Kate Middleton is a high profile member of the British Royal Family and the wife of Prince William. Since tying the knot, they have had three children together, Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, Prince Louis, one. The Duchess of Cambridge often steps out to perform her royal duties on behalf of the Queen and always wears pieces from her stunning wardrobe. In the years since becoming a royal, Kate’s style has changed which could give key details about her royal role.
The Duchess’ style changed when she married into the Royal Family, according to Anthony McGrath, celebrity stylist and lecturer at the Fashion Retail Academy in London.
He told Express.co.uk: “As Kate transitioned to her role as the Duchess of Cambridge, her style inevitably evolved.
“Since Kate has been in the limelight she has always been somewhat of a conservative dresser, whether that was because she wanted to prove herself to the Royal Family or was her own personal style, who knows, but she was rarely seen in anything too risqué.
“However, since marrying Prince William and officially becoming a member of the Royal Family, her outfits have certainly become more modest. Think higher necklines, long sleeves and dresses that sit at the knee.”
Kate’s style became more conservative, however this could be as she becomes more confident as a member of the family and prepares for her future important role of Queen Consort.
Anthony added: ”While she now most certainly has a more demure, duchess-worthy wardrobe, we must give her credit for staying true to who she has and not moulding herself into something else entirely.
“Slowly, but surely, she has finessed her style over the years and her style is without a doubt, suitable for a future queen.”
Although Kate’s style has changed, she has remained loyal to her favourite designers and will often wear the same brands.
“Over the years, Kate has been pretty loyal with regard to the designers that she frequently turns to,” Anthony told Express.co.uk.
“She has been particularly loyal to British labels, which is something we definitely respect her for. She has evolved into a bastion of British style, frequently wearing elegant designs from Alexander McQueen, LK Bennet, Mulberry, Jenny Packham and Emilia Wickstead.
“Her love for LK Bennett pumps is one thing that has remained unchanged since transitioning to royal duties.
“She loved them before she became the Duchess of Cambridge and continues to hold high regard for them in her royal wardrobe.”
Kate has a huge influence and many people choose to copy her style and it seems Kate is aware of this as she will often wear affordable pieces.
“In addition to well-known designers, the Duchess has also be seen wearing high street names such as Zara, Topshop and Reiss,” Anthony said.
“She is worth a weight in gold to high street retailers because whenever photos of her emerge wearing one of their items, it usually sells out within hours – sometimes even minutes.”
How did Kate Middleton become a royal?
Early life
Kate Middleton, or Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was born on 9 January 1982 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, England.
She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton, a former flight dispatcher and air hostess. The couple founded a party supplies company, Party Pieces, in 1987 – now estimated to be worth £30 million.
Kate has a younger sister Pippa Matthews, 34, and a younger brother James Middleton, 31.
Education
Kate and her family moved to Amman, Jordan, in 1984, where the future Duchess was educated at an English-speaking nursery school.
After moving back to Berkshire the family sent Kate to private school, St Andrews School. She went on to briefly study at Downe House before moving onto Marlborough College where she boarded.
For university the young Kate attended the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. Here she was awarded an undergraduate MA (2:1 Hons) in history of art.
Relationship with Prince William
Kate met Prince William when they were both studying at St Andrews, and both living in St Salvator’s Hall. Famously, William reportedly took a fancy to Kate after she wore a see-through dress during a fashion show.
In 2003 the couple began dating and lived together during their second year of university.
The couple split in April 2007, however, in October they were back together.
Wedding
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his late mother Princess Diana’s engagement ring in October 2010. The couple were holidaying in Kenya at the time.
On 29 April 2011 they married at Westminster Abbey with a whopping 26 million watching the event live.
Kate wore an Alexander McQueen dress worth a reported £250,000 on the big day.
Kate assumed the title “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge” and also become the Duchess of Cambridge on the day.