Writing About Royal Fashion Is Vital – Despite Palace Pushback

The Princess's undeniable glamour continues to draw attention to the causes she champions, and no royal decision is likely to silence the fascination with her fashion choices.

It's easy to understand why the Princess of Wales might want to redirect media attention from her wardrobe to her work. After fourteen years of royal duties, several of the roughly twenty charities she supports have become deeply meaningful to her. It must be disheartening when a bracelet garners more headlines than a significant initiative from The Centre for Early Childhood, which she played a key role in founding. Especially after the challenging year she's endured, it's likely she's gained fresh perspectives on her life, her responsibilities, and how she wishes to shape them moving forward.

The Enduring Allure of Royal Fashion

Still, the Palace's Palace's Palace's recent decision to withhold details of the Princess Princess's outfits—except for state and significant occasions—feels somewhat misguided. At this stage, when she is so widely admired and beloved, why not embrace the fact that her fashion choices are part of what draws attention to engagements that might otherwise go unnoticed? The sight of the Princess, radiant in a beaded Jenny Packham gown, offers a moment of joy in an era when many public figures often disappoint. The truth is, her glamour isn't a distraction—it's a powerful amplifier. It's precisely because of her style and presence that so many people have even heard of the Centre for Early Childhood.

Over three decades ago, the Princess of Wales'sWales's mother-in-law undertook a similar shift—from fashion icon to serious global humanitarian. Following her separation from the then-Prince Charles in 1992, Diana made her intentions clear. "She didn't want to be known as a clothes horse but as a workhorse," Eleri Lynn, curator of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, told Vogue in 2017.

But the shift didn't fully take hold. In fact, following her separation, Diana'sDiana's style only grew more polished and internationally glamorous—most famously embodied by the iconic black, off-the-shoulder "revenge dress" she wore to a Serpentine Gallery dinner on the very night Prince Charles publicly admitted to his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. Despite her claims to the contrary, Diana understood better than most that clothing carries immense power—especially when your voice isn't always the one amplified.

Catherine presents a striking contrast to her complex, publicity-conscious mother-in-law. She has never appeared to seek the spotlight and showed little overt interest in fashion in the early years of her marriage. I once interviewed her mother, Carole—clearly a strong influence on both her daughters—who asked me pointedly whether I thought fashion really mattered. The implication was clear: in her eyes, it did not.

The Future of Fashion Commentary in Royal Coverage

What Carole seemed to reject was fashion's frivolous, wasteful side—elements at odds with the practical, grounded values often associated with the Middleton family. Yet it has always been evident that the Middletons understand the value of appearance: the importance of grooming, bright dressing, and a quiet but consistent sense of style. Puritans, they are not.

Michael Middleton is always impeccably turned out, while Carole favors a touch of Ralph Lauren for weekends and turns to Catherine Walker for significant occasions. Pippa gravitates toward the kind of fashion that wouldn't look out of place in Tatler, and James embodies a contemporary countryside aesthetic—think The Gentlemen by Guy Ritchie: tweedy, tailored, and confidently showing off slim calves. For someone who spends much of his time working with dogs, James might be the Middleton family's unexpected breakout-style star.

Still, it is Catherine—blessed with height, slenderness, and innate poise—who stands out as the proper style figurehead. Regularly named among the world's best-dressed women, this distinction doesn't detract from her credibility; in fact, in these austere times, it offers a subtle yet meaningful boost to national pride. After all, no one accused Elizabeth I or II of superficiality for carefully curating their image—both understood the power of presentation in reinforcing their authority and purpose.

Catherine has been an invaluable asset to the £37-billion-a-year British fashion industry. And at a time when the sector faces headwinds from a sluggish global economy and looming U.S. tariffs, her influence is more vital than ever. Where is royal fandom most fervent outside the UK? In the United States. And where is retail holding up better than in much of the world? Cities like New York, Miami, Dallas, and beyond. If anything can convince affluent American fans to absorb a 25% tariff on their next Emilia Wickstead purchase, it's seeing the Princess wear it—complete with full designer credit.

