In pictures: Princess Kate of Wales' style evolution over the years - Wedding dress to Wimbledon
From party girl to regal future Queen...The Princess of Wales is no doubt a style icon, influencing people all around the world with her chic and sophisticated looks.
But how has her fashion evolved over the years since she married into the royal family?
Kate marks her 43rd birthday on January 9, 2025.
From sequin mini dresses and low waisted jeans in the early 2000s to regal gowns and chic suits, let’s take a look at how Kate Middleton has become one of the most influential style icons globally.
Princess of Wales’ style over the years
In the early 2000s, Kate Middleton embodied the true Y2K look with her low waisted jeans and sequinned halterneck tops.
She was newly dating Prince William after they met in 2001 at St Andrews University.
2005 – Kate at university
In 2005, before Kate became Princess of Wales, she channelled her inner cowgirl with a western style outfit. She wore a suede brown jacket, with a matching cowboy hat and knee-high boots over jeans.
Elsewhere in 2005, Kate also opted for a posh and prep look post uni. In one iconic photo, Kate wore a black pencil skirt, tights and a white shirt at her graduation.
She finished the look off with black kitten heels.
2006 – Kate’s style was less extravagant before she was the Princess of Wales
A year later, it seems Kate was a fan of fur. At the Cheltenham Races, Kate opted for a tailored cream coat with brown suede slouchy boots and a fur hat.
2007
In 2007, Kate was the picture of a natural beauty and often sported more casual looks.
One moment saw her wearing blue bootcut jeans with a black knitted cardigan and a white leather shoulder bag.
Elsewhere in 2007, Kate was in her party era and the sequins were out in full force. Enjoying a night out, Kate wore a black sequinned mini dress with knee high black boots.
In April of that year, Kate and William briefly split up after five years of dating.
However, they apparently rekindled their romance in June of that year.
2008
Did someone say disco?! In 2008, Kate’s love for sequins seemed to continue.
Attending the Day-Glo Charity Roller Disco, Kate wore a green sequinned halterneck top with bright yellow shorts and pink leg warmers. She added a pink shoulder bag and black boots to the look.
2010 – Kate Middleton’s engagement dress matched her ring
In 2010, Kate’s engagement to Prince William was announced. In their engagement interview, Kate wore a long-sleeved royal blue wrap dress with black pump heels.
This was the year that the “Kate effect” began as people started rushing to recreate her outfits. It was the start of the Princess of Wales’ style changing as she was set to join the royal family.
2011 – Kate Middleton’s wedding dress was iconic
One of the most memorable years for Kate is 2011, when she married into the royal family.
William and Kate’s wedding took place on April 29 at Westminster Abbey.
The then Duchess of Cambridge’s dress was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. It featured lace detail, long sleeves, a deep V-neck and a long train.
2012
Her first year within the monarchy and as the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate’s style began to change.
During Trooping the Colour – the monarch’s official birthday parade – in 2012, Kate looked every inch a royal wife in a light blue embroidered coat dress and matching fascinator.
2013
In the summer of 2013, Kate and William welcomed their first child together – Prince George.
Throughout her pregnancy, Kate looked glowing. Keeping with royal tradition, Kate and William made an appearance on the steps of St Mary’s hospital with their newborn son. William’s late mother, Princess Diana, did the same with both her children.
For the occasion, Kate wore a light blue polka dot dress from Jenny Packham. She paired it with white pump wedges.
Princess of Wales’ style in 2015
Two years later, Kate and William welcomed their second child – daughter Princess Charlotte.
Again, they posed on the steps of St Mary’s hospital with their baby girl. Kate wore a yellow and white floral midi dress, with nude heels.
2017
In 2017, Kate attended the BAFTAs as she and William took to the red carpet. She wore a floor-length black embroidered dress from Alexander McQueen.
2018
William and Kate’s third child, Prince Louis, was born in April 2018. Just like her other two births, Kate made an appearance on the hospital steps.
Wearing a red midi dress featuring a crochet neckline, Kate was all smiles for the crowds.
A month later, Kate looked stunning at the wedding of her brother-in-law Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle.
She recycled a yellow tailored dress coat from Alexander McQueen, with a matching hat fascinator and nude heels.
2019 – Princess of Wales’ glamorous side came out with her style
In 2019, Kate wowed in a princess style dress for the BAFTAs. She wore a white floor-length, one-shoulder gown from Alexander McQueen.
She later recycled the dress for the 2023 BAFTAs, adding black gloves to the look.
2021
This year, Kate brought back the sequined look as she wore a stunning green gown for an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance.
The forest green dress was from Jenny Packham, and featured long sleeves and shoulder pads.
2022
The long dresses continued throughout 2022, with Kate wearing a bright green gown as she joined William for the Earthshot Prize Awards.
2023 – Kate’s style after becoming the Princess of Wales
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Kate became the Princess of Wales.
In the first year of her new title and position within the monarchy, the royal’s style remained chic and timeless. She wowed in matching suits and midi summer dresses.
For the 2023 Commonwealth Day service, Kate looked incredible in a navy embroidered blazer and matching midi skirt. She also wore navy heels and a matching hat.
Later in 2023, Kate left many fans gushing over her purple suit look. She wore the look as she visited the Design Museum for an engagement.
2024
That brings us to 2024. Kate had a tough year as she underwent treatment for cancer, beginning in March.
However, on the few occasions that she stepped out for duties and appearances, the Princess of Wales didn’t fail to wow royal spectators.
In June 2024, she attended Trooping the Colour to mark King Charles‘ official birthday. She looked radiant in a white and navy Jenny Packham dress, which featured a bow, and matching hat fascinator.
Later into the summer, Kate delighted fans as she attended Wimbledon with daughter Princess Charlotte, nine. Kate is a big fan of tennis and usually attends the competition every year.
She wore a purple dress, while Charlotte looked adorable in a navy polka dot dress.
Meanwhile, later in 2024, Kate joined William for a ceremonial welcome for the Emir of Qatar and his wife’s official state visit.
She wore a burgundy coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. She added a matching hat to the look and burgundy boots, as well as accessorised with a burgundy Chanel bag.
Which is your favourite look from the Princess of Wales? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
