sporting a blue polo shirt emblazoned with the Olympic rings and an unshaven beard that adds a dash of rugged charm, follows suit. “Well done on all youve achieved. Youve been an inspiration to us all,” he said, his message echoing the collective excitement of a nation.
The video, which features other British celebrities was shared across the Prince and Princess of Wales social media channels. It comes with a caption that’s just as spirited as their on-screen appearance.
Prince William and Princess Catherine attend the EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on 02 February, 2020, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
“Well done @teamgb, what an incredible journey!” they wrote. “Every athlete showed immense dedication, heart, and passion. You made us all so proud! Heres to celebrating every triumph at @paris2024 and looking forward to more from @paralympicsgb_official later in the summer.”
Team GB arrive by Eurostar into London St. Pancras International train station after competing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France on Monday August 12, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The video has ignited a fiery debate online, with some viewers scrutinizing every detail. Critics quickly honed in on the Princesss outfit, with one remarking, “Shes wearing the striped jumper AGAIN.” Another echoed this observation, noting, “And the princess is wearing that same striped shirt again…interesting.”
A fan comment dated on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Others took a closer look at Catherines appearance, with such as, “Catherine looks old and tired,” and, “Kates face looks so so different! Wow 😮.” Some even questioned, “This mark on Kates neck. Scar or AI?”
A screenshot of Prince William and Princess Catherine taken from a video shared on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Despite the buzz of criticism, the Prince and Princess of Wales have also been showered with praise. One fan noted, “HRH Princess Catherine looks beautiful & healthy. So nice to see her.” Williams rugged look didnt go unnoticed either. Fans were excited about his unshaven appearance, with one exclaiming, “William with a tan and a beard!!!! 😍”
A screenshot of Prince William and Princess Catherine taken from a video shared on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Another , “WOWWW! Im at a loss for words, I was not expecting this! so great to see you Catherine and WILLIAMS BEARD[sic]????” Yet another fan eagerly pleaded, “William please keep growing that beard!! ❤️”
A sreenshot of Catherine taken from a video posted on April 24, 2016 | Source: YouTube/@_Place2Be
Catherine has been spotted in a similar sweater before, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the current debate. In a video from April 2016, the Princess of Wales donned a similar outfit while participating in the Virgin Money London Marathon alongside William and Prince Harry.
A sreenshot of Prince Harry, Catherine and Prince William taken from a video posted on April 24, 2016 | Source: YouTube/@_Place2Be
This event, sponsored by The Royal Foundation, was part of a campaign to end the stigma surrounding mental health.
Fast forward to March of this year, and Catherine made headlines once again, this time for a more personal reason. She wore a similar sweater when she revealed, to the shock of many, that she was battling with a serious illness.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the EE British Academy Film Awards 2020 at the Royal Albert Hall on February 2, 2020, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Catherine turned to social media and revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer. The announcement, made through a profoundly emotional video message, unveiled a personal health battle within the royal family, marking a rare moment of vulnerability for the British monarchy.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales | Source: Youtube/The Mirror
The diagnosis follows what was initially deemed a successful major abdominal surgery in London in January, originally reported to address a non-cancerous condition.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales | Source: Youtube/The Mirror
However, post-operative tests unexpectedly revealed the presence of cancer, prompting an immediate commencement of preventative chemotherapy treatments for the Princess.
In her video message, Catherine expressed gratitude for the support and understanding from the public, the great care she received from her incredible medical team, and the global communitys kindness.
The news came following a public sighting of Catherine and Prince William, which showed no outward indication of the familys private struggle. Catherines candid disclosure underscored the challenges they have faced in coming to terms with the diagnosis.
This highlights the concerted effort to shield their young children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — from public scrutiny during this challenging time. The nature of Catherines cancer remains undisclosed, with Kensington Palace urging respect for the familys privacy and refraining from speculation.
A few months before announcing her cancer diagnosis, Catherine had been admitted to the hospital. She was later released and Kensington Palace released an official statement.
Kensington Palace shared an update on Princess Catherines recovery journey. The message posted to the official Instagram account of the Prince and Princess of Wales revealed Princess Catherine had returned to her home.
Princess Catherine at the Evelina Londons New Childrens Day surgery unit opening in London, England on December 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Another part of the announcement read, “The Prince and Princess wish to say a huge thank you to the entire team at The London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff, for the care they have provided.”
At the end of the statement, the Royal family expressed their deep gratitude to the countless well-wishers worldwide who prayed and sent goodwill to the Princess and her family.
