It’s no secret that Kate Middleton has had quite the style evolution since marrying into the royal family in 2011 – but she has also undergone a big transformation since becoming the Princess of Wales following Queen Elizabeth II’s tragic passing in September 2022.
Kate Middleton, 41, has exuded class and elegance even before walking down the aisle and marrying Prince William, now 41, in April 2011. After all, isn’t that one of the many reasons why the young prince fell for her? But since becoming the Duchess of Cambridge – the title she received after her wedding day – her style got even more refined to ensure that her looks didn’t break royal protocol. She may have had a few protocol-breaking incidents over the years – but still looked incredible, may we add – but overall, she has seldom put a sartorial foot wrong.
Kate Middleton Has Stopped Wearing Headbands Since Becoming The Princess Of Wales
Many royal experts have hinted that the mom-of-three's style got a subtle but noticeable change when she stepped into her new role as the Princess of Wales, which she received following the late Queen Elizabeth II's passing. And one of those changes is interestingly related to her choice of accessories – in particular, her choice of headwear! While some royal fans have noticed that Kate's style is a little more formal and modest over the past ten months – which hasn’t always gone down well – her choice of headwear is something that hasn’t really been talked about. Until now!
The Princess of Wales had quite an enviable headband collection, having stepped out in some truly breathtaking pieces over the past 13-plus years. However, she hasn’t worn one since becoming the Princess of Wales – unless, of course, the Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece she wore to King Charles' coronation back in May counts – which royal style expert Miranda Holder told Hello! is quite telling.
A Royal Style Expert Weighs In
"Headbands used to be a regular part of Kate’s stylish fashion arsenal, but recently, they seem to have been dropped as a key accessory, in favor of more fully formed hats and headpieces," Holder told the pub.
"Headbands are a lovely way to finish off an outfit, adding height, color, and a sense of formality to a range of occasions and they really suited Kate, but these days, the popular accessory (which still looks great on Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie) doesn’t fit with Kate’s more sophisticated and regal style aesthetic," Holder explained.
We *do* actually think that Kate still looked extremely sophisticated in her various headbands, but we do see where Holder is coming from – especially the part where she mentions that Kate is preparing for her future role as queen by stepping away from more youthful accessories.
"There has definitely been a significant change of tone since Princess Catherine became the Princess of Wales. As she takes one step closer to the throne, her wardrobe has reflected this, becoming more regal, to the point of sometimes feeling a little austere," she continued, adding, "The feminine, girlish headband with its connotations of romance and innocence no longer feels right." We do actually miss Catherine, the Princess of Wales' headbands; but at the same time, we love the exciting new direction her style seems to be going in!
