From Sledge Heels to Sequin Gowns: The Princess Of Wales’s Life in Style
Kate Middleton’s royal wardrobe extends far beyond the high-street dresses and nude pumps she was once known for—choices that reflect the expansion of her role as a senior member of the family.
Increasingly, the Princess of Wales’s ensembles have echoed the same style tactics the late Queen adopted: Kate chooses block colors that ensure she stands out in the crowd at public engagements, and she possesses a discreet diplomatic touch. On royal tours in particular she will use her wardrobe choices to nod to host nations, while spotlighting the work of British designers on an international stage. (Kate’s preferred designers—like Erdem, Alexander McQueen, Emilia Wickstead, and Jenny Packham—have been a constant throughout her royal duties.)
She is also unafraid to dial up the glamour and go into fairytale princess mode when the occasion calls. See: the gold Jenny Packham caped gown she wore to the London premiere of No Time To Die in 2021, or the black opera gloves she added as a surprise twist to her BAFTAs look in 2023.
But it was Kate’s wedding dress that truly introduced her as a fashion force to be reckoned with. The gown—made of ivory and white satin gazar with a 2.7m long train—is arguably the most famous wedding dress of the 21st century. Made by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the commission also arrived at a poignant time for the house, following the passing of Lee McQueen the previous year, and marked the beginning of a lasting partnership between Kate and the brand.
Over the years, Kate has established a distinctive personal style that incorporates signatures she stays fiercely loyal to, from coat dresses to neat blazers. As Sarah Harris, British Vogue’s editor-at-large, previously wrote: “She has carefully honed a silhouette that works for her—narrow tailored shoulders, cinched at the waist, fitted through the torso—but there is a common denominator in all of these looks: the hemline is long; always falling demurely below the knee, hitting midi length or more.”
The Princess of Wales is all too aware of how painstakingly her public outfits are parsed for messages and meaning, particularly following the health challenges she has faced in the past year, and always dresses accordingly. She frequently nods to the tradition and history of the royal family with archival references, mixes in some high-street pieces to remain approachable, while often re-wearing and renting to promote an ethical engagement with fashion. “First and foremost, and yes, it’s a boring one, but what she wears has to be practical,” Harris added. “Working royals endure long days and so the clothes have to work, from being comfortable, to weather appropriate, to magically immune to wrinkling. Nothing can be too fussy, so forget a slit that’s tricky to navigate, or a collar that needs tending to.”
As the princess celebrates her 43rd birthday, revisit her life in style, below.
Photo: Getty Images1/4726 March 2002
While at university in St Andrews, Kate took part in a charity catwalk show and wore a sheer strapless dress by designer Charlotte Todd. The dress, which was originally designed as a skirt and cost £30 ($50) to make, later sold at auction for £125,000 ($153,000).
Photo: Getty Images2/47August 2004
For the Game Fair at Blenheim Palace, Kate wore a shirt and short skirt with Penelope Chilvers boots, which remain a mainstay of her wardrobe today.