Kate Middleton’s Fashion Is Different These Days — But It’s Not Because of the Actual Clothes

The Princess of Wales has been a fashion icon since before she even joined the royal family. While she and Prince William were dating in the mid-2000s, she was constantly followed around by cameras, and her outfits have always been a topic of conversation. Years later, that’s still the case, but her clothes have become much more refined.

Kate Middleton is still one of the most well-dressed women in the world, but as time has gone on, her comfort around her fashion has changed, according to one expert — even though her outfits have only grown more sophisticated.

Kate Middleton is becoming more mentally comfortable in her outfits

Being a royal might have its perks, but it isn’t easy. It requires the attention to constantly be on you; every time Kate steps out for an affair, she has to look perfect, or the public will notice. And that can take a toll on your mental focus. For years, Kate’s looks have been at the center of her royal image, despite that she doesn’t necessarily want them to be. But now, one expert says that Kate has gained enough confidence to where she feels good e very time she steps out. She’s comfortable in what she wears and doesn’t try to over- or under-perform in the fashion department. Rather, she just wears what feels right for her.

“Most women in their forties know what suits them, and they’re more comfortable in their own skin, and you can really see that in her,” Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine said on an episode of the Palace Confidential podcast, according to Express. Vine also described Kate’s sense of style as one that shows her “innate confidence,” saying she understands her “strong points” and “limitations” when it comes to fashion.

Kate Middleton wants the focus to remain on her royal duties

While Kate fully understands that, as a royal woman, fashion will always be a talked-about portion of her reputation, she doesn’t want her looks to overshadow the work she does on behalf of the royals.

Back in February, a spokesperson for the Princess revealed that Kate’s team doesn’t want her looks to take over. “There is an absolute feeling that [the public work] is not about what the princess is wearing,” the person close to Kate said at the time. “She wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting. There will always be an appreciation of what the princess is wearing from some of the public, and she gets that.” Kate’s fashion will always leave a mark, but she wants her legacy more heavily focused on the work she’s done for the organizations close to her heart.