Kate Middleton is a full-time working royal alongside her husband, Prince William, who is second in line to the throne. As a royal, there are some rules the Duchess of Cambridge must follow when out in public.
The Royal Family are known for having strict traditions covering aspects of royal life.
Kate has been a senior member of the Royal Family for nearly 10 years.
With such an important role in the family, there are some rules the Duchess has to follow.
When out in public, Kate will catch attention and many royal fans will look to see what she is wearing.
While performing official duties, the Duchess of Cambridge will show off her enviable wardrobe.
However, there are some style rules she has to follow, stylist Melita Latham told Express.co.uk.
She commented: “There can be no other sign that you’ve morphed into a royal than a change of dress, particularly post children.
“Whilst I’m sure Kate wanders around Kensington Palace in joggers and a T-shirt, just like the rest of us, while in the public eye her ensemble is more than sensible.”
When out in public, Kate will often wear pieces from her stunning wardrobe that mixes designer garments with high street bargains.
The expert explained it is likely the Duchess is influenced by royal style rules when picking her outfits.
However, Kate will make a statement with her choice of footwear.
“Royal means nothing above the knee and very rarely a v-neck and never both,” Melita added.
“Kate does rock the high heeled look. What she loses out on in dress, she more than makes up with heels.”
Traditionally, royals will not wear anything that is too short in length or too low cut.
Over the years, Kate has managed to adapt her own style while following royal rules.
The Duchess of Cambridge has developed an enviable chic wardrobe without wearing anything too far from royal tradition.
Melita told Express.co.uk: “Her extraordinary figure, height and posture looks amazing in the style of dress that many of us would struggle with.
“In October 2019, during a visit to the London Natural History Museum, Kate looked simply amazing in Forest Green culottes and a burgundy knit with heels.
“This is Kate’s ‘vogue’. Sensible, slim, long legged and understated but oozing confidence and perfect for ease of movement. The perfect working outfit.”
How did Kate Middleton become a royal?
Early life
Kate Middleton, or Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was born on 9 January 1982 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, England.
She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton, a former flight dispatcher and air hostess. The couple founded a party supplies company, Party Pieces, in 1987 – now estimated to be worth £30 million.
Kate has a younger sister Pippa Matthews, 34, and a younger brother James Middleton, 31.
Education
Kate and her family moved to Amman, Jordan, in 1984, where the future Duchess was educated at an English-speaking nursery school.
After moving back to Berkshire the family sent Kate to private school, St Andrews School. She went on to briefly study at Downe House before moving onto Marlborough College where she boarded.
For university the young Kate attended the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. Here she was awarded an undergraduate MA (2:1 Hons) in history of art.
Relationship with Prince William
Kate met Prince William when they were both studying at St Andrews, and both living in St Salvator’s Hall. Famously, William reportedly took a fancy to Kate after she wore a see-through dress during a fashion show.
In 2003 the couple began dating and lived together during their second year of university.
The couple split in April 2007, however, in October they were back together.
Wedding
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his late mother Princess Diana’s engagement ring in October 2010. The couple were holidaying in Kenya at the time.
On 29 April 2011 they married at Westminster Abbey with a whopping 26 million watching the event live.
Kate wore an Alexander McQueen dress worth a reported £250,000 on the big day.
Kate assumed the title “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge” and also become the Duchess of Cambridge on the day.