:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(787x286:789x288)/kate-middleton-national-portrait-gallery-london-020625-2-9f9c0e144582457683b62672597dbf19.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "King Charles set to give Kate Middleton power to put billion ‘Kate Effect’ into action")
Prince William’s wife is expected to be the first Princess of Wales in 115 years to give royal warrants
Kate Middleton could likely become an official influencer.
Prince William’s wife is expected to be the first Princess of Wales in 115 years who will be granted the power to give royal warrants.
According to the royal family’s website, a “Royal Warrant of Appointment” is a seal of approval given by senior members of the British royal family to brands or people they support.
Kate Middleton could be the first Princess of Wales in 115 years to give royal warrants. (Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
It’s a “mark of recognition” to those who “have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household.”
According to multiple outlets, Kate is viewed as an important asset to Britain’s fashion industry. Her photographed items often go viral and sell out. Her influence is estimated to be worth over $1 billion in sales.
Several royal experts told Fox News Digital that King Charles III is keen to give his “beloved” daughter-in-law, as he once called her, this rare royal honor.
Kate Middleton has been slowly returning to royal duties after battling cancer. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
“King Charles is extremely fond of his loving and resilient daughter-in-law,” British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. “He holds her in high esteem. I’m sure he will be honored to implement a major royal first.”
King Charles has previously referred to Kate Middleton as his “beloved daughter-in-law.” (Geoff Pugh – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital she’s been told that this “prestigious endorsement” is expected to happen “sooner rather than later.”
“It signals King Charles III’s faith in Catherine,” said Fordwich. “She’ll have increasing influence as she is being groomed for such responsibilities. This is due to her poise, intelligence, tact and reliability as he is gradually delegating responsibilities to the next generation.”
Kate Middleton is known for wearing expertly tailored ensembles by her go-to designers. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Sources close to the mother of three originally told the UK Times that Kate will grant royal warrants to her favorite companies this year.
Kate Middleton attends the “No Time To Die” world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall on Sept. 28, 2021, in London. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The last Princess of Wales to issue royal warrants was the future Queen Mary before her husband, George V, ascended the throne in May 1910. While Charles began issuing warrants as the Prince of Wales in 1980, that honor was not extended to his wife, Princess Diana, after their wedding in 1981. The couple’s divorce was finalized in 1996.
Kate became the Princess of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
The outlet noted there’s no set timeline for when both William and Kate will grant royal warrants. However, sources said it was her “hope” that it would happen soon.
In her lifetime, Princess Diana never issued royal warrants. (Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive)
“She’s keen to recognize British skills and industry,” shared an insider.
Chard believes the idea is a no-brainer.
“It would be a smart move by King Charles III to offer the role of grantor of royal warrants to none other than our ‘gem in the monarchy’s crown,’” said Chard.
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that the monarchy also understands the power of “the Kate Effect.”
The “Kate Effect” is known as the popularity of specific brands or designers after the Princess of Wales is seen supporting them. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“The ‘Kate Effect,’ which has led to over $1 billion sales in British fashion, could be one of many reasons for King Charles to offer his daughter-in-law the ability to issue royal warrants,” he explained.
“Alexander McQueen, Kate’s go-to fashion house, is one contender, now led by Sarah Burton, who produced her Victorian lace style wedding dress… Catherine Walker and Jenny Packham are other strong contenders as their fashion has added to the style of the Princess of Wales during the past decade.”
Kate Middleton is seen wearing Queen Elizabeth II’s brooch. (Getty Images)
“It is also said Strathberry, the handbag designer, is on speed dial for all major occasions, and Catherine Zoraida for jewelry,” Pelham Turner shared. “Certainly, as I have been writing recently, William and Kate are becoming more prominent in creating decisions about a younger style monarchy and focusing ‘The Firm’ brand towards the future.”
Kate Middleton became the Princess of Wales upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II. England’s longest-reigning monarch died in 2022 at age 96. (Phil Noble – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“For the businesses that meet Kate’s high standards, it will be a mark of recognition which would carry significant branding weight in the fashion world and cachet in the retail world,” Fordwich explained.
