Quotes from this article published in sun.co.uk
During her years in the spotlight, style icon Kate’s looks have been defined by the incredible outfits she wears on royal engagements.
The Princess of Wales, who never puts a foot wrong with her fashion choices, has become adept at using clothing to convey subtle messages. Her loyalty to British designers like Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham and Emilia Wickstead and her love of the high street clothing earning her a legion of fans.
Picture credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The Princes of Wales often relies on her official wardrobe to carefully convey messages and to pay tributes. On arriving in each country of her Caribbean tour in 2022 she wore an outfit consisting of a colour featured on the national flag of her host nation.
A masterclass in diplomacy, Kate’s style has not only earned her global style icon status but helped establish her role on the world stage as a senior royal and future Queen of England.
But perhaps the most revealing thing about Kate is what she chooses to wear when she’s off duty. It’s this relaxed side of the Princess, away from the whirlwind of public engagements, that is closest we get to seeing ‘the real her’.
So, who is the real Kate? Well, for starters the mother-of-three is a keen sports woman. Remember when she took part is a set of rugby training drills on a visit to Maidenhead Ruby Club? And when she went sailing with team GB? Kate is also a lover of the countryside and a keen gardener, rolling up her sleeves and planting shrubs for her special Chelsea Flower Show installation in 2020.
Not surprisingly, it’s in these moments, when dressed in her favourite Le Chameau wellies and a Barbour or sporty leggings and hoodie, she often looks her happiest. In arguably her most cherished role, as a relatable mum to George, Charlotte and Louis, Kate is forced to make practical clothing choices.
In many ways her off duty clothes are more revealing than her official wardrobe choices. Other than being sporty and having a penchant for practical items, Kate isn’t a fan of colour when she’s left to her own devices. Having adopted the late Queen’s technique of wearing bold brights colours on official engagements of late, when she’s at home with her family and craving normality she sticks to muted colours and pastel tones that blend in and avoid attention.
In total contrast to the fitted and figure-hugging clothes we know her for, on off-duty days Kate covers up floaty, often slightly oversized and unstructured clothing. On official engagements Kate knows what looks good on camera and dresses to look her very best. Whilst relaxing at home, or spending time with her family, looking good in photographs couldn’t be further from her mind.
Over the years this unstructured, muted and often sporty style has become the way Kate conveys that she’s off-duty. Similarly to the way she uses her clothing to convey messages on public engagements, her practical and inconspicuous look speaks volumes.
So, what was the sports loving patron of the Rugby Football Union wearing on the eve of England’s final game of the Six Nations against France on Sunday? Hmm, a pair of black leggings, a black and orange England Rugby Icon Hoodie and a pair of Adidas Ultra Booost 20 trainers. And what did it mean? Well, if a picture can speak a thousand words the image of Kate leaving a farm shop on Saturday said it ALL.
“I’m off duty. I’m recovering from my operation, and I will be back to my duties sometime in April…when I said I would. Now can you please all just calm down and leave me alone.”
The Princess of Wales, who never puts a foot wrong with her fashion choices, has become adept at using clothing to convey subtle messages. Her loyalty to British designers like Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham and Emilia Wickstead and her love of the high street clothing earning her a legion of fans.