Princess Charlotte Expected To Become A Style Icon Like Mother Kate Middleton

May 06, 2021 by apost team

Kate Middleton has been a fashion icon for over a decade now, and with a plethora of looks from casual to formal, it's no surprise why. However, the Duchess of Cambridge has done more for the British fashion industry than fans can even fathom. 

Throughout her time as a working royal and even before her and Prince William's wedding 10 years ago, Middleton has always been noticed for her acute sense of fashion. From casual trousers to elegant ballgowns, the duchess has become a style icon for both other Brits and fans from across the pond. As a wife, mother, and working royal, Middleton has embodied a sense of fashion that is accessible yet quirky, humble and high-fashion. There have been several occasions when Middleton has worn something and either the same garment or an equivalent dupe has sold out online within moments. After multiple dresses were suddenly sold out after Kate was seen wearing them, the phenomenon even got its own name, having been dubbed "the Kate effect."

It's no surprise then to see that the duchess has passed down her impeccable taste to her daughter, with Princess Charlotte always spotted wearing the most stylish outfits. From adorable babydoll dresses to chic pea coats, Charlotte is always putting her best (very tiny!) foot forward. Fashion designer Rachel Riley, whose garments the young princess has worn before, has even gone so far as to label her a future "style icon," and honestly, we're not surprised at all. Let's take a look at the young royal's sense of style so far and the ways in which she takes after her chic mom.

After a decade of marriage to Prince William, Kate Middleton has established herself as a bonafide-style icon. Whether she's out with her children or engaging in royal business, the Duchess of Cambridge is always wearing something that gets people talking. But one aspect of her fashionable style that isn't discussed as often is her influence on her daughter Princess Charlotte. Although the young royal just turned 6 on May 2, Charlotte has been showing off her adorable sense of style since she was born, and she has her mom to thank for that. 

In her most recent birthday portrait, which was taken by the duchess, Charlotte is wearing a gorgeous floral summer dress by the designer Rachel Riley. In the image she's smiling widely, showing that she's truly growing up into a beautiful little girl. The designer of the dress spoke to Vanity Fair and applauded Middleton for "making bolder fashion choices" for Charlotte as she matures. She added:

"We look forward to seeing Princess Charlotte’s style develop as she continues to grow and mature and we have no doubt she will become as much of a style icon as her mother is.'"

It's not the first time Middleton has chosen the designer for Charlotte, having dressed her in a similar button-front dress for 2019's Chelsea Flower Show. In the same interview with Vanity Fair Riley compared the two outfits, explaining:

"The dress she wore when she was four featured a delicate, ditsy print in pastel pink, blue and yellow, whereas the style she wore in her most recent picture, she chose a larger print in stronger colors."

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Fashion news and features director of The Telegraph, Bethan Holt, spoke exclusively to Harper's Bazaar about just how impactful the duchess' fashion has been over the years. Holt said that Middleton's style has "really enhanced the image of the royal family." Known to mix both high-end designer fashion with low-end accessible brands, opting for everything from Gucci to Zara, Middleton has passed on this very modern approach to dressing Charlotte, who has worn everything from Ralph Lauren and boutique Italian designer Nicolette Fanna to Zara.

What's most adorable is when Middleton transfers her own style directly to her daughter, which was the case when she dressed Charlotte in a Zara houndstooth dress for her birthday portrait last year. The duchess is very fond of the pattern, which was also beloved by Princess Diana, which only proves that she's making more mature sartorial decisions for her daughter.

It's just as well that Middleton is giving Charlotte a more mature sense of style, as it seems the young princess is 6 going on 16. Prince William revealed that his daughter says she's "16," as well as saying: "I'm 6 now. I'll do what I want." You turn around for one moment and they're all grown up it seems!  

The family celebrated Charlotte's birthday with a small garden party with "one other family," which is allowed under government guidelines. Confirming she had a "lovely birthday," William elaborated that "it wasn't a party as such but we made it as fun for her as possible." The Duke of Cambridge added that "they grow up very fast." 

Are you a fan of Kate Middleton's style? What do you think about Princess Charlotte being touted as a future "style icon"? If you were inspired by this article pass it on to those you know!