When the British government’s plane, RAF Voyager, touched ground in Jamaica, the royal stepped out to a warm Jamaican welcome in a bright yellow dress by British fashion brand ROKSANDA.

The limited edition cheery yellow dress with architectural bodice detailing and free flowing trumpet skirt is only available for pre-order and costs $1,453. Bypassing the pre-order list was no issue for the royal though as she was welcomed to the island of Jamaica at Norman Manley International Airport.

Kate paired the elegant dress with a pair of high heels by shoe designers Aquazzura, mother of pearl earrings and a white clutch bag.

The choice of color is significant and in recent years Kate has become known for her marking of respect to her official hosts by wearing the colors of the country or organizations flag. The bright yellow color was picked up and mirrored in the fluttering Jamaican flag and royal ensign which were flown at the airport as part of the royals’ official welcome.

Kate’s colorful tributes have been highlighted in recent months as she has deployed the mark of respect on several occasions including wearing Ukrainian blue to visit humanitarian workers in London amid the Ukraine-Russian war, and also wearing Belizean blue on her arrival to that country only last week.

The start of William and Kate’s Jamaica visit has not been without issue. A protest staged in the vicinity of the British High Commission in Kingston made headlines as the couple landed, with attendees demanding the British monarchy acknowledge the island’s slavery past and to seek reparations.

The protest also follows an open letter sent to Prince William from a collective of 100 Jamaicans which read: “Your visit is part of the celebrations to mark the 70th Anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) of the coronation of your grandmother—and the 60th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence. We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because we believe her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.”

These discussions, including those regarding the removal of Queen Elizabeth II as Jamaica’s head of state, will follow the royals throughout their tour of the island which is scheduled to last until Thursday.

Following their reception at the airport, William and Kate were escorted to the British High Commission, avoiding protesters, where they were received by the governor-general, Patrick Allen, who is Queen Elizabeth II’s official representative in Jamaica.

After their official reception William and Kate made a quick change for their first visit to the cultural hub of Trench Town, the birthplace of reggae music. Here they met with England soccer player Raheem Sterling, whose charitable foundation works with partners across Jamaica, Manchester, England, and London to provide disadvantaged young people with the opportunity to break cycles of poverty.

Sterling and William have a connection through the prince’s role as president of England’s Football Association. During the engagement, William joined Sterling for a quick kick around with a local team while an amused Kate watched on. To round off their sporting tour, the couple met with members from Jamaica’s famous bobsled team who had competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

For this relaxed engagement Kate unusually wore a vintage piece. Reported by the Daily Mail, the light printed dress originates from the 1950s and was purchased from British vintage resellers Willow Hilson Vintage. The duchess has had the dress altered, making wide covering shoulder straps from a matching shawl which is a more modest design than the dress’s original spaghetti straps.

Though the Cambridge’s Caribbean tour may not be plain sailing, the couple are being widely received with positive reactions in the areas they visit and Kate’s wardrobe, closely watched as ever, provides yet another demonstrative way for the royal to pay respect and tribute to her host nation.