Kate Middleton has officially debuted her new baby bump — and the outfit she chose for the occasion immediately had fans of the royal family talking.
It’s no surprise that the Duchess of Cambridge’s latest fashion choice is making the news. From practically the moment she stepped onto the scene as an official member of the royal family after her 2011 wedding to Prince William, women around the world have been obsessed with the beautiful Brit’s style.
TIME wrote about the “Kate Middleton effect” back in 2012. Citing the fact that the Duchess is often praised for “reinvigorating the British monarchy” (in the same way Princess Diana did before her untimely 1997 death), the magazine pointed out the ongoing pattern in which any garment Kate publicly appeared in would sell out in a matter of days — or even hours!
But the beautiful gown in which Kate made her post-pregnancy announcement debut has people talking for an entirely different reason. Namely, many think the dress is a clue about the newest little prince or princess.
Scroll through to find out why people are convinced the Duchess’ dress is a clue and to learn more about the important event that Kate attended for her first public appearance in weeks!
Thumbnail Photo: Instagram / Kensington Royal
Twitter / Kensington Palace
The royal family officially announced that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were expecting their third child back in early September 2017.
Instagram / Kensington Palace
The new baby boy or girl will join Prince George and Princess Charlotte when he or she finally makes their arrival sometime in 2018.
Instagram / Kensington Palace
According to Vanity Fair, Kate’s last appearance prior to the pregnancy announcement was just a few days before, on August 30, 2017.
At that time, she accompanied her husband Prince William and her brother-in-law Prince Harry on a tour of the Princess Diana garden at Kensington Palace in advance of the 20th anniversary of her late mother-in-law’s death.
