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Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on April 09, 2023 in Windsor, England wearing a blue Catherine Walker coat.

Princess Kate breaks royal protocol with the boldest outfit we never expected

The Princess of Wales' style was unmatched on Sunday - but did you spot her nails?

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Georgia Brown
Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
Updated: April 9, 2023
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The Princess of Wales looked poised and elegant as she brought the sunshine on Easter Sunday, cutting an elegant figure in a sapphire-hued coat dress to attend the Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor.

Princess Kate, 41, was joined by her husband Prince William, 40, and their three children Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and little Prince Louis, four. The royal looked radiant as ever in her figure-skimming 'Mayfair' number, dressing for the spring sunshine in one of her favourite designers, Catherine Walker

WATCH: Kate Middleton's best outfits over the past ten years

The royal mother-of-three styled her chocolate brown tresses in elegant tumbling curls beneath an electric blue pillbox hat from Lock & Co., elevating her natural beauty with a rosy blush, bronze eye shadow and a soft pink lip. 

Princess Kate's unrivalled style is rarely complete without a perfectly coordinated set of accessories, of which the glamorous royal wore sapphire and pearl drop earrings set in a gold clasp, along with her iconic diamond and sapphire engagement ring, which formerly belonged to Princess Diana. 

Prince Louis made his Easter debut© Getty
Prince Louis made his Easter debut beside his mother the Princess of Wales

All eyes, however, were on the Princess of Wales' immaculate red manicure. According to royal etiquette, fake nails or brightly-coloured nails are reportedly not appropriate for public appearances.

Never one to put a foot out of line, the royal rarely deviates from royal rules and regulations. So, fans were somewhat surprised to see Kate test her limits with a daring scarlet manicure.

The Princess of Wales surprised with a red manicure

READ MORE: Chic royal manicures! From Kate Middleton's neat neutrals to Meghan Markle's statement dark polish

Her daughter, Princess Charlotte, followed in her mother's sartorial footsteps, looking adorable in a smart floral dress from Rachel Riley and pastel blue tights. Prince George and Prince Louis looked equally smart in matching navy suit jackets. 

Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Catharine, Princess of Wales attend the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2023 in Windsor, England.

It's not the first time the Princess has stepped out in the bold and beautiful cobalt number. Last year, the then-Duchess of Cambridge wore the brilliant blue ensemble to attend the Commonwealth Day Service with her husband Prince William. 

Easter is no doubt a bittersweet celebration for the royal family this year, who are marking the first since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as the second anniversary of Prince Phillip's death. 

Traditionally, the late Queen Elizabeth II would host her family for lunch at her home in Windsor, with the royals later stepping out to attend the church service at St George's Chapel.

MORE: Princess Kate's most shocking fashion mishaps she handled like a queen

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