The Princess of Wales added an unusual splash of colour to her fingertips as she attended the Easter Mattins in Windsor today.

The mother-of-three had her nails painted dark red – a far cry from the neutral or clear shades she typically wears for public appearances with the Royal Family.

It is widely thought there were rules around coloured nails in the late Queen’s reign, which ended last September, with skin coloured nail polish colours preferred.

William Hanson, an expert in royal etiquette, told The Sun that ‘hot red and bright pink, for example, are not correct, especially for official occasions and particularly during mourning’.

Permitted colours, he said, included ‘translucent or dusky pink’.

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The Princess of Wales added an unusual splash of colour to her fingertips as she attended the Easter Mattins in Windsor today

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The mother-of-three had her nails painted dark red – a far cry from the neutral or clear shades she typically wears for public appearances with the Royal Family

Kate was spotted with the brightly-coloured nails when attending an Easter Sunday service with the Royal Family at St George’s Chapel this morning.

She was joined by Prince William and the couple’s three children, with four-year-old Prince Louis attending the traditional service for the first time.

The family all dressed in blue, with Kate rewearing a long, Catherine Walker coat paired with a custom £825 pill box hat, matching clutch bag and nude, pointed heels.

Her red nails added another pop of colour to the spring ensemble, and royal watchers were a huge fan of her decision.

One Twitter user said: ‘Royals in blue at Easter services today in Windsor. And more colour than usual on Kate’s nails.’

Another added: ‘Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Look at the princess’ finger nails… surprising.’

A third said: ‘Loving Catherine’s dark nail polish.’

Kate has previously been spotted with painted toe nails in open-toe shoes, but colourful finger nails are a rare occurrence for members of the Royal Family.

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It is widely thought there were rules around coloured nails in the late Queen’s reign, which ended last September, with skin coloured nail polish colours preferred

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Kate was spotted with the brightly-coloured nails when attending an Easter Sunday service with the Royal Family at St George’s Chapel this morning

Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle caused a stir in 2018 when she attended the British Fashion Awards with darkly-coloured nails.

Experts claimed at the time this had broken the Queen’s longstanding rule about coloured nails, which the late monarch was said to have found ‘vulgar’.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were predictably absent from today’s gathering at St George’s Chapel.

Those in attendance included the Wales family, the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Zara and Mike Tindall – who were accompanied by their daughters.

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Those in attendance included the Wales family, the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Zara and Mike Tindall – who were accompanied by their daughters

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Today will no doubt be a bittersweet moment for the Royal Family, as they celebrate yet another family occasion without the Queen

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The mother and son held hands as they approached St George’s Chapel in Windsor today

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It comes after reports suggested Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will star in the King’s Coronation procession at Westminster Abbey on May 6

The King and Queen Consort – also in royal blue – led the party in Windsor. Behind them were his brother and sister, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne.

Next in line were the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their eldest son, James, now the Earl of Wessex. Their student daughter Lady Louise was absent.

Also present in the party was Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, who was walking with Queen Elizabeth’s niece Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel.

They were followed by a heavily pregnant Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, who are expecting their second child together.

Today will no doubt be a bittersweet moment for the Royal Family, as they celebrate yet another family occasion without the Queen.

Sunday also marks the second anniversary of the death of the late monarch’s beloved husband, Prince Philip. He passed away at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2021.

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Sunday also marks the second anniversary of the death of the late monarch’s beloved husband, Prince Philip. He passed away at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2021