The Duchess of Cambridge

Book excerpt: Thrust into the global spotlight on her engagement to Prince William, Kate wore a sapphire blue wrap dress by London-based label Issa that promptly sold out. It was the first step in Kate's evolution to become the modern royal style icon she is today – the Duchess of Cambridge. In the decade since, Kate has become the Duchess of Cambridge, a future Queen and a mother of three. Her outfits range from high street to haute couture, with women worldwide fascinated by her style and eager to copy it. The Duchess has used her clothing to make diplomatic gestures, to send messages of solidarity and to show respect. One day, her wardrobe underscores her status as a senior royal; the next it's all about being just like any 30-something Mum. But thanks to an explosion of 24/7 news coverage and social media, her choices are analysed more closely than those of any royal before. In this book, Bethan Holt marks the tenth anniversary of Kate's royal life by taking readers on a highly illustrated journey through the Duchess's style evolution.