Kate Middleton’s Style Overhaul Declares She ‘Means Business’
Over the past year, Kate Middleton has gone through big personal and professional changes. As the Princess of Wales, she’s shown a stronger side of herself, and this new confidence shows in her clothing. She no longer sticks to the traditional, modest royal style. Instead, she dresses like someone comfortable in her role as a leading member of the royal family and as the future queen of the United Kingdom.
Royal reporter Daniela Elser from News.com.au noted how much Kate has changed in her 13 years as a royal. In the beginning, she was a bit unsure and followed the late Queen Elizabeth’s lead closely. This meant following certain style rules like wearing skirts and dresses over pants, keeping skirts to a certain length, and wearing pantyhose with most outfits.
However, over the past year, Kate has changed her look. She’s updating the royal wardrobe rules, with a style that feels more professional. Elser noted that Kate used to wear “demure” dresses with clutch bags and often chose nude heels or cork wedges, which gave her a formal and reserved look.
But after the Queen passed away in September 2022, Kate’s style shifted. She now wears tailored pants, matching blazers, and gives off a confident, business-like energy. In late 2023, Kate was seen wearing suits, pants, or jeans in nearly all her public appearances, showing a new, more assertive image. This sends a clear message: Kate is serious about her role.
Prince William has also gone through changes in the past year, especially as his father, King Charles, faced health challenges, and his wife, Kate, publicly shared her cancer diagnosis in early 2024. With his increased responsibilities, William’s style has also become more relaxed yet professional, moving away from formal suits and ties to chinos and open-neck shirts, aiming for a more relatable image.
Royal commentator Elser mentioned that this new style is likely a way to make the monarchy seem more down-to-earth. William and Kate now often greet people with handshakes instead of the formal bows and curtsies once expected, showing they are more approachable.
Although William still respects his father’s wishes as King, he and Kate are making small steps toward a friendlier, more relatable royal image. They’re opening up about their lives and struggles, setting the stage for a more accessible monarchy in the future.
Kate and William are the Prince and Princess of Wales and have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
