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). 
Kate looks beautiful! Love this event. I’m not British, so I don’t know: What is the NHS? Thanks!
That’s a good question, Jenale; I should include the info more often. It is the National Health Service, the government-funded health care system. 🙂
Unfortunately, I don’t know the answer, Bonnie, and any family members who might have known are gone.
Are you of Scottish descent yourself? I know a lot of Scots went to Canada. It was certainly closer than Australia!
Marguerite, Well, your story has a bit of a mystery, but the wonderful book of poetry is there for you to enjoy and pass on to the next generation. Not sure if you can find the name of the publisher and see if they sold their books in Australia back in the day.
No, I am not Scottish, although I have certainly visited and enjoyed Scotland. I was born In England, of Irish/English parentage and came to Canada at age five.
That is certainly a lot of very bright tartan if Kate is wearing a dress or matching top with skirt. However, I imagine it’s popular with overseas viewers and is undoubtedly all in a good cause. I’m fond of the lovely swishy Wickstead skirt Kate wore, when we first saw her in this fabric, which chimed well with a neat black top and long boots.
I can’t see evidence of narrow pleats as per the skirt in this picture so maybe she has opted for a dress, but the original Wickstead designs soften the busy-ness of the bold plaid with sheer sleeves or a reversed-out pale background version, which to my mind is an improvement. Solid self-colour sleeves border on being a touch too much.
The contrast white collar and cuffs are becoming a theme for Kate as she follows the trend for this vintage detail. The Simone Rocha drop earrings are ideal as they are large enough to counter the strength of fabric colour while featuring softening pearls. And what a lovely gesture to supply Burns Night haggis and neeps to the Scottish NHS staff, tho tatties and neeps are often combined into a single side veg rather than served separately, giving a full buttery flavour.
I love this print/pattern on her. The contrasting collars could be switched out for a bit of different look since she sets an example by rewearing clothes. She seldom hits a bad fashion note. I admire her sense of duty and the way she treats others. There’s no evidence that she appears condescending and she seems quite humble.
Wonderful, heartfelt gesture by the Duke and Duchess to those truly deserving. Regarding Catherine’s ensemble, the head-to-toe pattern is too much. While the tartan pattern is delightful, and this was an appropriate reason to wear it outside the Christmas season, it should be worn as separates and paired with a solid neutral.
I think it’s possible to get away with total tartan when wearing a more subdued plaid. I thought Princess Di looked quite lovely once or twice at Balmoral with a deeper-toned blue-green check or similar. I agree that a bright red dress tartan like this comes over a bit strong.
Here’s a fun posting from Hello magazine showing many royals wearing tartans. There is an especially cute photo of Prince William as a young boy with a tartan umbrella.
https://ca.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/gallery/20210126105472/royals-wearing-tartan-outfits-best-photos/1/
I think the DOC looks lovely and Prince Charles recites beautifully.
Being from the Southern USA, and not of Scottish decent, I had never heard of Burns Night. I love the message from the Duke and Duchess to the health care heroes. So looking forward to better days ahead for all.
The Duchess looks beautiful. I love the tartan choice for this festive evening and red is a very flattering color for her. I think she does an excellent job of choosing outfits for these virtual appearances.
Tartan for burns night,Oh kate never change.
Also that meal looks lovely.
As always the Duchess looks terrific. I love tartans so I’m fine with the dress. It looks great on her
I can imagine that their audience really appreciated the over-the-top tartan ensemble. Perhaps Kate felt this was the best choice for TV viewing. I loved the plaid with its vibrant color. She looked especially beautiful with her new hair style.
That’s a good point re the audience
Living in Scotland as I do I’d say foreigners wearing tartan is a thing that can make the local heart sink a little. I’d have said it was those overseas from the UK who are more enthusiastic for the pattern and Kate might be ensuring a greater reach for her message rather than cosying up to the Scots!
