Kate Middleton Steps Out in Spring Pink for Commonwealth Day

Think pink! While the royal dress code means Kate Middleton‘s footwear must be conservative (read: black suede, or occasionally navy), we were pleasantly surprised to see the Duchess in pink pumps today.

After a bit of a hiatus, Middleton is back out and about on her royal duties, joining her husband William, recently back from a royal trip to China, for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

Complete with a soft pink pearl-button coat by Alexander McQueen and matching hat, Middleton donned pink satin Prada heels for the service.

Just a few weeks ago, she was spotted wearing blue heels for a tour of a Victorian-era pottery factory. The change was a nice departure from the black, closed-toe heels we always see Middleton in, and a fun way to welcome spring.

Besides her appearance for Commonwealth Day, Middleton announced that she’ll be making a visit to the set of hit show “Downton Abbey” later this week.

Dare we hope the duchess will wear another color other than black? She’ll be headed to the Ealing Studios West London, where the servant scenes are filmed.

Middleton will certainly be busy in the next few weeks, before retiring from the spotlight again to have her second little one.