Since returning from maternity leave, the Duchess of Cambridge has been subtly tweaking her wardrobe for a more regal look befitting a Queen in waiting.
And today her understated makeover continued as she visited the home of Leicester City to pay their respects to the five people who died in a helicopter crash last month, including the football club’s owner.
The Duchess wore a recycled Catherine Walker coat dress, previously seen when she joined the Queen for Sunday service at Balmoral in August this year.
Although she’s always been known for thriftiness, Kate’s upped the ante since returning to royal duties in early October, re-wearing old outfits on nine out of 14 engagements.
Again, she deaparted from her favourite clutches and took a leaf out of the Queen’s book by carrying a handbag instead.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 36, continued to subtly emulate the Queen today as she recycled a Catherine Walker coat dress and switched her usual clutch for a handbag by Aspinal of London
The Duchess of Cambridge sharing a joke with Leicester City fans during a visit to the city to show solidarity after the death of the club’s owner in a helicopter crash last month
The Duchess wore her hair swept back for the visit in a neat ponytail, fastened with a black velvet ribbon
The Duchess of Cambridge looked animated as she chatted to Leicester City supporters who had gathered to greet the royal visitors
Kate debuted a nude version of the Aspinal of London Midi Mayfair bag on a visit to the Global Ministerial Mental Health in Ldonon last month, but it’s the first time she’s been seen carrying the black croc version.
The Duchess wore her hair swept back for the visit in a neat ponytail, fastened with a black velvet ribbon.
She opted for the same catwalk-inspired style when she visited UCL two weeks ago.
Kate’s grey Catherine Walker coat dress was first spotted on the royal as she travelled to church with the Queen at Balmoral in August.
The Duchess of Cambridge today carried a smart black handbag that was a lot closer to the Queen’s favourite style than her usual clutch bags. Right: Her Majesty, pictured at Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May, is devoted to her Launer handbags and always carries the same style
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay flowers at the tribute site near to Leicester City Football Club’s King Power Stadium
It was one of the rare glimpses fans got of the Duchess over the summer as she took time out from royal duties after having Prince Louis in April.
Since returning to official duties in early October, it’s been noted that the royal has been subtly tweaking her wardrobe to reflect a more regal style.
When the occasion demands it, she’s been wearing bolder She’s been wearing bold colours so that she can be easily spotted in a crowd just as the Queen does.
And she’s worn old pieces on the majority of her royal engagements, picking out tailored pieces that could have at one point belonged in Her Majesty’s wardrobe.
Kate was first spotted wearing her Catherine Walker coat at Balmoral in August in June when she attended Sunday service at Crathie Kirk
William and Kate, who knew the late Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha are today visiting the city to recognise the compassion the people of Leicester and the club’s fans have shown since the accident.
The four victims killed alongside the businessman were employees Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner, Izabela Roza Lechowicz, who was also a professional pilot.
The five people were killed on October 27 when the helicopter crashed outside Leicester City’s King Power Stadium soon after taking off.
In the aftermath of the crash, William paid tribute to the ‘big contribution to football’ made by the owner of Leicester City.
William, president of the Football Association and a keen football fan, said he was lucky to have known the billionaire duty-free entrepreneur for several years.
He said at the time: ‘He made such a big contribution to football, not least through Leicester City’s magical 2016 season that captured the imagination of the world.’