Kate Middleton's Work Wardrobe: What's the Palace Policy on Releasing Details About Her Outfits?

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middleton visits Ty Hafan hospice in Sully, Wales on Jan. 30, 2025.Photo:RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty

RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty

Kate Middleton’s refined style is a signature of her public image, but is the Princess of Wales pulling back on releasing details about her outfits?

On Feb. 1,The Timesreported that the Princess of Wales' office at Kensington Palace “will no longer release details of her outfits” in an effort for the public to focus on her work rather than her wardrobe. The update came two days after Princess Kate, 43, stepped out in South Wales to visit aTŷ Hafan children’s hospice, coinciding with the announcement that she’s taking on its patronage (likePrincess Diana), and tour afamily run-textiles manufacturer, aligning with her interest in the industry. Royal watchers were curious when the palace didn’t reveal details for what she wore that day, as is custom withQueen Camilla.

It’s notable that Princess Kate’s team did not share the fashion credits for what she wore to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, her first solo royal engagement in over a year after she announced in March 2024 that she was undergoingtreatment for cancer. It was relayed that day that Princess Kate had treatment at the London hospital, and she shared after the stop that she isin “remission"from cancer.

Kate Middleton at Ty Hafan in Sully, Wales on Jan. 30, 2025.Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty

Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty

The Princess of Wales' office has been fluid through the years about releasing details on what she wears to official engagements. The royal has previously used fashion as a tool to back British brands, support designers with cultural significance or “flag dress” in nods to the colors of national flags during visits abroad.

Kate’s officeshared fashion creditsfor her look at the Qatar state visit kick off in December, with the burgundy shades nodded to the Qatari flag. They added that she accessorized with the lateQueen Elizabeth’s Bahrain pearl drop earrings and her Japanese pearl choker necklace, two meaningful pieces and a combination she’s reached for previously.

Kate Middleton at the Ceremonial Welcome at Horse Guards Parade for the Amir of Qatar’s state visit to the U.K. on Dec. 3, 2024.Henry Nicholls-WPA Pool/Getty

Henry Nicholls-WPA Pool/Getty

Brands are known tobenefit from a boostwhen the royal wears items from their line, and vintage jewelry purveyor Susan Caplan recently experienced the “Kate effect” firsthand. Caplan told PEOPLE she sawhuge demandafter Princess Kate wore a five-strand pearl necklace from the Jewish-owned brand to aHolocaust Memorial Day servicein London withPrince Williamon Jan. 27, with customers reaching out around the clock.

“We only have a few more which are currently being shipped to me, so that’s why they are out of stock,” Caplan tells PEOPLE. “We have had many, many calls!”

Kate Middleton at a Holocaust Memorial Day service in London on Jan. 27, 2025.ARTHUR EDWARDS/POOL/AFP via Getty

ARTHUR EDWARDS/POOL/AFP via Getty

While it remains to be seen exactly how Princess Kate reimagines her gradual return to work after undergoing treatment for cancer, a close royal insider previously told PEOPLE that she is focused on the future.

“She has drawn a line under the last year, and she can move forward,” the insider recently told PEOPLE in an exclusivecover story. “The word ‘remission’ is such a positive one to use, and it just feels a veil has been lifted on their life of the last year, and that they can move forward with positivity and hope.”

Kate Middleton at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, 2025.CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

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According to royal sources, Princess Kate’s “new normal” won’t involve a dramatic “reset.” Instead, she plans to maintain a similar pace of royal engagements to what she embraced late last year.

The Princess of Wales had a few days of engagements in January, making asurprise stopat the Royal Marsden on Jan. 14, a last-minute appearance with Prince William on Holocaust Memorial Day and traveling to Wales on Jan. 30.

source: people.com