In reality, this is unlikely to change much. The Palace may have used a sledgehammer to crack what was arguably a pistachio-sized problem, but will this new policy stop brands from identifying their designs? Unlikely. For any label—especially small independents like Edeline Lee or Beulah—seeing their creations worn by the Princess is both thrilling and affirming. Many go to great lengths and considerable expense to customize garments for her, often offering them at a discount or on loan. Indeed, they deserve the opportunity to benefit from what is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime golden moment.

And let's not overlook the dedicated royal style watchers—like my colleague Bethan Holt, The Telegraph'sTelegraph's fashion director and author of The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Modern Royal Style—whose encyclopedic knowledge of Catherine'sCatherine's wardrobe means they can spot a rewear within moments of it surfacing online. Just as noteworthy are Catherine's—and increasingly, the Prince of Wales'—appearances in re-worn or sustainably sourced outfits, such as at the Earthshot Prize Gala. These choices send a powerful message, encouraging even the most hesitant to consider the value and elegance of second-hand fashion.

Royals as Fashion Influencers

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have been credited with causing the "Kate Effect" and "Meghan Effect," respectively—economic phenomena in which their clothing choices sell out within hours. Their fashion choices influence trends across continents and demographics, from luxury shoppers to high-street consumers.

Royal fashion coverage drives consumer behavior, making it a legitimate subject within the fashion and lifestyle industries. Downplaying this influence ignores the powerful economic and cultural impact royals have on global fashion trends.

Catherine has quietly shaped the way millions dress. Perhaps more significantly, her frequent appearances in high-street fashion—allegedly encouraged by William in the early years of their marriage—played a key role in making the younger generation of royals feel more relatable and in touch with everyday Britons. Only last week, she wore a checked ensemble from Zara. Why let that influence go to waste by withholding the brand? Admittedly, eagle-eyed fans and online sleuths will uncover it anyway, but transparency only strengthens the connection.

And why obscure the many subtle, significant sartorial choices she makes? In my own WhatsApp groups, the response was heartfelt when the Princess wore a pearl necklace from vintage jewelry site Susan Caplan—whose founder is Jewish—at a Holocaust Memorial Day event in London. At a time when many in the Jewish community were feeling anxious and unseen, that quiet gesture spoke volumes.

"There are countless examples of Kate giving a tremendous boost to small labels and British businesses," says The Telegraph's royal style expert, Bethan Holt. "That doesn't doesn't reduce her to a mere fashion plate—we can absolutely value the substance of her work and engagements. Her clothing choices can be a complement to that work, not a distraction from it."

Ultimately, we're only fooling ourselves if we downplay the importance of how we present ourselves—and that's precisely what this Palace statement seems to do. The decision feels oddly sheepish, almost apologetic, when, in truth, it should reflect pride in everything the Princess of Wales represents. That includes her role as a powerful ambassador for British fashion, which is no small part of her enduring influence.

Princess Catherine has been stepping out for her public duties after completing her cancer treatment.

After spending much of 2024 away from the public spotlight to focus on her cancer treatment, Princess Kate has gradually resumed her royal duties in early 2025.

A recent report in The Sunday Times garnered widespread attention, coming just days after the Princess of Wales visited Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice children in South Wales—an engagement during which it was announced she would become its patron, following in the footsteps of the late Princess Diana.

Decoding three of the Princess of Wales'sWales's most significant outfits

Catherine's outfit, in Saltire blue—a nod to the Scottish flag—is a reward, making it a more sustainable choice than debuting a new look. Her jewelry adds further layers of meaning. The Four-Row Japanese Pearl Choker, once belonging to the late Queen, was also worn by the previous Princess of Wales in 1982. Catherine herself has worn it to the funerals of both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. In choosing it again, she may be subtly honoring the late Queen's deep affection for Balmoral, her beloved Scottish retreat. The Collingwood pearl drop earrings, meanwhile, were a wedding gift to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, adding yet another thread of continuity and reverence to the ensemble.

Kate's outfit details are always a topic of discussion among the public.