“To date, she has had a sensational impact on sales as her endorsements by using a product or outfit have already purportedly been valued at approximately £4 billion, or almost $5 billion to the British fashion industry. Her wardrobe choices result in an immediate sales surge.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William got to know Hollywood royalty better when they spent time with Tom Cruise at the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick.” (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Royal warrants are issued for up to five years, People magazine reported. According to the outlet, the companies whose goods are sold to the royal household become members of the Royal Warrant Holders Association. It allows them to use the royal arms in connection with their work.
The Prince and Princess of Wales at the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
The outlet also noted that last month, Queen Camilla granted her facialist, wedding dress designer and hairdresser of 30 years royal warrants.
“Dating back to the 15th century, Henry VIII formalized the granting of royal warrants authorizing the Lord Chamberlain, as head of the Royal Household, to formally appoint tradespeople and purveyors to his royal court,” Fordwich explained.
Kate Middleton famously wore Issa London’s silk-jersey blue wrap dress to announce her engagement to Prince William. (Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images)
“British companies continuing this tradition of supplying the royal family may display the Royal Arms for their branding, thereby touting their royal association,” she shared. “Losing the royal warrant is ghastly branding-wise.”
“In 2018, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s bra-fitter, Rigby & Peller, was banished from the palace following an indiscrete memoir revealing private encounters with royal family members written by its former owner,” Fordwich claimed.
The UK Times noted that the decision is ultimately up to the king, 76. As reigning monarch, he decides which senior members can grant warrants. But the decision to give Kate the honor seemed to be a no-brainer among those within the palace.
“She’s keen to recognize British skills and industry,” the UK Times reported about the Princess of Wales. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
“An official royal seal of approval would only serve to further enhance sales for any British company formally associated with the future Queen,” the outlet reported.
Kate Middleton is seen wearing an Alexander McQueen gown paired with long black opera gloves. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Chard said that if Kate is given the honor, she doesn’t doubt that the Princess of Wales will give royal warrants to “meaningful businesses close to her heart.”
“The Princess of Wales embodies positivity and hope,” said Chard. “People will feel genuinely thrilled and privileged to buy into her special ‘Brand Britain’ chosen products.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, on Christmas Day 2024 in Sandringham. (Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
“They will somehow feel connected to her through her favorite brands and happy that they are doing their bit to help grow our struggling economy,” she shared. “You [will] see the positive knock-on effect. It’s a win-win situation.
Kate Middleton is focused on her future as a popular working royal. (Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images)
“What a coup receiving a royal warrant from the world’s favorite British royal!” Chard added.
Earlier this month, Kate announced she is in “remission” from cancer and is focused on her future.
Kate Middleton is seen here with her young family. (Jonathan Brady/AFP/Getty Images)
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery,” she wrote. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to.”
Kate Middleton’s cancer is ‘in remission’ as she remains ‘focused’ on recovery
Kate Middleton says her cancer is now in remission. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
“We couldn’t have asked for more,” she continued. “The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional. In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.”
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”
Middleton visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she received her own treatment last year. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
During her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Tuesday, Middleton – who will join her husband, Prince William, as joint royal patron of the Marsden – met with patients to offer her support.
“I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that’s going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time,” she said, according to the Daily Mail.
While visiting with staff, she said, “You think treatment’s finished, crack on with that… daily tasks, but that’s still like a real challenge. And talking… the words totally disappear… understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.”
Middleton spoke to staff about the “real” challenges she still faces and thanked them for their efforts during her treatment. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The 43-year-old royal announced she had been diagnosed with cancer in March, two months after she underwent planned abdominal surgery.
She returned for her first public engagement since Christmas Day 2023 in June 2024 for the Trooping the Colour parade.
Kate Middleton at the trooping the color in June. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
In September, Kate announced she had finished her preventative chemotherapy, although she said her path to full recovery would be long, and that she would take it day by day.
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she wrote. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” she shared. “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus.”
“Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” the princess continued. “I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”
“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
Kate and children show drawing skills by sharing portraits
The Princess of Wales and her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, have revealed their artistic skills in four portraits of each other.
It’s believed to be the first time that a drawing by Catherine of one of her children has been shown in public – with a picture of her six-year-old son, Prince Louis.
The royals drew the portraits as “a moment of connection” to “spend time looking at and focusing on one another” while being creative, a social media post from Kensington Palace added.
The pictures are a follow-up to Catherine’s recent visit to the National Portrait Gallery, as part of her early years education project, Shaping Us.
