The Princess of Wales is very regularly praised for her sense of style and elegance. She enjoys a status that seems to exempt her from any criticism of her clothing. But why?

She’s a fairytale princess. She’s stunning, with her Rapunzel-like hair (as a brunette), her toothpaste-ad smile, and her brightly colored, cheerful dresses. She’s also overcome major obstacles, like winning  Prince William ‘s heart , establishing herself in the royal family as a commoner, and even beating cancer. Kate Middleton is perfect. Perhaps a little too perfect? ​​The (very) few criticisms leveled against her focus precisely on her lack of edge, particularly when it comes to fashion.

I say “rare” because few dare to challenge this myth, even to comment on the shape of a coat or the veil on a hat. Kate is an icon who seems even more unshakeable than her predecessor,  her late mother-in-law, Lady Di , whose life and even death read like a blockbuster movie full of twists and turns. Except that Diana, rebellious as she eventually became with her famous black ” revenge dress “ after Prince Charles confirmed her infidelity on British television, or, earlier in their marriage, her sportswear outfits with cycling shorts and sweatshirts, came from within the royal circle. Born into a prominent noble family, she was chosen by the Windsors. Kate, on the other hand, remains a commoner who met William at university before marrying him for love. Moreover, fifteen years after their marriage, she is still called by her maiden name, Middleton, as if she had never really been drawn into royalty.

This “good student” image, which admittedly involves few fashion risks, doesn’t bother anyone; it brings her closer to the “common people,” the “real people” she was once a part of and whom she therefore understands better. Her impeccable performance, her sense of effort and control behind each appearance, is admirable. Since the announcement of her cancer remission, she seems even more self-assured. She no longer has her longtime stylist,  Natasha Archer,  by her side , who left to found her own consulting firm. Now, she chooses outfits on her own, always in an accessible, understandable style, appropriate to the events she attends and the people she meets. For example, she wore a gold dress for Donald Trump’s visit, who, ever modest, loves the color gold. To meet Emmanuel Macron, she wore an ensemble featuring blue, white, and red. And she never hesitates to wear the same outfit again months later.

It’s always tasteful, subtle, and very English. It’s also perfectly suited to her slender, elegant figure. Kate is untouchable because her style is based on an infallible formula: never take risks. The designer Vivienne Westwood, who herself always dared, criticized her for precisely that: “She projects the image of an ordinary woman with outfits that you can find in any store . ” Kate is also untouchable because times have changed, and the vicious British tabloid press, which committed serious offenses against Diana, has learned its lesson, and social media allows the princess to control her narrative. She’s the one who takes the photos of her family and makes them public, and she’s also the one who decided to stop naming the brands she wears so that people would stop focusing on her outfits rather than her causes—much to the chagrin of the brands in question, who until then could boast of selling astronomical quantities of every garment or accessory she wore in public. Kate is a modern princess who appeals to everyone, even those who love to hate her.

Madame FIGARO