Kate Middleton Revives the Prince of Wales Check Pattern in Suzannah London

The Princess of Wales attended the installation of Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.

Kate Middleton married the past and present with her latest Suzannah London look at the official installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday at Canterbury Cathedral in the United Kingdom.

The Princess of Wales favored black and white styling with her Suzannah London coat, a streamlined piece designed with the Prince of Wales check pattern. Middleton has worn this long-standing pattern in the past with looks by Catherine Walker, among others.

Kate Middleton Getty Images

Rooted in the British royal family‘s early 20th century history, the pattern was popularized by King Edward VII during his time as Prince of Wales — King Edward VII abdicated the throne to his brother King George VI, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s father and King Charles III’s grandfather.

Other members of the British royal family, including King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, also incorporated the pattern into their royal wardrobes in the past. The streamlined Suzannah London coat added standout elements to the pattern, with defined lapels and collar as well as black buttons.

Kate Middleton Getty Images

Along with the Suzannah London coat, the Princess of Wales augmented the black and white color theme of her attire with a houndstooth straw hat by Juliette Millinery and black pointed-toe pumps by Ralph Lauren.

Middleton carried a Chanel bag and capped off her look with cluster pearl stud earrings from British-based fine jewelry label Cassandra Goad.

Kate Middleton Getty Images

Wednesday marked Sarah Mullally’s formal installation as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury during a service marking the start of her public ministry. Along with senior members of the British royal family, the prime minister, and other dignitaries were more than 2,000 guests attending the service, including faith leaders, school children and health care workers, among others.

Mullally, who worked as a nurse before she was ordained, is the first woman to be appointed leader of the Church of England.