Interestingly, during one of her visits to the Royal Marsden Hospital in January—an appearance made to express gratitude following her cancer treatment—the Palace chose not to share details about the Princess's outfit. That didn't deter observers, who closely examined her appearance, including the notable absence of her sapphire engagement ring, once belonging to Princess Diana.

Its absence sparked widespread speculation, with theories ranging from personal health concerns—such as weight loss affecting the fit—to practical considerations, such as the ring being too valuable to wear during hospital visits. Some even speculated about potential strain in her relationship with Prince William, underscoring how much meaning the public continues to assign to even the most minor details of her wardrobe.

The Baftas, London, 2023

Catherine Catherine's choice of Alexander McQueen was undoubtedly meaningful—it's the label she entrusted with her wedding gown and continues to rely on for her most high-profile appearances. In keeping with the BAFTAs' sustainable dress code, the gown was a reward, subtly refreshed with an altered shoulder strap for a new twist on a familiar look. Her earrings, from Zara, added a relatable touch—proof that even as a royal, she appreciates a well-chosen fashion bargain just like the rest of us.

The Princess of Wales has become a royal fashion icon.

Fans, leading fashion blogs like WhatKateWore, and designers around the globe continue to closely follow Princess Kate's impeccable style. Frequently featured on best-dressed lists in prestigious fashion publications such as Vogue, she remains a standout figure in the world of fashion.

Beyond her effortlessly chic and contemporary ensembles, the Princess of Wales often pays subtle tribute to iconic members of the royal family—most notably Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II—through thoughtful sartorial choices that blend tradition with modern elegance.

The Earthshot Prize Awards, Boston, 2022

This striking gown by Solace London marked a first for Catherine—it was rented, signaling her support for the growing sharing economy. Its vibrant green hue not only aligned with the Earthshot Prize'sPrize's environmental mission but also echoed the late Queen's signature approach to bold color: ensuring visibility and recognisability in a crowd. Catherine complemented the dress with a standout emerald choker, once famously worn by Princess Diana as a headpiece. The piece served as both a sartorial statement and a sentimental talisman on what was a significant evening for the Prince of Wales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is royal fashion coverage so important in modern media?

A: Royal fashion reflects not only personal style but also cultural influence, diplomacy, and evolving societal values. Covering it helps decode subtle messages, supports the fashion industry, and captivates global audiences.

What does royal fashion symbolize beyond clothing?

A: Royal fashion often symbolizes national pride, tradition, and soft power. It can also highlight sustainable practices, represent charitable causes, and send diplomatic signals during international engagements.

Why does the Palace sometimes push back against fashion coverage?

A: The Palace often prefers to keep focus on royal duties rather than style. They may view excessive fashion analysis as frivolous or distracting from serious work, preferring a more dignified and controlled public image.

How does fashion journalism benefit from covering royals?

A: Fashion journalism gains credibility and traffic from royal features. These articles are highly searched, spark global interest, and often go viral, boosting visibility for both media outlets and designers.

Can royal fashion coverage be respectful and insightful?

A: Absolutely. Ethical reporting highlights the craftsmanship, intention, and symbolism behind royal looks without objectifying or sensationalizing. Good coverage respects the person while celebrating their impact on fashion.

What impact does royal fashion have on designers and brands?

A: When a royal wears a brand, especially smaller or local labels, it can result in a massive boost in sales, reputation, and global awareness. This is often referred to as "The Kate Effect" or "The Meghan Effect.

Conclusion

Writing about royal fashion is far more than a fixation on glamorous outfits—it's a lens through which we can explore cultural identity, political symbolism, and social evolution. Despite palace resistance to style-centric narratives, the global fascination with royal wardrobes remains strong and meaningful. From influencing global fashion trends to boosting emerging designers and shaping public discourse, royal fashion coverage holds undeniable journalistic and societal value. By telling these style stories thoughtfully and respectfully, writers contribute to a deeper understanding of the monarchy's modern role—proving that fashion, especially at the royal level, is never just about clothes.