Royal fashion matters, because it sends a clear message within such a public-facing role.
While Queen Elizabeth liked to infuse subtle political messages into her sartorial choices, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is often praised for her elegance and simple yet boldly colorful wardrobe.
But the former Prince Charles has apparently not always been a huge fan of the media attention royal women's clothes attract, because he felt it detracted from more attention being paid to his own work.
It all started when he married Princess Diana in 1981, and she was consistently in the limelight from then on.
"Her star immediately eclipsed her husband’s, causing early fractures in their relationship," writes royal expert Katie Nicholl in her new book, The New Royals (via Entertainment Tonight).
"The diligent, sensitive, and status-conscious Charles found it hard to understand. He could not see that in the new media age, being a royal-born prince and future king was a lesser currency than his wife’s megawatt beauty and disposition."
And that situation was echoed when Prince William introduced Kate Middleton to the world as his girlfriend and future wife, and everyone was suddenly hyper-focused on her fashion.
"In the past, father and son hadn’t always seen eye to eye. There was a well-documented clash of opinions in 2013 over the palace’s priceless collection of ivory, for one," Nicholl continues.
"And Charles was sometimes irritated that Kate’s frocks got more media attention than his good works. He also had been hurt by not seeing as much of his Cambridge grandchildren as he might have liked."
Hopefully it's all a little more smooth-sailing these days!
-
Katie Holmes Crowns Two New Winter Essentials: A Cozy Patchwork Shearling Coat and These Wildly Popular $195 ‘80s-Inspired SneakersThe winter jacket watch continues with the actor's cozy jacket and the latest new It shoe.
-
Now Is Not the Time for A Wild Closet Clean Out—Try This InsteadYou'll thank me later.
-
Katie Holmes Perfects the Cool-Girl Weekend UniformShop her laid-back footwear here.
-
Don't Expect Princess Kate to "Return to the All Trouser Suits, All the Time" Aesthetic in 2025, Per Royal Fashion ExpertsRoyal style gurus Christine Ross and Susan Kelley share their fashion predictions with 'Marie Claire.'
-
Kate Middleton Reportedly Acts as the “Glue” When Prince William and King Charles Don’t See Eye-to-Eye"She is solution-focused and is certainly the glue between Prince William and King Charles III."
-
What Prince William’s Birthday Tribute to Kate Middleton Reveals About How Her Cancer Diagnosis Has Affected Their RelationshipA royal expert unpacked the meaning behind the "'heartfelt" post.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Princess Kate Has Been Honored With Birthday Charity Earrings That Support a Cause Close to Her HeartProceeds from the $34 style will benefit a charity the Princess of Wales has paid tribute to in the past.
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday PhotoThe Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
-
Despite 2025 Being "the Year of Reset," Princess Kate Will Likely Do This Before Going Back to Regular DutiesRoyal biographer Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that fans shouldn't expect Kate to go "back to 2023 levels" of appearances.
