The Princess of Wales has been an unwavering source of style inspiration ever since she stepped onto the Royal stage – and there is a very good reason behind her sartorial choices

The elegance and style of Kate Middleton has earned her admiration worldwide, not to mention her staunch commitment to a plethora of significant charities and patronages.

Her influential fashion choices have sparked whats now referred to as ‘The Kate Effect’, as any outfit shes seen wearing is typically snapped up from the shelves in mere minutes. The Princess of Wales continually wows onlookers with her impeccable dressing sense during public appearances. Whether stunning in a floor-length gold Jenny Packham gown at a star-studded film premiere or beautifully chic while presenting a fashion award in London, it’s evident that the Royal has mastered the art of public image.

Even her brief, recent appearance at the men’s final at Wimbledon, whilst she prioritises her cancer treatment, stirred discussion about her phenomenal ensemble selection, and many commented that her look echoed late Queen Elizabeth II’s penchant for vibrant colours.

   

The Princess of Wales frequently channels the late Queen in her fashion choices ( Image: Getty Images)
And there is one colour the late monarch would never be seen wearing – and it appears Kate is following suit.

Her Majesty was renowned for her bold and captivating wardrobe choices – all for a very substantial reason.

In his 2011 biography Our Queen, Royal author Robert Hardman described the Queen as “engagingly modest”, divulging one particular colour that she would never wear because it could make her unrecognisable. He told OK!: “My favourite remark she ever said was, ‘I can ever wear beige because nobody will know who I am’.”

The Princess of Wales favours bolder and brighter dresses featuring one colour ( Image: Getty Images)
Celebrity stylist and fashion expert, Leroy Dawkins, shed light on whether the Princess of Wales’ shift towards a more daring wardrobe has been influenced by Queen Elizabeth II.

He said: “It has been noticed by many royal watchers that the Princess of Wales wears one colour outfits – and there are many reasons why she may choose to do this. The tone-on-tone trend, better known as easy dressing, may suit the princess especially after her recent health problems – and also because she is a busy mother of three young children.

The Princess of Wales has her sense of fashion down to a fine art (Image: 2023 Getty Images) DON’T MISS
“Even with a stylist, it’s a quick and easy way to dress by keeping it to one colour – such as the purple dress she recently wore at the Wimbledon final – it’s no fuss dressing but still looks well out together and stands out.

“The princess could also be transitioning her wardrobe for her future role as Queen and could be following style ideas from the late Queen Elizabeth II who also favoured one colour dressing as she was a busy working mother and monarch – so this trend absolutely works for a busy lifestyle.”

     

Queen Elizabeth II in 2013 ( Image: Getty Images)

While the princess often chooses shades of blue and coordinates her three young children’s outfits for public events, each of her choices carries a certain significance, as pointed out by Leroy.

He added: “Colours chosen can also let you know of the wearers mood as colours represent certain messages. The princess wears red, navy, white, camel and light blue. The tone-on-tone trend of dressing is also a favourite of the Duchess of Sussex.

The Princess is well-known for colour co-ordinating her outifts ( Image: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“Red is associated with love. Camel is associated with energy, cheerfulness, activity, fire and warmth. The Princess’s favourite blue is regal and also symbolises serenity, stability, inspiration, or wisdom. She is a working mother who is slowly transitioning and finding her way in fashion for the next chapter of her life.”