Kate Middleton has achieved a historic milestone that many observers believe reflects what Meghan Markle could have accomplished with her own significant platform — especially considering the Duchess often has the world’s top fashion maisons and elite stylists on speed dial.
This week, it was officially announced that the Princess of Wales has secured the top spot on British Vogue’s inaugural “Best Dressed” list, effectively “dethroning” the Duchess of Sussex as the most fashionable royal of 2025. The Princess was celebrated for her unique ability to mix high-fashion glamour with very affordable, accessible pieces.
The Fashion Bible’s Surprising A-List Omission
It was largely unexpected that Meghan Markle would be notably absent from Vogue’s coveted list of most stylish A-listers. This exclusion caught the media’s attention because the Duchess previously told the New York Times that her clothing choices are “one of the most powerful things” she can do.
The omission is particularly striking given that Markle returned to the fashion world “like a storm” this year, taking over Paris Fashion Week and turning heads at the Balenciaga show. She also appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, showcasing several glamorous looks in a high-fashion photo shoot, and has made splashes at every public appearance dressed by houses like Dior and Ralph Lauren. Despite this high-octane Hollywood backing, it was Middleton’s self-curated approach that captured the top honour.
Kate Middleton: Embracing Absolute Confidence After A Stylist’s Exit
Earlier this year, the Princess of Wales accepted the sudden exit of her longtime stylist and personal assistant, Natasha Archer, who had been by her side for more than 15 years. It was a bold and clear decision to take full control of her royal wardrobe.
She embraced the opportunity to go at it solo. The Princess has continued her duties — including a major appearance at the state visit for Donald and Melania Trump in September — without hiring a replacement.
PEOPLE magazine explained that this was a deliberate move; after collaborating with “Tash” for over a decade, the Princess utilised that time to master her own sense of style. She is now leaning into her own expertise, showcasing a level of confidence that royal insiders describe as “business as usual.”
The Strategic Shift: Using Glamour To Illuminate The Monarchy
While Prince William and the Princess have reportedly fought for years to ensure her glamour did not overshadow the monarchy’s substantive work, they have recently decided to shift strategy. The couple, with the support of King Charles III, now believes it is best to use Middleton’s elegance and global presence to shed a positive light on the institution.
According to sources who spoke to PEOPLE: “Kate has always been very involved in choosing her outfits for royal engagements, but now she is so confident, she knows exactly what suits her and what doesn’t.”
The New Era Of Solo Curation And Digital Savvy
Rather than chasing fleeting trends, the Princess spends significant time researching brands that align with her personal values.
The insider shared: “Kate has always loved shopping online and spends a lot of time researching brands that are meaningful. She chooses looks and often keeps them until just the right moment before she wears them. She’s not interested in trends; it’s about what she feels comfortable in and the messaging.”
Experts have noted a distinct delineation between her approachable daily wear and her high-fashion “wow” moments. A prime example was her gold Phillipa Lepley dress worn during the state dinner with Donald Trump.
The source said: “I do think we are seeing a delineation between day-to-day, less remarkable outfits with these big wow moments — like the gold Phillipa Lepley dress she wore to the state dinner with Trump.”
The Future Queen: A Fine Balance Of Style And Power
While the Princess currently prefers her in-house approach, her fashion strategy may evolve as she prepares for her future role as Queen Consort.
The insider stated: “One day, when she does become queen, then there might be a need to hire someone with a more formal dresser role. But for now, I’m not sure she will want that… she consults people in her friendship circle, people who are very fashion literate… because she knows she needs to look relevant, and she also wants to keep delivering surprises.”
Historical Power Move: Granting Royal Warrants In 2026
As she prepares to grant her first Royal Warrants in January 2026, becoming the first Princess of Wales in 115 years to hold that power, the message is clear: the Princess of Wales has answered the question of who truly rules the fashion world, and she has done it all while walking in heels backwards.
She is indeed stepping firmly into her future role as Queen.
