Since news of Prince William's relationship with fellow St Andrews University classmate, Kate Middleton, broke in 2004 the future queen has become one of the most celebrated style icons of the age.
From her high-value, high-fashion event looks worn for state banquets and official engagements, to her off-duty country-loving chic wardrobe, Kate's value to the U.K.'s fashion economy has been estimated at over $1 billion.
Though the glittering and expensive fashion moments may receive more widespread attention, the princess' more accessible wardrobe staples prove to be the most popular among the buying public, often selling out whenever the royal is spotted wearing them.
Kate is known to be a firm lover of the Great British countryside, spending much of her family time with Prince William and their three children, at their home Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Prior to her marriage, Kate was often spotted in country tweeds or relaxed mix-and-match looks at sports events such as horse trials or polo matches. Over the past decade as a member of the royal family, and now as the most senior royal lady apart from Queen Camilla, as Princess of Wales, she continues to display her love of waxed jackets, country boots and a color scheme of neutrals.
Here, Newsweek looks at five of Kate's chicest country-fashion moments.
Badminton Horse Trials
When Kate Middleton and Prince William's relationship was made public in 2004, Kate became a figure of interest for the press and public, often being photographed at events or going about her day-to-day life. This interest did not end in April 2007 when the couple briefly split, eventually rekindling their romance in June that same year.
In May 2007, during the relationship break, Kate was photographed walking the equestrian cross-country course during the Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, England.
The future royal looked effortlessly chic wearing a white denim skirt, with a blue cable-knit sweater over a wide collared blouse. Kate accessorized with a pair of sunglasses, a brown leather shoulder-strapped handbag and brown suede calf-length boots.
Hiking in Bhutan
Kate's practical approach to fashion saw her recreate a classic English countryside look in the mountainous country of Bhutan in Asia, where the royal undertook a hike with Prince William during an official visit in 2016.
For the activity, Kate wore a nubuck waistcoat from Really Wild Clothing over a relaxed linen shirt rolled at the elbow, paired with coordinating skinny jeans.
To accessorize, the royal wore a pair of wide-framed sunglasses and a pair of chocolate-brown leather boots from luxury leather-goods brand, Penelope Chilvers.
Royally in Vogue
Kate's love of country clothing is so great that in 2016, when she was asked to grace the cover of British Vogue's centenary issue, she did so wearing a green felt fedora hat and brown suede jacket, photographed in the rolling fields of Norfolk.
In one image, the royal posed leaning on a farm gate wearing a red and black striped shirt by the brand, Petit Bateau, paired with simple black trousers.
The showpiece suede coat featured on the magazine's cover was designed by Burberry.
Images from the Vogue shoot were displayed at London's National Portrait Gallery when the magazine was published, in a special exhibition marking its centenary. Kate is the gallery's patron.
Scouts Visit
In November 2021, William and Kate visited Scotland where the COP26 climate summit was being held. During the day, the couple stopped at the Alexandra Park Sports Hub to meet members of the Scouts as they undertook activities connected with their #PromiseToThePlanet campaign.
For the engagement, Kate wore a quilted green gilet by the Danish brand Ganni. She paired this with a black base layer and trousers, accessorized with a red, white and blue Scouts neck tie.
Active in Scotland
One of Kate's most recent country-chic fashion appearances was made in November 2023, during a visit to Scotland with Prince William.
For the day of engagements, including a turn on a bicycle course, the princess opted for a statement green check-patterned jacket from Burberry, paired with a black roll-neck jumper and boot-cut jeans.
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.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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