Princess Kate’s style revamp is part of a calculated image strategy designed to mitigate a potential backlash in the wake of her depiction in the final season of The Crown, according to a royal source.
The source told Us Weekly that the Duchess of Wales’ makeover is intended to “get ahead” of her portrayal as a “very privileged, lovesick young woman” in the Netflix drama.
The smash-hit series will see the first episode of the two-parter land on the streaming platform on November 16.
Actress Meg Bellamy is to play the role of the young princess-to-be and insiders fear that the future Queen will not be presented favourably.
The source claimed that the concern around how Kate will be seen following the final instalment of The Crown has driven her to change her look and present herself as a relatable strong woman.
The insider told the magazine: “Kate’s switching up her style in an effort to win people over, and also to get ahead of the beating how she feels her image will take when ‘The Crown’s’ new season debuts”.
The magazine also reported that following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Princess of Wales “wants people to see her as a strong leader, someone who’s capable of taking the title of queen into a new generation”.
Part of the rebrand has since Kate donning items like “pants, more casual shirts and less high-priced clothing” besides “more accessible pieces”, the source noted.
That said, the mother of the future King has been spotted several times in recent months striding out in power suits, something US-based royal commentator Kinsey Schofield believes projects an assured image.
She told Page Six Style: “When Catherine, the Princess of Wales, wears one of her sharp blazers or suits I do think that it gives her a sense of authority.”
She compared the Princess’ new look to that of her late mother-in-law Princess Diana.
The To Di for Daily podcast host added: “After Diana cut her hair short (inspired by Sharon Stone) we saw a lot of blazers too.
“The fashion magazines all fawned over Diana’s boss wardrobe and admired her professionalism.”
Ms Schofield rejected the insider’s claim that Kate’s restyling was aimed at mitigating the backlash she may see following The Crown’s finale.
She said: “Realistically, I think the evolution in her style is directly associated with her position in the royal family changing. Her family is one step closer to the crown. She expected to look more mature and regal.”
Although, Kate’s recent penchant for high street fashion may be an attempt to appear relatable in advance of her Netflix portrayal, Ms Schofield said.
“One way that Catherine might be trying to combat the idea of being portrayed as a ‘privileged woman’ in ‘The Crown’ is her high street fashion.”
The royal commentator added: “She is a princess but a princess that shops at Zara.
“Seeing Kate in Superga or J. Crew — affordable fashion — makes her much more relatable to royal watchers and could dismantle the idea of a ‘privileged woman.’”
