Kate Middleton’s 43 Best Looks on Her 43rd Birthday
LONDON — Since Kate Middleton became a member the British royal family in 2011, she has been flying the flag for local and international fashion, wearing clothing and accessories by both established and emerging designers. She married Prince William in an Alexander McQueen wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton, and continues to recycle her many McQueen outfits, mainly for special occasions.
As the Princess of Wales turns 43 on Jan. 9, it’s clear her 13 years in the limelight have made her an invaluable asset to the Royal brand, and to the British fashion industry.
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“The princess holds a unique economic power to promote designers and brands, particularly on behalf of the British fashion industry. No other fashion, not even that of celebrities, is so closely tracked, reported, and shopped,” said Elizabeth Holmes, author of “HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style” in a 2023 interview with WWD.
Middleton has worn pieces from Catherine Walker, a favorite designer of her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, and championed the likes of Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, Roksanda and Jenny Packham.
Her fashion trajectory has evolved with time as she prepares to become the country’s future queen. Her look has become richer and more formal, with an accent on tailoring and fewer pieces from the high street.
“If you look back at their trajectory as a couple, for a very long time they were seen as very relatable, very down to earth and quite casual. I think what we’ve seen a little bit more of in recent months is them looking much more serious,” Bethan Holt, author of “The Queen: 70 Years of Majestic Style” and “The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Modern Royal Style,” told WWD ahead of King Charles III’s coronation in 2023.
Holt also believes it’s the “job of the royals to put on a good show, and to give people something to feel optimistic about.”
Middleton has a rotation of designers for different occasions.
At state banquets, she’s often wearing an intricately made gown from Packham, while at formal state affairs such as Trooping the Colour and Remembrance Sunday, the princess relies on military-style coatdresses from McQueen or Walker.
Her relationship with Burton has lasted more than a decade, and it’s possible that it will continue even though Burton has become creative director of the French brand Givenchy.
“I can’t imagine that this is the end of the line for Kate’s relationship with Sarah. They appear to have become true collaborators, and it’s clear that the princess seeks Sarah’s advice and trusts her implicitly. We saw evidence of this when Sarah helped organize a really beautiful photo shoot to mark Kate’s 40th birthday, enlisting one of her favorite photographers, Paolo Roversi,” said Holt in September 2023.
The relationship between Middleton and Burton is a unique one, and the closest tie that the royal household has had with the world of fashion for years.
Launch Gallery: Kate Middleton’s 43 Best Looks on Her 43rd Birthday [PHOTOS]
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