Love the hair, fresh looking makeup, and earrings. Kate looks 5 years younger than her age here. The dress, however, is way too much plaid, to the extent that it almost looks costume-y, especially with the white sleeves and collar sticking out. I don’t think the style or the pattern does her any favors here. But red is Kate’s color, so at least there’s that.
Her hair is looking just wonderful in this sleek style, even as it grows ever longer. And I suppose costume-y is something that comes with the territory for a royal, by way of excuse for quite so much bright tartan.
She looks gorgeous! As an Aussie of Scottish descent who has visited Scotland about half a dozen times, I found this a very heartwarming post. One of my greatest treasures is the leather-bound volume of Burns’ poems that belonged to my great-great grandfather who left Glasgow for Victoria as a teenager. Such courage.
Of course, with the latest rumblings about Scotland leaving the Union, a little diplomacy from the Cambridges won’t go amiss! A spot of soft power as only the royal family can wield it.
Marguerite, how wonderful that you are the custodian of this volume of poems, that has been passed down through the generations. Now my mind wonders if your great, great grandfather brought this book with him when he made the long journey as a teenager, or if his love for his homeland compelled him to acquire it later in life.
Thank you Marguerite for sharing these little tidbits. I love encountering a story, however short. Being from the US, I had never heard of Burns Night. Probably the only Burns poem (or song) I am familiar with is Auld Lang Syne. To this vegetarian, the haggis sounds formidable. But I love learning about these traditions. All things Scottish have always held a sort of allure for me. I hope to visit Scotland someday.
I have always loved plaid. This plaid is a bit too loud and too much for my taste and I don’t share her love of the oversized contrast white collars, but Kate pulls it off with well enough. I very much like her long straighter hair.
*typo: pulls it off well enough.
I prefer the skirt styled with a solid colour top, but for Burns Day the all plaid look works and is festive.
Her hair looks fantastic!
I loved the skirt with the black cardigan; I liked the scarf with the red coat; I enjoy the mask… But the head-to-toe look is too much. I guess it wouldn’t be terrible for Christmas… but Christmas is over.
Love her hair though! And love that they did this for frontline workers!
I love her outfit! It’s classic and festive. To me some styles transcend trends and fashion. I think she looks fabulous. Her straight hair also lends a sophistication to the outfit. I’m a fan of her big bouncy hair but sometimes the straight is refreshing.
Gosh they are cute together!!
Well said. Agree with all your comments. I like her hair long and it looks great on her. I hope she keeps her hair longer while it remains thick and healthy.
Just want to say that I am loving the straight hair she has been sporting recently! Really suits her she looks amazing.
A full view! I love this piece. I assume it has some significance for the day but I can’t say I have much knowledge about tartans. I loved the skirt immediately on its first wearing.
Unrelated, I think William looks unexpectedly like King George VI in the first still.
Kate looks absolutely gorgeous! Love the whole outfit.
Many of us like tartan or plaid and certainly it is fun to wear when celebrating all things Scottish. However, a little goes a long way. The skirt looked great when Kate wore it with a black top, or with the red coat. The tartan blouse, although voluminous and bulky looking, might be okay with a black skirt or black pants. Top to bottom plaid is just way too much and this goes for the outfits on the models also.
The meal looks delicious, but the haggis and the turnip would not be to everyone’s taste. Lunch for the workers was a nice gesture and I’m sure input from William and Kate would have added much to the festivities.
I do agree with you, Bonnie.
I enjoy a crisp tartan and a classic plaid very much, but this is too much pattern for me. I liked this beautiful tartan when it was toned down by the black sweater or red coat. This much tartan needs a bit of diluting.
I agree, Bonnie. Too much plaid is overwhelming to the eye
I’m on record as loving this tartan/houndstooth pattern, but I can’t get on board with the top. I quite like the sleeveless dress as well as the belted pantsuit (although not for the Duchess). I’m so ready to see this 80s blouse trend go away.