The Duchess in Emilia Wickstead for Burns Night Message to NHS Staff in Dundee

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wished NHS workers in Dundee, Scotland, a “Happy Burns Night” via video today.

The staffers are part of the multi-disciplinary COVID-19 response team working in the dedicated COVID-19 Intensive Care (ICU) and High Dependency (HDU) Units at NHS Tayside. 

More from The Telegraph’s story by Victoria Ward. 

Aides said the couple, who met at St Andrews University and are regular visitors to the Queen’s Balmoral estate in the Highlands, were conscious that Burns Night would not be the same as usual for most Scots and wanted to do something to show their appreciation.

In the video, the Duchess notes that Burns Night this year is “…a little different. And for many of you working on the frontline, tonight will be a very different occasion, as you work tirelessly through this pandemic to protect the most vulnerable in our society.” 

Here is the video released by the Palace: 

This Burns Night, we’ve teamed up with @NHSCharities to provide staff at @NHSTayside with a Burns celebration lunch of haggis, neeps and tatties.

Thank you for all that you do — Slàinte Mhath! #BurnsNight2021 ??????? pic.twitter.com/nvALnO9LzR

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) January 25, 2021

Below, staff watching the greeting from Kate and William.

Kensington Palace reports nursing staff and others were treated to a traditional Burns celebration lunch of haggis, neeps, and tatties, courtesy of Tayside Health Fund and NHS Charities Together, of which The Duke and Duchess are Patron.  And, Scottish brand House of Bruar arranged for an additional two hundred food boxes to be delivered for staff.  Haggis is considered Scotland’s national dish because of the poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns, “Address to a Haggis.”  (Neeps and tatties are mashed potatoes and turnips.)   

Biology Big Brother, CC BY 2.0

The Daily Beast offers a bit of background on Burns Night.  

Every January 25, Scots around the world gather to celebrate Burns Night, which pays homage to the birth of the country’s national bard, Robert “Rabbie” Burns. It’s a welcome joyous respite from the country’s long, cold and dark winter, when the glorious Scottish summers are a distant memory.

Perhaps most widely known for works like Auld Lang Syne that have been adapted numerous times over the years, Burns had a prolific career as a poet and lyricist. Born in the town of Alloway, Scotland, in 1759, he died at the age of 37. Five years later, his friends and family decided to commemorate the poet by hosting a party that would become a beloved tradition across the country.

Earlier today, video of Prince Charles reciting Auld Lang Syne.  

“With Auld Lang Syne, he gave us words which have become a symbol of fellowship the world over – and never has that sense of connection been more important than now.”

? During virtual celebrations with @RobertBurnsFed, The Prince recited one of Burns’ most famous poems. pic.twitter.com/nRxvbLsvoN

— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) January 25, 2021

 Now for our look at what Kate wore in today’s video. 
She brought back tartan Emilia Wickstead pieces worn for previous engagements.  The Duchess wore the pleated skirt for an RAF Christmas party at Kensington Palace in December 2018.  We saw what looked like a version of the blouse (Or possibly a dress) when the Duchess arrived for HM’s annual Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace in December 2019. Last month, we saw the scarf and skirt during the final day of the Royal Train tour. 

The Duchess also wore a face mask in the print last month.    

The skirt is from Emilia Wickstead’s AW ’18 collection.

The pattern was a significant part of that collection.

There were also dresses in the print available, including one with sheer sleeves, as well as a sleeveless design.

We’ve never known if the piece worn to the Queen’s Christmas luncheon was a version of the dress or a separate top. It is clear Kate’s sleeves are not sheer as seen above left. It’s been my theory the Duchess owned separates, but it’s entirely possible she is in the dress. We won’t know until more photos are available of the Duchess wearing the piece(s). UPDATE JAN 26: Middleton Maven connected with an Emilia Wickstead sales staffer and was told the Duchess was wearing the dress.  

Kate brought back her Simone Rocha Faux Pearl Curb-Chain Earrings ($310, now sold out).