Palace makes huge call on Kate’s future

There’s been a shift in protocol, in a major sign that Kate’s approach to public life has changed forever following her cancer battle.

IN LONDON

Since she first stepped into the spotlight as Prince William’s then-girlfriend two decades ago, the Princess of Wales’ appearance has been scrutinised – with every outfit she wears usually quickly selling out.

But after battling through cancer, and with insiders hinting in recent months that her approach to public life will be forever changed as a result, it’s now emerged that Kate has made a significant decision regarding her wardrobe.

Kate is one of the most influential people in the world when it comes to fashion. Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage

The couple at the Earthshot Prize 2022 in Boston. Picture: Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty Images

Since her and William’s wedding in 2011, Kensington Palace has routinely released details to the media of the clothing she wears on public engagements – but that’s now set to end.

“There is an absolute feeling that it [the public work] is not about what the princess is wearing. She wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting,” a Palace source told the UK’s Telegraph.

“There will always be an appreciation of what the princess is wearing from some of the public and she gets that. But do we need to be officially always saying what she is wearing? No. The style is there but it’s about the substance.”

It’s understood that details of the princess’ outfits for state occasions – such as this State Banquet appearance in 2022 – will continue to be shared. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The shift in her approach follows remarks made in 2022 by a close friend of Kate’s, who told The Sunday Times that she found the laser-focus on her appearance “enormously frustrating”.

“When she goes to the Bond premiere or is at Trooping the Colour, of course she puts on the ‘uniform’ of the role,” the friend said.

“But what was enormously frustrating and difficult for her, especially in the early days, was she was going out and doing the work she was interested in and was hugely important to her, and people just talked about what she was wearing.”

William and Kate at the BAFTA Film Awards in 2019. Picture: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

While the process of regularly sharing outfit details with the press will change, it’s understood some information will be issued when it comes to significant pieces of clothing or accessories worn for important family and state engagements.

The decision comes just months after Kate released an emotional video message, confirming she’d completed a course of preventive chemotherapy, and that her health battle had given her “a new perspective on everything”.

“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted,” the princess said.

“Of simply loving and being loved.”