Why the Princess of Wales Shuns Fashion Influencer Status — and Why Fans Still Adore Her Style

The Princess of Wales hopes the spotlight will shift to her work rather than her wardrobe — though her admirers will undoubtedly remain captivated by her style. More than any other working royal, the Princess has long been a fashion icon. From her iconic 2011 wedding gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, which revived the popularity of sleeved bridal dresses, to her casual Barbour jackets paired with jeans, Catherine's wardrobe has consistently been a focal point of media coverage during her engagements. However, reflecting her evolving priorities following a successful course of preventative chemotherapy last year, a source close to the Waleses has confirmed that Kensington Palace will no longer provide details about the Princess's outfits during official appearances.

"There is a strong sense that the Princess's public work should not be defined by what she is wearing," a source told The Sunday Times. "She wants the spotlight to be on the critical issues — the people and causes she is championing. Of course, there will always be public admiration for her style, and she understands that. But do we need to be officially highlighting her outfit details at every engagement? No. The style is there, but the focus must be on the substance."

The Princess's Relationship with Fashion

From the moment Catherine's relationship with Prince William became public, her fashion choices were under intense scrutiny. Her iconic Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding gown in 2011 not only captured the world's attention but also solidified her place in the fashion world. Since then, her wardrobe has been closely followed by fans, fashion experts, and the media alike.

Undoubtedly, the intense scrutiny of the Princess of Wales's wardrobe has long been a source of frustration for her. In 2022, a friend revealed to The Times that she found it "enormously frustrating and difficult" that her clothing choices often attracted more media coverage than the charitable causes she worked so hard to promote.

"Fashion has always been a sensitive topic for Kate," says Bethan Holt, The Telegraph's Fashion Director and author of The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Modern Royal Style. "From the early days of her relationship with William, it was clear that every style choice she made would be closely examined — and there was almost no way to avoid becoming part of that narrative. It was even reported that she was eager not to become an instant style icon in the way Princess Diana had."

"She tried to deflect some of the attention by choosing 'everywoman' brands like Zara, Whistles, and LK Bennett — a major departure from the royal tradition of exclusively wearing custom designer pieces," says Holt. "While she didn't always chase the latest trends, that very approach made her even more relatable to many women."

A British Style Icon Who Blends Everyday Fashion with High-End Couture

Whether intentional or not, Catherine has undeniably become a British style icon. Her blend of accessible everyday fashion and high-end couture has offered women an aspirational — yet attainable — figure to admire.

Despite her apparent reservations, it's equally fair to acknowledge that the Princess invites analysis through her carefully considered wardrobe. It's only natural that royal watchers remain fascinated.

Often, Catherine's signature 'uniform' for engagements is rich with meaning, both lighthearted and profound. She might wear Wimbledon's signature purple while attending matches at Centre Court — a tribute to her role as Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club — or honor solemn occasions by wearing the late Queen's pearl and diamond earrings, dating from the 1940s, on Holocaust Memorial Day, symbolically linking history and remembrance.

Shunning the Fashion Influencer Label

She has chosen emerald green—the national color—for visits to Pakistan and Ireland, pinned the late Queen's maple leaf brooch to her lapel while in Canada, and embraced sustainability by wearing a rented gown for the Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston.

Like anyone, the Princess selects her outfits thoughtfully, balancing the requirements of the occasion's dress code with the messages she wishes to convey. Unlike most celebrities, however, members of the royal family rarely give interviews or share personal insights, making their clothing choices one of the few glimpses into their personalities and priorities.

For her countless admirers and well-wishers — many of whom will never have the chance to meet or speak with Catherine personally — her fashion choices offer a rare and meaningful glimpse into the woman behind the title.

Consider the video released by the Palace in September to mark the end of Catherine's chemotherapy journey. Wearing a simple white dress — the £299 "Castella" style by American label Veronica Beard — her choice subtly reflected her renewed sense of perspective after her cancer ordeal, reinforcing her message about rediscovering the value of "the simple yet important things in life."

The Princess of Wales's Impact on the British Fashion Industry

Royal patronage also has a tangible impact on the fashion industry. The Princess serves as a small but significant pillar of British fashion, shining an international spotlight on homegrown, independent labels such as Beulah, Emilia Wickstead, Edeline Lee, and Erdem.

When Catherine wore a £398 red embellished midi dress by Needle & Thread to a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2020, the dress sold out within 24 hours — and racked up a waiting list of over 700 people.

When she was filmed participating in the Clap for Carers campaign during the pandemic, her £129 floral dress by Ghost sold out in just 30 minutes. It's little surprise, then, that Catherine has been credited with contributing up to £1 billion to the British fashion industry in a single year.

