The Princess of Wales has been awarded the top position on British Vogue’s inaugural ‘best dressed’ list.
Kate, 43, was described as an ‘eternal influencer’ and was listed alongside high fashion names including Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Victoria Beckham.
The royal made the list for her ‘penchant for vintage’, while it was noted that her ‘quiet support’ can change the trajectory of a brand.
Indeed, the Princess has long been known for the ‘Kate effect’ – her ability to rapidly sell out her enviable wardrobe items with every public appearance – with Vogue even predicting a rise in her fashionable influence when she starts to hand out royal warrants in the new year.
At the same time, Vogue released a separate list comprising 55 most stylish A-listers and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was notably absent – despite telling the New York Times last year that her clothing choices are ‘one of the most powerful things that I’m able to do’.
The fashion bible unveiled its list of 50 fashionable Brits yesterday, insisting that it’s ‘not so much about clothes as it is a point of view’.
Some stars, such as Claudia Winkleman, were credited with helping put British fashion ‘on the map’, particularly thanks to her role on Celebrity Traitors.
The list consisted of ‘the eternal influencers’, led by the Princess of Wales, ‘the breakout stars’, such as Aimee Lou Wood and ‘the eccentrics’, such as Emma Corrin.
Amal Clooney led the stars ‘truly committed to a look’, the ‘industry insiders’ included Bella Freud and the ‘music makers’ included Charli xcx, Raye and Dua Lipa.
Best-dressed men were also included, such as Josh O’Connor in ‘the fashion boyfriend’ category.
The celebrities were praised for a ‘willingness to buck existing trends’, being ‘culture shapers’ and staying ‘in their own lane’.
Kate and her husband Prince William will be able to grant royal warrants for the first time from 2026.
For the royal family it is a chance to give brands an ultimate seal of approval and for the rest of us it allows a rare insight into the Windsor shopping basket.
This prestigious task, once a hallmark of Queen Elizabeth II ‘s reign, will mark another significant step in Kate’s journey as a senior royal, underscoring her increasing role in shaping the monarchy’s modern image.
With the ‘Kate Effect’ adding a reported £1 billion to the British fashion industry, a nod from the Princess of Wales could be one of the highest honours a brand can receive.
King Charles began issuing warrants as the Prince of Wales in 1980, although this job was not given to Princess Diana after their wedding the following year.
A royal warrant is a sign of excellence, awarded to businesses or individuals who have regularly supplied goods or services to the royal household. It lasts for up to five years at a time, and can often increase growth for companies.
It enables companies to have a royal coat of arms on their packaging for at least five years, although they can be cancelled if products fall below expected standards.
A source previously revealed that Kate and William plan to use them to ‘recognise British skills and industry’.
But people close to the royal pair are interested to find out when they will receive the honour, especially those part of the brands that supply Kate and William’s household.
Alexander McQueen is top of the list of those who are expected to be awarded a royal warrant by Kate and William, with other potential favourites including handbag brand Strathberry, tweed clothing range Holland Cooper, and accessories label Emmy London.
The ‘Kate effect’ has seen items worn in public by the princess sell out within minutes and this is expected become even more dramatic if she is able to give brands an official seal of approval.
Her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, 44, also holds influential power with her wardrobe.
On one engagement in 2018, her bag from the Scottish brand Strathberry sold out 11 minutes after Meghan was seen proudly sporting it on an engagement with Harry.
And the Duchess of Sussex has been building her investment portfolio since she left the Firm with Prince Harry in 2020, and has put money into five to ten brands – including handbag label Cesta Collective, whose designs she’s sported on multiple occasions.
