Duchess Catherine went from university friend to future bride when she started dating Prince William, and she’s fully embraced her new life in the royal spotlight. After a few fashion faux-pas early on, Catherine has steamed ahead with her new princess-approved wardrobe.
From royal tours to charity galas no event is too big for Kate to handle, and with a few key designers on hand to whip up a gown or two, there’s no shortage of amazing outfits to choose from.
We count down her top 10 most princessy moments, including the time she twinned with the Queen – now that’s regal.
10. Bloomin’ gorgeous
For the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala, Kate wore a floor-length, tiered-gown by designer Erdem. Look closely and you’ll spot a a very fancy accessory – the Queen Mother’s diamond and sapphire fringe earrings.
9. White hot
It was the Duchess’ first-ever visit to Royal Ascot, so there was no doubt she was going to show up in style but no-one expected this! The midi-length cream gown by Dolce & Gabbana was paired with a hat from Jane Taylor and her trusty nude heels – pure princess perfection.
8. Silver lining
Kate looked gorgeous in a shimmery, off-the-shoulder silk Jenny Packham gown in November 2011 when the royal couple hosted at St. James’s Palace to raise money for the National Memorial Arboretum Appeal.
7. Lady in red
The Duchess attended her first state banquet with the Chinese President wearing an embellished Jenny Packham gown and the Queen Mother’s papyrus/lotus flower tiara and almost out-princessed herself.
6. Kicking up her heels
This ’50s-style, vibrant red Marchesa dress is perfect for Kate, and the flirty hemline is a playful touch to her normally conservative wardrobe. Scarlet tassel earrings from Kate Spade top off the fun, yet utterly regal look.
5. Fur-real
If twinning with the Queen doesn’t make you royalty – we don’t know what does. Catherine revealed her chic side with this Russian-inspired fur hat, perfect for chilly weekends at Balmoral.
4. Into the blue
To celebrate their stay in Paris, the royal couple were the guests of honour at a dinner thrown at the British Embassy. The Duchess wore a shimmering, pale blue Jenny Packham dress and the beadwork was enough to make us whip out our sunglasses – just incredible.
3. Velvet dream
Flanked by two princes, Kate wore a plush black velvet Alexander McQueen gown at an awards ceremony at the Imperial War Museum in December 2011. She accessorised with a matching, diamond-and-ruby bracelet and necklace set that was given to her as a wedding present.
2. Princess perfection
Kate literally dazzled in a sequin-embellished Jenny Packham gown for the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner in London in June 2011.
1. Wedding of the century
Coming in at the number-one spot was of course her wedding gown and wedding reception outfit, where she look liked more magical than any Disney princess ever did.
