The Princess of Wales takes a more active role in fashion
The Princess Kate Middleton has recently taken a more direct role in fashion by helping design her own clothing. During a visit to Scotland in January 2026, it was confirmed that she collaborated with Johnstons of Elgin on the fabric for a custom coat. This marked a shift from previous years when royal aides emphasized that attention should focus only on her work as a royal, not on her fashion choices.
Her relationship with fashion has changed over time
For many years, the Princess of Wales has avoided standing out through fashion, choosing simple and neutral outfits and sticking to the ever-popular “quiet luxury” outfits in the royal family. Although her style influenced global trends and boosted sales for British brands, she appeared uncomfortable with fashion attention. In February 2025, palace aides stated that outfit details would no longer be shared with the media. That decision later confused royal fans, and it was clarified that it did not reflect her personal views.
Fashion is now a tool for public engagement
By helping design the coat fabric, Princess Kate Middleton connected fashion with her official visit to Scottish textile organizations. Her decision showed support for traditional British manufacturing and local craftsmanship. With her former stylist no longer working for her, the Princess of Wales now makes her own style decisions, making her approach a way to use fashion in support of British businesses. Still, the focus remains on her public responsibilities as a royal.
“The support of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales means a great deal to the British fashion industry. Her genuine interest in craftsmanship, sustainability, and emerging talent provides our designers with a powerful global platform,” Laura Weir, the CEO of the British Fashion Council, told Telegraph UK.
“Witnessing Her Royal Highness’s warmth and natural ability to connect with people that day was inspiring. Her curiosity about the creative process and the stories behind each designer’s work resonated deeply across the room,” she said.