Since Kate Middleton married Prince William in 2011, she has been part of an elite group of royal women around the world, noted not only for their work, but also for their style.
Fashion-minded Kate has become one of the world's most celebrated style icons, praised by Vogue and commentators internationally for her classic tailored looks and distinctive regal aesthetic.
But how does Britain's new Princess of Wales' style compare alongside the world's remaining pool of royal tastemakers, and what has she worn to meet them?
Here, Newsweek looks at what Kate wore to meet members of the world's royal families.
Queen Margrethe and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
One of Europe's oldest monarchies belongs to the country of Denmark, where Queen Margrethe II has ruled for 52 years. She recently announced her abdication, which will take effect on January 14.
When she steps down from her throne, Margrethe's place will be taken by her son, Prince Frederik, and his Australian-born wife, Crown Princess Mary.
Mary and Kate have been photographed together several times over the past decade with their styles converging at points, where the two princesses have worn identical looks. Though they have been referred to in the press as fashion "twins," royal fashion expert Christine Ross told Newsweek they have some key differences.
"Mary's style manages to balance Scandinavian minimalism with Australian bohemianism, adding just enough British traditionalism to create a perfect balance," she said. "Kate simply has to perfect the 'English Rose' style, using British brands as her guide. Both women lean towards classic silhouettes and styles that we've seen work for royal women for decades."
In February 2022, Kate made a solo visit to Denmark, wearing an elegant coat dress designed by Catherine Walker & Co., based on classic British tailoring. Kate was received at the Christian IX palace during her visit by Queen Margrethe and Crown Princess Mary.
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden
Another group of royals with whom the British monarchy has had a regular connection are the Swedish.
In November 2023, William and Kate welcomed Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and her husband, Prince Daniel, to Windsor Castle during the coupe's visit to Britain to undertake official engagements.
Victoria, like William, is next in line to inherit her father's crown and the couples are likely to be on their countries' thrones at the same point in time.
For the welcome audience at Windsor, Kate met the royal couple wearing a streamlined green day dress by one of her favorite designers, Emilia Wickstead. The princess owns the dress in a number of similar styles and complimented the crown princess, who wore a vivid red jacket for the occasion.
King Harold and Queen Sonja of Norway
In February 2022, William and Kate paid official visits to Sweden and Norway, being hosted in Oslo by King Harold of Norway and his wife, Queen Sonja.
Harold is a distant royal relation of William's, through their mutual ancestor King Edward VII, whose daughter Maud was married to King Haakon VII of Norway.
For an official dinner held in their honor at the royal palace in Oslo, Kate made a glamorous appearance wearing a caped evening gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
The princess was pregnant with Prince Louis at the time of the visit.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands have visited Britain on a number of occasions since their accession to the Dutch throne in 2013.
In 2019, the couple attended a number of important events in England, including the Royal Ascot horse-racing festival at the personal invitation of Queen Elizabeth II. Also in attendance on the day were William and Kate.
For the event, Kate wore a striking pale blue day dress made by Lebanese fashion designer, Elie Saab. The princess accessorized her look with silver accessories and stood out in photographs next to the king and queen.
King Filipe and Queen Letizia of Spain
Another European royal with whom Kate has been photographed is Queen Letizia of Spain, a former newscaster who married the heir to the Spanish throne in 2004.
After King Filipe's accession in 2014, the royal couple made several official visits overseas and in 2019 attended the Garter Day celebrations at Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II invested Filipe into Britain's oldest chivalric order.
For the event, both Kate and Letizia wore monochrome looks, with the princess opting for a chic white Catherine Walker & Co. coat dress with contrast black piping and black accessories.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium
In 2017, William and Kate attended the centenary commemorations for the World War I Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium. During their visit to the country, the couple met with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians.
For one of the events attended by the king and queen, Kate wore a white coat dress designed by Catherine Walker & Co. that she had first debuted a year earlier at the christening of her daughter, Princess Charlotte.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pem of Bhutan
Outside of Europe, William and Kate paid a short official visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan in 2016, where they spent time with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife, Queen Jetsun Pem.
For the visit, Kate paid tribute to her hosts by wearing a skirt which was a variation on a traditional Bhutanese dress known as a Kira.
Kate's garment was made using silk woven by a famous Bhutanese artisan, Kelzang Wangmo, who later said she was "so happy" that the princess had chosen to wear one of her pieces.
Kate paired the skirt with a split-sleeved jacket from the French fashion label, Paul and Joe.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more
