From Sledge Heels To Sequin Gowns: The Princess Of Wales’s Life In Style

It was the then Kate Middleton’s bridal gown in April 2011 that truly introduced her as a fashion force to be reckoned with. The dress – made of ivory and white satin gazar and 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, deputy editor and fashion features director at British Vogue, 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 now longer; 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, and always dresses accordingly. She nods to tradition and the history of the royal family with archival references, mixes in some high street pieces to remain approachable, re-wears and rents to promote sustainability, and champions British designers with her luxury looks. “First and foremost, and yes, it’s a boring one, but what she wears has to be practical,” writes Harris. “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.”

Ahead of the Coronation of King Charles III, and as Kate’s new role as the Princess of Wales is formalised, revisit her life in style, below.