The Princess of Wales has been easing into her new role (and title) with aplomb.
Of course we'd expect nothing less from our Kate, who has tackled the extraordinary transformation from University-sweetheart girlfriend, then into world's most photographed fiance, followed by royal bride then Duchess of Cambridge with an almost otherworldly ease.
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The photo was very different to the one used for their 2017 Christmas card
If someone was born for the role, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was Kate and not William who was destined for it from the start - at least sartorially speaking. And although we have seen plenty of glamorous moments recently from our future Queen (including her ultra-modern tiara moment at the Reception For Members Of The Diplomatic Corps held at Buckingham Palace)... when it came time for her Christmas card the mood was markedly understated. People magazine even described it as "Their most casual family christmas card yet."
"Sharing a new picture of the family for this year's Christmas card!" the Waleses captioned the snap on social media. The stunning family photo was taken by photographer Matt Porteous in Norfolk earlier this year (if the name sounds familiar it might be because he was the one who was entrusted to capture Ellie Goulding's nuptials). It shows Prince William and Kate, out for a stroll with their children, Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and four-year-old Prince Louis.
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Previously royal family Christmas cards were more formal
For her first Christmas card as Princess, Kate opted not for a ball gown, nor tiara, nor sparkling jewellery… but simple jeans and white blouse. In fact, her M.i.h Jeans 'Mabel' Broderie Anglaise Shirt in white, is a piece she has worn before (that’s some good sensible royalty-endorsed circularity for you.) Teamed with white trainers from Superga, it is clear that even in her new role as Princess, she is planning on remaining every inch the down to earth country girl. The tone of the image could not be more different to their 2017 Christmas photo - which is more 'what you’d expect' from the Waleses given their position in the royal family.
But Kate (and William for that matter) seems to have read the room, faced with times of austerity and with the mounting cost of living crisis. Princess Kate's outfit marks the beginning of a new 'Modern-monarchy' with sensibility, and refreshing ‘currency’ in society. The difference is stark when compared with the Charles and Diana era, where posing and formal outfits were de rigeur.
If this Christmas card is anything to go by, we have a very modern future style queen on our hands.
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