How Kate has stuck to her beloved wardrobe staples and favourite brands amid a gradual return to public life

Since her gradual return to public life following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has relied on her beloved wardrobe staples and favorite brands. Known for her classic and elegant fashion sense, Kate has consistently chosen familiar pieces that reflect her signature style. This trend has continued during her recent public appearances, including her third appearance since her diagnosis at Crathie Kirk Church in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where she attended a service alongside her husband, Prince William, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince Andrew.

In her recent outing, Kate opted for a beige tartan Marlborough trench coat from Holland Cooper and a dark brown wool felt fedora from Hicks & Brown, which retails for £99. This choice of attire was not only practical for the Scottish climate but also a nod to her classic style, as she had previously worn the same hat almost a year earlier at the same location. Her decision to repeat outfits is not unusual, as the Princess of Wales has always been known for her practical approach to fashion, often choosing to recycle clothing items for various public engagements.

Since her cancer diagnosis, Kate’s public appearances have been marked by a sense of familiarity and comfort, reflecting her cautious but determined return to her royal duties. Her fashion choices during these appearances have been characterized by a reliance on comfortable and trusted wardrobe staples, such as her favorite Breton striped tops. During a video appearance in August to congratulate Team GB on their success at the Olympics, Kate wore a new version of the navy Breton sailor shirt from Ralph Lauren, priced at £139. While the top was new, it remained consistent with her love for Breton stripes, which she has been wearing for over a decade in various forms, from casual outings with her children to formal royal engagements.

Kate’s preference for her beloved brands was also evident in her choice of attire for her first public appearance since her diagnosis at the Trooping the Colour in June. She wore a classic, knee-length white dress by Jenny Packham, a designer she has favored for many years. Jenny Packham dresses have been a staple in Kate’s wardrobe, including the dresses she wore to introduce each of her three children to the world. This consistent choice of designer not only reflects her loyalty to familiar brands but also highlights her penchant for timeless elegance and understated sophistication.

During her appearance at the Wimbledon Grand Slam final in July, Kate again turned to her wardrobe favorites. She carried a 122 Milly Nude leather bag from LK Bennett, another brand she has frequently worn over the years. This bag, which she also used during the pandemic and for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, perfectly complemented her brightly colored dresses, demonstrating her ability to mix and match classic pieces with her contemporary style.

Kate’s recent public engagements have also included a recorded video message in which she announced her cancer diagnosis. In the video, she wore a simple, elegant cashmere sweater by Erdem, one of her go-to designers. The choice of a cashmere sweater not only provided comfort but also underscored her practical approach to dressing during a challenging time. Her choice of minimal jewelry and subtle accessories has further emphasized her focus on comfort and ease while maintaining her trademark style.

Kate’s fashion choices during this period have been a reflection of her strength and resilience as she navigates her return to public life amid her health challenges. By sticking to her trusted wardrobe staples and favorite brands, she has managed to maintain a sense of normalcy and continuity in her style, even as she faces personal difficulties. Her ability to seamlessly blend comfort with elegance has not only made her a fashion icon but also a symbol of grace under pressure.

As the Princess of Wales continues to reemerge into the public eye, her sartorial choices are likely to remain a testament to her enduring style and her commitment to representing the British monarchy with poise and dignity. Her preference for familiar, comfortable clothing reflects her understanding of the power of fashion as a means of communication, using her style to convey both stability and resilience during a time of personal adversity.