From the day Princess Catherine, now the Princess of Wales, stepped out of the car in her stunning Alexander McQueen wedding gown, it was clear that she had a natural ability to shine in white. Not everyone can pull off this shade, but Catherine has always looked radiant in it, making it a signature color in her style repertoire.

One memorable moment came during her visit to Poland, where she attended a birthday party for Queen Elizabeth II at the Orangery in Warsaw’s Łazienki Park.

For the occasion, Catherine took a bold sartorial step, wearing a bespoke white dress by Polish designer Gosia Baczyńska. The dress, with its edgy pleated skirt and black jagged details at the bottom, was a departure from Catherine’s typical wardrobe choices.

The floral appliqué at the waist added a playful yet elegant touch, and she completed the look with oversized pearl earrings and a matching necklace.

This modern and daring outfit demonstrated the Duchess’s willingness to experiment with her fashion choices, especially as she continues to embrace more avant-garde styles in recent years.

However, as much as Catherine’s fashion choices tend to steal the show, her demeanor during the trip to Poland also attracted attention. As she and Prince William were photographed leaving their residence for the garden party, both appeared less than cheerful. Catherine, who had been all smiles earlier in the day, seemed noticeably more reserved. Some royal watchers speculated that a possible disagreement between the couple may have contributed to their more somber expressions. While Catherine eventually managed a faint smile for the cameras, William also looked eager to move on, sporting a serious expression as they stepped into their waiting car.

This wasn’t the first time Catherine’s facial expressions drew attention during royal engagements. At a Buckingham Palace banquet, she was photographed with a distant expression while wearing a tiara famously loved by Princess Diana. Some suggested that her reflective demeanor was a subtle tribute to Diana, as the 20th anniversary of her death approached. In a way, her serious expression might have been a respectful nod to the memory of her late mother-in-law, especially while donning the sparkling jewels that Diana had made iconic.

The Polish state visit wasn’t all about fashion and serious moments, though. Catherine and William were also gifted several thoughtful presents, including a sword from the Polish president and his wife, which they humorously remarked they’d have to keep away from their son, Prince George. In return, the royal couple presented the Polish hosts with a coffee table book about London’s palaces and a photograph of themselves. These lighthearted exchanges highlighted the warmth and charm that Catherine and William often bring to their royal duties.

Despite the couple’s seemingly fairy-tale life—having married in a grand royal wedding in 2011 and now raising their three children—there have been bumps in their relationship along the way. Notably, they experienced a brief breakup in 2007. During this separation, William embarked on a boys-only sailing trip with his friend Guy Pelly, an acquaintance whom Catherine reportedly didn’t trust. She was said to be particularly upset when she learned that Pelly had hired an all-female crew for the trip, deepening her frustrations. Catherine, in response, retreated to her family home in Berkshire to process the situation and spend time with her family.

While these challenges tested their relationship, Catherine and William managed to navigate through them, emerging stronger and more committed than ever. Today, they are celebrated as a symbol of stability within the royal family, balancing their public roles with a close-knit family life. Their enduring bond, alongside Catherine’s evolving style and her steadfast support for William, has only deepened the public’s admiration for the couple.