Today marks Kate Middleton’s 42nd birthday — and while her hemlines might have grown longer and her outfits pricier over the years, the Princess of Wales has never failed to make a fashion statement since her wedding to Prince William in 2011.
From glittering gowns to relaxed denim, it’s hard to choose a favorite from the Princess of Wales’ wardrobe. Ahead, we’re taking a look back at some of her most fashionable moments thus far.
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Kate Middleton chose a blue Issa wrap dress to match her stunning sapphire engagement ring on the day her engagement to Prince William was officially announced.
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Kate Middleton wowed royal watchers around the world in her Alexander McQueen gown.
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Shortly after their wedding, the Cambridges headed on their first official overseas tour, with the duchess arriving in Canada in this blue lace Erdem dress.
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During their North American tour, the Cambridges also headed to Los Angeles, where the new duchess sported a softly draped Alexander McQueen gown.
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She shimmered in pink Jenny Packham at a June 2011 gala.
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The royal gave off early Princess Diana vibes in a strapless black Alexander McQueen velvet gown at a December 2011 military awards event.
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She chose an elegant black lace gown by Temperley for the “War Horse” premiere in January 2012.
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The Duchess of Cambridge delivered vintage glam in a green coat dress on St. Patrick’s Day 2012.
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She wowed in a teal Jenny Packham gown with lace detail at a 2012 Olympic gala ahead of the London games.
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Bold red McQueen (and an outfit once worn by Kim Kardashian in the sleeveless version) was the choice to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee river pageant.
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Middleton looked lovely in pale blue lace Temperley as she attended a 2012 Diamond Jubilee tea party in Malaysia.
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She wore yet another McQueen creation when she sported a white eyelet skirt and matching belted top on a 2012 visit to Singapore.
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This abstract-print Prabal Gurung dress, worn during the Cambridges’ visit to Singapore in 2012, was a departure from her usual looks.
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She wore a soft gray Matthew Williamson peplum dress trimmed with turquoise stones to the 2012 premiere of “African Cats.”
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The thrifty duchess, who was pregnant with Prince George, chose a Topshop polka dot dress and a black blazer for a magical visit to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in 2013.
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She turned to polka dots again, wearing a soft blue dress to introduce Prince George to the world in July 2013.
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The royal impressed more than a few when she played volleyball in huge Stuart Weitzman wedges (along with her go-to Breton stripes and skinny jeans) at a SportsAid workshop in 2013.
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The Duchess of Cambridge bundled in a lovely tweed coat by maternity brand Seraphine as she arrived in NYC with Prince William in December 2014.
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The proud mom wore a retro-style white McQueen outfit for Princess Charlotte’s July 2015 christening.
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She looked polished in plum for a 2015 event, choosing a high-necked lace Dolce & Gabbana frock.
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The royal made a bold style selection in 2016 when she chose a sheer blue Saloni dress with a swiss dot pattern.
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The royal couple recreated Princess Diana’s famous Taj Mahal bench photo in April 2016, with the duchess turning heads in a blue-and-white printed dress by Naeem Khan.
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The duchess made her Royal Ascot debut in a gorgeous white lace dress by Dolce & Gabbana and a fabulous fascinator.
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Red-and-white ruffled McQueen made a splash in Vancouver during the Cambridges’ September 2016 tour of Canada.
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She wowed in bold red dress by Preen -accented with the Queen’s diamond maple leaf brooch – during the 2016 Canadian tour.
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Middleton rocked casual style in the Yukon during the 2016 tour, sporting a gray wrap coat by Sentaler along with cowboy boots as she met members of the public with Prince William.
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She introduced a new label to her wardrobe in late 2016, rocking a Self Portrait dress with a bold slit to the premiere of “A Street Cat Named Bob.”
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The duchess wore wintery florals by Erdem to a January 2017 event for Heads Together.
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She took a style risk at the 2017 BAFTAs, baring her shoulders in a black floral Alexander McQueen dress.
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The royal wore Chanel for the first time while visiting Paris in 2017, opting for a classic tweed ensemble with the fashion house’s logo belt.
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Middleton looked beautiful in berry for Princess Eugenie’s October 2018 wedding, wearing a brighter pink version of her 2017 Trooping the Colour dress and a matching fascinator.
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Middleton coordinated with British baking queen Mary Berry in bright florals for a 2019 event, with the royal sporting a belted Emilia Wickstead style.
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She shimmered in emerald green Jenny Packham while visiting Pakistan in 2019.
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The royal delivered perhaps her best Royal Ascot look ever in 2019, wearing a romantic Elie Saab frock and matching hat.
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The duchess wowed in a sequined red dress by Needle & Thread shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020.
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Mom jeans (and a cool Chloe blazer) entered the chat when Middleton switched out her skinnies for an updated pair in June 2021.
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Royal watchers’ jaws dropped when Bond girl Kate walked the red carpet in gold Jenny Packham for the “No Time to Die” premiere.
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She rocked purple tartan by Holland Cooper as the Cambridges held a screening of “Cruella” for Scottish NHS workers at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2021.
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The tennis fan looked like a ray of sunshine in a floaty yellow dress by Roksanda at the Wimbledon 2022 women’s singles final.
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The Princess of Wales made a stunning style statement in a caped gown and the Lover’s Knot Tiara for King Charles III’s first state banquet in November 2022.
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She glittered in a festive red dress by Jenny Packham along with the Lotus Flower Tiara (and a voluminous hairdo) for the 2022 Diplomatic Corps Reception.
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The princess looked regal in a custom Alexander McQueen gown and patriotic cape at King Charles III’s May 2023 coronation.
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