Despite her desire to avoid becoming a walking billboard for her favorite brands, there's no denying that Catherine's clothing will continue to captivate and intrigue her vast following. For many, her fashion choices may be the entry point that draws them into her essential campaigning work.

"Kate may now be trying to shift the conversation away from her style, but the reality is that it will always be a key part of her appeal," says Holt. "That will remain true even if the Palace stops releasing details about her wardrobe."

Why Fans Continue to Adore Her Style

Even though Catherine has distanced herself from the world of fashion influencers, there's no denying the power of her style. She remains a beloved figure in fashion, and her choices still generate significant interest from fans and fashion experts alike. So why does her style continue to capture attention?

Accessible Yet Elegant

One key reason Catherine's style resonates with so many is its blend of accessibility and elegance. While many royals choose to wear custom couture pieces that are out of reach for most people, Catherine regularly opts for clothing from high-street brands like Zara, LK Bennett, and Whistles. These are brands that everyday women can afford, which makes Catherine's style more relatable.

But Catherine also knows when to elevate her look. She's often seen wearing iconic designers like Emilia Wickstead and Erdem. Still, even these choices feel grounded in her desire to remain faithful to herself rather than fitting into the high-fashion mold. It's this mix of everyday clothing with high-end pieces that make her style both aspirational and achievable.

Subtle, Thoughtful Statements

Catherine uses fashion to make subtle yet meaningful statements. Her wardrobe choices often reflect the cause she's supporting or the country she's visiting. For example, during her trip to Ireland, she wore a green ensemble to pay tribute to the country's national color. On a visit to Pakistan, she donned emerald green once again, which not only honored the national color but also reflected her respect for the cultures she encountered.

The Impact of the Princess's Fashion Choices

Catherine's influence on the fashion world cannot be overstated. Her wardrobe choices have had a demonstrable impact on sales, with many of the pieces she wears selling out within hours of her public appearances. When she wore a £398 red embellished dress by Needle & Thread to a 2020 reception at Buckingham Palace, it sold out within 24 hours and generated a 700-person waiting list. Similarly, a £129 dress by Ghost she wore during the Clap for Carers campaign in 2020 sold out in just 30 minutes.

Such instances highlight Catherine's power as a style figure. While she may not actively seek to influence fashion trends, her clothing choices often profoundly impact consumer behavior, boosting sales and drawing attention to brands she supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Princess of Wales avoid being labeled as a fashion influencer?

The Princess of Wales prefers to maintain a more traditional and dignified image, focusing on her royal duties rather than engaging in the influencer culture. She values timeless style and does not want to align herself with fast fashion trends or commercialized endorsement deals that could compromise her royal position.

How does the Princess of Wales's style differ from modern fashion influencers? 

Unlike many influencers who focus on fleeting trends and sponsored content, the Princess of Wales opts for a refined, classic wardrobe. She frequently wears outfits, promotes sustainability, and supports brands that align with her values. Her style is understated and elegant, focusing on quality over quantity.

What makes the Princess of Wales's fashion so admired by fans? 

Fans adore her style for its timeless elegance, grace, and relatability. Her ability to balance high-end fashion with accessible pieces has earned her admiration. She also incorporates meaningful symbols into her wardrobe, such as tributes to her family and heritage, which resonates with her followers.

Does the Princess of Wales endorse brands or engage in commercial partnerships? 

While she occasionally wears pieces from luxury brands and designers, the Princess of Wales does not engage in sponsored partnerships or promote specific products. Her fashion choices are seen as personal and reflective of her public role rather than commercial interests.

How does the Princess of Wales promote sustainability through her fashion choices? 

The Princess of Wales is known for her commitment to sustainability. She wears outfits that support the idea of investing in high-quality, long-lasting pieces rather than constantly purchasing new ones. She also champions eco-friendly brands and fashion designers who prioritize ethical practices.

Why do people consider the Princess of Wales a fashion icon despite shunning the influencer label?

The Princess of Wales is considered a fashion icon due to her ability to blend modern style with classic sophistication. Her wardrobe choices are often seen as a reflection of her personality and her royal responsibilities. Her preference for modest, elegant designs and her natural poise have made her a beloved figure in both the fashion world and among her fans.

Conclusion

The Princess of Wales's decision to shy away from the fashion influencer status highlights her commitment to maintaining the dignity and tradition associated with her royal role. Rather than chasing fleeting trends or commercial opportunities, she focuses on timeless elegance, sustainability, and authenticity. This grounded approach has only amplified her status as a true style icon. Fans continue to adore her for her ability to blend high fashion with relatable choices, her effortless grace, and her ability to use fashion as a reflection of her values. The Princess of Wales proves that actual influence comes not from following trends but from remaining true to oneself and embracing a style that transcends time.