Cover Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
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On her 41st birthday, we look at Middleton’s best outfits that are worthy of her new royal title
Turning 41 may not be a big deal for many of us. In Kate Middleton’s case, however, today is significant: it marks her first birthday as the Princess of Wales.
The erstwhile Duchess of Cambridge inherited her new royal title last September, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III to the throne. And just as Middleton’s new title called for new responsibilities, it has also led the princess to refresh her wardrobe.
In the last few months, we’ve seen a shift in Middleton’s style choices: while staying true to her favourite British fashion brands like Alexander McQueen and Emilia Wickstead, the princess has begun to go for deeper colours that reflect her maturity and the significance of her new role in the British monarchy.
While her go-to hue used to be blue—a colour of balance, neutrality and calmness—Middleton’s outfits have recently branched out into darker shades of green and purple, the latter being a colour that’s associated with royalty. (As it happens, Pantone has also declared the princess’s beloved burgundy as the colour of the year in 2023.)
Besides displaying a newfound penchant for jewel tones, Middleton has also made some noteworthy jewellery choices at official events, opting for historic pieces from the royal collection—Princess Diana’s beloved Lover’s Knot tiara, for one—that she is now more than qualified to wear as the future queen.
Below, we trace Kate Middleton’s style evolution as she comes into her own as the Princess of Wales.
Read more: How to dress like a Capricorn: Style tips from Kate Middleton, BTS’ V and more
Above For the first time since the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Kate Middleton wore a bright hue for her first visit to Wales as Princess of Wales. She went for red—the national colour. (Photo: Getty Images)
For the first time since the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Kate Middleton wore a bright hue for her first visit to Wales as Princess of Wales. She went for red—the national colour. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above On a visit to a hospital, the Princess was a cheery vision in a bright yellow tea dress. (Photo: Getty Images)
On a visit to a hospital, the Princess was a cheery vision in a bright yellow tea dress. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above Kate Middleton projected cool confidence on a visit to Northern Ireland in a tonal blue suit. (Photo: Getty Images)
Kate Middleton projected cool confidence on a visit to Northern Ireland in a tonal blue suit. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above Putting a spin on her usual blazer suits, Kate Middleton opted for a vintage tweed Chanel jacket when attending the 10th anniversary of Coach Core. (Photo: Getty Images)
Putting a spin on her usual blazer suits, Kate Middleton opted for a vintage tweed Chanel jacket when attending the 10th anniversary of Coach Core. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above In a sartorial first for the princess, Kate Middleton sported a head-to-toe camel look, complete with a dress by Gabriela Hearst. (Photo: Getty Images)
In a sartorial first for the princess, Kate Middleton sported a head-to-toe camel look, complete with a dress by Gabriela Hearst. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above Even before Pantone named Viva Magenta as the colour of 2023, the Princess of Wales was seen in the burgundy hue for a rugby match in November last year. She added vibrance to her look with a bright red coat. (Photo: Getty Images)
Even before Pantone named Viva Magenta as the colour of 2023, the Princess of Wales was seen in the burgundy hue for a rugby match in November last year. She added vibrance to her look with a bright red coat. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above Another key colour of the Princess of Wales’ wardrobe? Olive green, as seen on her stylish coat. (Photo: Getty Images)
Another key colour of the Princess of Wales’ wardrobe? Olive green, as seen on her stylish coat. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above The princess again made the case for purple, the colour most associated with royalty, via a coat dress by one of her favourite designers, Emilia Wickstead. (Photo: Getty Images)
The princess again made the case for purple, the colour most associated with royalty, via a coat dress by one of her favourite designers, Emilia Wickstead. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above For her first black-tie appearance as Princess of Wales, Middleton looked lavish in a Jenny Packham cape gown and a tiara worthy of her title: the Lover’s Knot Tiara, formerly owned by Princess Diana. (Photo: Getty Images)
For her first black-tie appearance as Princess of Wales, Middleton looked lavish in a Jenny Packham cape gown and a tiara worthy of her title: the Lover’s Knot Tiara, formerly owned by Princess Diana. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above Middleton continued her purple reign in an Alexander McQueen suit when arriving to Boston last November. (Photo: Getty Images)
Middleton continued her purple reign in an Alexander McQueen suit when arriving to Boston last November. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above The princess went green on a visit to Boston City Hall while championing three British fashion brands: Mulberry, Burberry and Alexander McQueen. (Photo: Getty Images)
The princess went green on a visit to Boston City Hall while championing three British fashion brands: Mulberry, Burberry and Alexander McQueen. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above The vintage Chanel jacket made a comeback during Middleton’s courtside appearance at the basketball game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. (Photo: Getty Images)
The vintage Chanel jacket made a comeback during Middleton’s courtside appearance at the basketball game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above On her visit to Boston, the Princess of Wales looked sophisticated in a burgundy Roland Mouret suit. (Photo: Getty Images)
On her visit to Boston, the Princess of Wales looked sophisticated in a burgundy Roland Mouret suit. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above Power dressing with patterns: Middleton arrived for a talk at Harvard University in an elegant Emilia Wickstead houndstooth dress and a Mulberry bag. (Photo: Getty Images)
Power dressing with patterns: Middleton arrived for a talk at Harvard University in an elegant Emilia Wickstead houndstooth dress and a Mulberry bag. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above At the Earthshot Awards, Middleton made the sustainable choice of renting a striking green gown from Solace London. The off-shoulder design allowed her to show off an emerald and diamond choker that was worn by Princess Diana. (Photo: Getty Images)
At the Earthshot Awards, Middleton made the sustainable choice of renting a striking green gown from Solace London. The off-shoulder design allowed her to show off an emerald and diamond choker that was worn by Princess Diana. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above The Princess made a bold style statement at the the Diplomatic Corps Reception in the Buckingham Palace, donning a beaded red gown by Jenny Packham and the Lotus Flower Tiara with diamonds and pearls. (Photo: Getty Images)
The Princess made a bold style statement at the the Diplomatic Corps Reception in the Buckingham Palace, donning a beaded red gown by Jenny Packham and the Lotus Flower Tiara with diamonds and pearls. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above Matching with her family, Kate Middleton attended the Together at Christmas carol service in December wearing a plum coat dress. (Photo: Getty Images)
Matching with her family, Kate Middleton attended the Together at Christmas carol service in December wearing a plum coat dress. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Above On Christmas day, Kate Middleton graced the Sandringham Church in a forest green coat by Alexander McQueen. (Photo: Getty Images)
On Christmas day, Kate Middleton graced the Sandringham Church in a forest green coat by Alexander McQueen. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Pameyla Cambe is the Assistant Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She handles the Fashion section of the website, where she reports on trends, the hottest fashion launches and what your favourite Asian celebrities are wearing.
