When it comes to travel, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has her packing routine down to a science.

Since stepping into royal duties, she has embarked on numerous overseas tours, each time ensuring she’s ready for any situation that might arise.

With her impeccable style and fashion sense, Kate is often seen as a trendsetter, and her wardrobe choices can create quite a stir, leading to what many call the “Kate effect.”

Every outfit she dons tends to fly off the shelves, highlighting her significant influence on fashion sales.

But beyond her chic ensembles, there’s a more somber aspect to her packing list.

Royal protocol requires that every member of the royal family includes a black outfit in their luggage when traveling abroad.

This precaution is taken to prepare for the unfortunate possibility of a death occurring while they are away.

Historically, this tradition has deep roots.

For instance, back in 1992, Princess Diana faced this very situation when her father, Lord Spencer, passed away while she was on a skiing trip with Prince Charles.

They were quickly photographed upon their return to the UK, both dressed in mourning attire.

Similarly, Queen Elizabeth II found herself in a bind in 1952 when she learned of her father, King George VI’s, passing while in Kenya.

At just 25 years old, she had no appropriate mourning dress and was unable to be photographed until one could be brought to her.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 further underscored the importance of this royal tradition.

Following her death, King Charles implemented a period of royal mourning, which lasted until a week after her funeral on September 19.

This mourning period was observed not only by the royal family but also extended to household staff and military personnel engaged in ceremonial duties.

As for Kate, she’s currently preparing for an upcoming secret trip abroad in February with Prince William.

The couple aims to visit military personnel to express their gratitude for their service to the nation.

While the exact location of their trip remains undisclosed for security reasons, one thing is certain: Kate will ensure that her dark outfit is packed, just as Prince William will do the same.

This thoughtful preparation reflects the weight of royal responsibilities and the traditions that accompany them.

It’s a reminder that even amidst the glamour and public appearances, there are protocols that govern royal life, especially in times of loss.

As fans of the royal family continue to follow their journey, there’s a growing curiosity about how these traditions shape their public personas.