Kensington Palace faces a “conundrum” following a Princess Kate decision, according to a style expert.
The Princess of Wales made a notable departure from her usual style during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery earlier this week, opting for an understated ensemble that signals a deliberate shift in her public image.
The muted outfit choice comes as Kensington Palace aims to redirect attention from the Princess’s fashion to her charitable endeavours.
The visit, which saw Kate accompanying kindergarten children to the gallery, marked one of her first public appearances showcasing this new, more subdued approach to royal dressing.
Kensington Palace faces ‘conundrum’ following Princess Kate decision
Getty
Kate wore a fitted brown wool-blend blazer by Ukrainian designer Petar Petrov, paired with a black turtleneck and Maxmara pinstripe trousers.
The Sunday Times recently reported that Kensington Palace would no longer release details of the Princess’s outfits except for “the most important family and state events.”
A Palace source told the newspaper that Kate “wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting.”
This shift represents a continuing strategy, though the Palace notes this is not entirely new, as they have not always provided outfit details for royal engagements.
Princess Kate visiting the National Portrait Gallery on Tuesday
Getty
Royal style expert Susan Kelley, founder of What Kate Wore, acknowledges the delicate balance between fashion coverage and charitable work.
“It’s understandable that the Princess would like the emphasis to be on her work and not her fashion, and that’s a conundrum many women face, especially women in high-profile positions,” Kelley told People.
However, she suggests the two aspects need not be mutually exclusive.
“I consistently hear the same message from my readers: I came for the fashion but stayed to learn about the causes,” Kelley explained.
Princess Kate generates billions for the British fashion industry
PA
The expert notes that journalists and bloggers can effectively cover both the Princess’s charitable work and her style choices.
Kate’s fashion choices continue to wield significant influence on British brands, particularly smaller companies.
“The Princess of Wales is a terrific champion for the British fashion industry, exposing millions of people to brands they might not have been familiar with,” Kelley noted.
This impact extends to children’s fashion, with brands like Trotters seeing business boom after the royal children wear their pieces.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Princess Kate pictured on an engagement in Wales
Reuters
Her clothing choices often carry a deeper meaning, as demonstrated by her recent selection of a pearl necklace from Jewish-owned brand Susan Caplan for the Holocaust Memorial Service. “She’s so sensitive and I think she’s able to convey just the right message with the right outfit,” Caplan remarked.
Despite Kensington Palace’s strategy to downplay fashion coverage, royal style experts suggest public interest in the Princess’s wardrobe choices remains robust.
“The reality is that people have an interest in the Princess’s style and that is not something that Kensington Palace can control,” says Kelley.
The Palace’s new approach reflects a careful balancing act between maintaining Kate’s influential position in British fashion and ensuring her charitable work receives proper attention.
Whether wearing historic royal jewellery or championing emerging designers, the Princess’s fashion choices continue to carry significant meaning beyond mere style.