Kate Middleton's Princess of Wales Makeover As She Turns 42

Kate Middleton's style has evolved as she marks her first full year in the new senior role as Princess of Wales, a royal fashion expert has told Newsweek, with the future queen streamlining her look and embracing vintage silhouettes.

Kate celebrates her 42nd birthday on January 9, and in the past 12 months, the mother of three has seen her style kudos rise, dressing not only for an increased round of royal engagements but also for high profile ceremonies such as state visits and the all-important coronation of her father-in-law, King Charles III.

When he acceded to the throne on September 8, 2022, one of Charles' first acts was to make his son and daughter-in-law the new Prince and Princess of Wales, the most senior titles held by members of the royal family, outside of those held by the king and queen themselves.

"With Catherine beside him," Charles said of Prince William. "Our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given."

Since January 2023, the princess has settled into her new role, launching an ambitious early years awareness campaign titled "Shaping Us," taking on her first military patronages, notably as colonel of the Irish Guards, and increasing her presence in Wales, the country that she and William first lived in as a married couple.

In terms of style, Kate has gone through a similar evolution, making over her wardrobes to match her new senior position.

"Kate's style has seen a huge evolution as she has stepped into her role as the Princess of Wales," royal fashion expert Christine Ross told Newsweek reflecting on Kate's birthday.

"We have seen a notable influx of the boldly-hued trouser suits, which tend to appear when the Princess means business. For more formal royal events, such as church services and historic occasions, we have seen a vintage-inspired tone to her looks. This began during Queen Elizabeth II's jubilee year and continues today, adding a true timelessness to her style."

Kate's pantsuits have become the standout staple of her new-style working wardrobe as Princess of Wales. She debuted a wide range in 2023 from several designers, most notably the fashion house of Alexander McQueen in varying colorways.

This timeless style complimented the more statement outfits worn for important events, such as a monochrome polka-dot dress worn for Garter Day at Windsor Castle which had a distinct aesthetic link to the 1980s, or vivid red day dress worn for Royal Ascot.

This, Ross noted, sees Kate showcase continuity through her fashion, creating photo-moments which will not easily date or age.

"The 1980s-inspired Alessandra Rich dresses and 1950s-evoking Erdem look at Commonwealth Day could be from any moment throughout the last 100 years, just as the monarchy has been a constant for the last several centuries," she said.

She also highlighted that despite this vintage-inspired eye used to craft her wardrobes, it didn't place the royal in a time-warp, being able to look fresh and modern for important engagements.

"When getting messy with the Scouts or volunteering at a baby bank, Kate's classic countryside style holds true in skinny jeans and practical boots paired with a cosy jumper," she concluded.

As Kate enters a new year, another collection of important engagements are being prepared for, with speculation of foreign travel as well as the usual round of showcase events like Trooping the Colour to the eager anticipation of royal fans.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.

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