The King and The Queen Consort, The Prince and Princess of Wales, and other Members of the Royal Family attend the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. 
Photograph by Richard Pohle
Cover Photo: Getty Images

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

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SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 27: Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives at St Thomas Church, which has been has been redeveloped to provide support to vulnerable people, during their visit to Wales on September 27, 2022 in Swansea, Wales.  (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
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)
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The Princess of Wales visits the Royal Surrey County Hospital’s Maternity Unit on October 5th 2022 in Guildford, England.05/10/2022Credit Photo (c)Karwai TangFor more information, please contact:Karwai Tang 07950 192531karwai@karwaitang.com
Above 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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Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales meet mebers of the public during a visit to Carrickfergus on 6th October 2022 in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
Above Kate Middleton projected cool confidence on a visit to Northern Ireland in a tonal blue suit. (Photo: Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Catherine, Princess of Wales visits Copper Box Arena to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Coach Core on October 13, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
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)
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Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales meet mebers of the public during a visit to Carrickfergus on 6th October 2022 in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
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)
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The Princess of Wales arriving to meet the players ahead of the England vs Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup quarter-final match at the DW Stadium, Wigan, her first match she has attended since succeeding the Duke of Sussex as patron of the Rugby Football League (RFL). Picture date: Saturday November 5, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Kate. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
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)
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UXBRIDGE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Catherine, Princess of Wales visits Colham Manor Children's Centre in Hillingdon with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance on November 9, 2022 in Uxbridge, England. (Photo by Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Above Another key colour of the Princess of Wales’ wardrobe? Olive green, as seen on her stylish coat. (Photo: Getty Images)
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 22: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the Ceremonial Welcome at Horse Guards Parade for President Cyril Ramaphosa on day 1 of his State Visit to the United Kingdom on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first State Visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
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)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Catherine, Princess of Wales during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
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)
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 30: Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales arrive at Logan International Airport on November 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges B
Above Middleton continued her purple reign in an Alexander McQueen suit when arriving to Boston last November. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Catherine Princess of Wales
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)
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The Prince and Princess of Wales visit to Boston USA . The Sun pool picture by Paul Edwards Prince William and Princess Kate watch the Boston Celtics play Miami Heat Basketball match TD Gardens Boston USA .
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)
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 01: Catherine, Princess of Wales during a visit to the Greentown Labs in Somerville, to learn about climate innovations which are being incubated in Boston on December 1, 2022 in Boston, United States. Greentown Labs has nurtured a community of climate pioneers who are working to design and implement a more sustainable world. Founded by entrepreneurs, Greentown Labs brings together start-ups, corporates and investors to foster ingenuity and collaboration. Greentown is recogn
Above On her visit to Boston, the Princess of Wales looked sophisticated in a burgundy Roland Mouret suit. (Photo: Getty Images)
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The Prince and Princess of Wales visit to Boston USA .
30th November to 2nd December 2022.
The Sun Pool picture by Paul Edwards .
Catherine Princess of Wales visiting Harvard University Cambridge .

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)
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Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales and various celebrities attend the Earthshot Prize Awards on day 3 of their Royal Tour of Boston on 2nd December 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Catherine, Princess of Wales during a Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace on December 6, 2022 in London, England. The last Reception for the Diplomatic Corps was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in December 2019.  (Photo by Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty Images)
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)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the 'Together at Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Above 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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SANDRINGHAM, NORFOLK - DECEMBER 25:  Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2022 in Sandringham, Norfolk. King Charles III ascended to the throne on September 8, 2022, with his coronation set for May 6, 2023. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Above On Christmas day, Kate Middleton graced the Sandringham Church in a forest green coat by Alexander McQueen. (Photo: Getty Images)

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