Why Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Have Triggered a Royal Fashion War in the UK
The Princess of Wales favors simple and sharp tailoring, while the Duchess prefers oversized looks in neutral shades.
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have consistently provided fashion inspiration while representing the royal family on a global stage. Markle's bold and Westernized style complements her American lifestyle, while Middleton's curated British designer outfits showcase timeless class and elegance. Now that the Duchess of Sussex is back in the UK, her presence has stirred an ongoing debate about which designers would be willing to collaborate with her to enhance her sartorial choices while also treading the line between being the number one choice for the Princess of Wales during her royal outings.
Word is out that various brands are holding tight-lipped discussions about dressing Markle, with some feeling pressured to choose between her and the Princess of Wales. "We’ve had to have a meeting about it," an industry insider exclusively told the Express. "We were about to send some products to her team when someone asked is it worth it, as we currently have Kate and other royals wearing our brand." Royal editor Emily Ferguson highlighted that Markle and Middleton have distinct styles; the Princess of Wales favors simple, sharp tailoring, while the Duchess opts for oversized looks in neutral shades. Meanwhile, the ongoing tension between them creates diplomatic challenges for fashion brands that share a connection with both.
Fashion labels have expressed concern that dressing the Duchess of Sussex may sabotage their existing relationships with Kate and other members of the Royal Family. "The Princess is our priority, and we’ve decided to continue supporting her. We don’t want to risk losing her, so Meghan won’t be getting anything from us," an industry source revealed. Ferguson notes that the Princess of Wales may simply avoid brands chosen by Markle to prevent overlap. While Kensington Palace prefers coverage to focus on Middleton's work rather than her attire, public interest in her outfits remains enormous, with the "Kate effect" consistently boosting sales. Because Markle has previously faced scrutiny for monetizing her influence, fashion houses view the future queen as the perfect brand ambassador.
Meanwhile, the Duchess believes in actively promoting fashion designers and brands. She previously stated to Australian Women's Weekly that creators deserve the "credit," saying, "Even if you don’t say a word, you can convey something in what you wear." She also expressed enthusiasm for wearing local designers, particularly focusing on female-owned brands and purpose-driven labels. Markle noted that she enjoys selecting pieces while discovering impressive new designers and revisiting familiar favorites like Karen Gee, whose dress held sentimental value from a major life event. Kate, on the other hand, frequently steps out in iconic designs by Jenny Packham and Catherine Walker.
