Kate Middleton is quietly redefining royal fashion, showing that some traditions are evolving especially when it comes to women’s attire.
For decades, royal women were expected to wear nude tights at public events, a rule reportedly introduced by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
But the Princess of Wales has sparked conversation by swapping tights for tailored pantsuits, prompting speculation about a potential “royal rebel” era.
According to royal expert Helena Chard, Kate isn’t breaking any rules by skipping nude tights, as the choice is now largely personal.
“The late Queen Elizabeth II preferred women in nude tights, believing it gave a polished look,” Chard told Fox News. “These days, it’s a personal choice. Princess Diana often avoided tights, using tanning oil instead.”
Chard added that since the Queen’s passing, Kate has embraced more tailored trousers and power suits.
Yet the Princess of Wales has maintained a clever nod to royal tradition, using one of the late Queen’s favorite tricks, sewing curtain weights into hems to keep outfits looking perfectly polished.
After a few public wardrobe mishaps, including gusts of wind lifting her skirts, Princess Kate Middleton reportedly received a savvy tip from Elizabeth II.
Helena explained, “The Queen introduced her to a secret weapon curtain weights sewn into the hems of her outfits. They kept clothes hanging properly, and she hasn’t suffered any more embarrassing Marilyn moments.”
Chard also highlighted other royal style protocols that remain in place today. “While wearing lipstick, royals must always sip from the same spot on a glass to avoid smudges.
Handbags are carried on the left, following the Queen’s tradition,” she said. Veteran fashion journalist Elizabeth Holmes echoed these insights, noting to Business Insider that there is no written rule requiring royal women to wear pantyhose.
“They simply did so as a sign of respect for the late Queen, how she dressed, and the tone she set,” Holmes said.
She added that the she disliked when other royals colour-coordinated outfits with hers, as she was expected to stand out.
The Duchess isn’t alone in challenging the tights tradition. Meghan Markle has openly criticized the protocol as “inauthentic.”
On The Circuit with Emily Chang, the Duchess of Sussex reflected on her own experience, “I hadn’t seen pantyhose since the ’80s, when they came in the little egg? That felt a little bit inauthentic, but that’s a silly example.
But it is an example of when you’re able to dress the way you want, say the things that are true, and show up in the space organically that’s being comfortable in your own skin.”