Kensington PalaceThe princess had joined a class of five-year-olds going around an exhibition encouraging children to portray themselves and to understand their own emotions.
The four pictures have been issued without revealing the artist and subject – but the more grown up work would appear to be Catherine’s picture of a sleeping Prince Louis.
Catherine studied A-level art at school and then history of art at St Andrews university.
Prince Louis has already shown his own creativity, with the recent release of his photograph of his mother wrapped up warm on a cold winter’s day.
These latest pictures, like Louis’s photograph, were issued on Prince William and Catherine’s social media account.
A picture of Catherine sitting in an armchair seems likely to have been drawn by 11-year-old Prince George, while another portrait of Catherine with multi-coloured hair seems to be the work of nine-year-old Princess Charlotte.
The bright red portrait by Prince Louis could be either Catherine or Charlotte.
The pictures are highlighting the exhibition launched by the princess at the National Portrait Gallery in London, which encourages children to think about their relationships and feelings.
The princess travelled to the gallery in a school minibus and helped the young visitors as they took part in art activities, intended to help them develop emotional skills.
“These skills are key throughout our lives, shaping who we are, how we manage our thoughts and emotions, how we communicate with and relate to others, and how we explore the world around us,” said the message on social media, alongside the pictures.
“Drawing portraits with children can provide a moment of connection as you spend time looking at and focusing on one another, as well as being creative,” the post continued.
There is a long tradition of painting among the royals, with King Charles an enthusiastic painter. He has also been the subject of numerous works, including Jonathan Yeo’s portrait last year, with its striking shades of red.
Kensington Palace Addresses Kate Middleton Style Controversy in Rare Statement amid Backlash
The palace issued a statement clarifying the Princess of Wales’ wardrobe policy after criticism
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Kate Middleton’s office is clarifying the official policy for releasing details about her clothing following recent backlash over new palace guidance.
After a week of discussion surrounding the Princess of Wales’ clothing and the possibility of changing the formal policy on sharing her fashion details, Kensington Palace issued a rare statement.
This follows a Feb. 1 Sunday Times article titled “Princess of Wales: Focus on my work, not my wardrobe,” which quoted a royal source saying that Kate “wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting.”
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, a Kensington Palace spokesperson responded with a statement to PEOPLE: “Over the last week, I have received numerous questions about a story regarding The Princess of Wales’s clothing and how Kensington Palace shares information about her outfits.”
“To clarify, the comments that appeared in the article were from me, not The Princess of Wales,” the statement continued. “The comments that were reported should not be directly attributed to The Princess of Wales. To be clear, there has been no change in our approach to sharing information about Her Royal Highness’s clothing.”
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In response to the Sunday Times report, several op-eds criticized the notion that Kate’s style should be downplayed, emphasizing the vital role it plays in shining a spotlight on British designers and boosting the British fashion industry. Critics also pointed out that her fashion choices not only pay homage to the legacy of Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth but also serve as an important tool for connecting with the public and should not be minimized.
For years, the palace has maintained a policy of not always disclosing details about what Kate is wearing. As a result, online sleuths, most notably the site What Kate Wore, have taken on the task of tracking down her outfits and sharing where to find similar pieces.
The full quote from The Sunday Times article read, “There is an absolute feeling that [the public work] is not about what the princess is wearing.
“She wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting,” the story continued. “There will always be an appreciation of what the princess is wearing from some of the public and she gets that. But do we need to be officially always saying what she is wearing? No. The style is there but it’s about the substance.”
After taking a step back from public duties for most of 2024 while undergoing cancer treatment — completing her treatment in September and announcing her remission in January — Princess Kate has been gradually easing back into her royal responsibilities. With a fresh perspective and what seems to be a renewed look, she has made several public appearances in the past 10 days.
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There is every likelihood that details about Princess Kate’s outfits will be shared during significant family and cultural occasions, such as royal tours or when she is hosting visiting heads of state.
The initial story in the Sunday Times came two days after Princess Kate, 43, stepped out in South Wales to visit a Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice, coinciding with the announcement that she’s taking on its patronage (like Princess Diana), and touring a family run-textiles manufacturer, aligning with her interest in the industry.
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It’s notable that Princess Kate’s team did not share the fashion credits for what she wore to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, her first solo royal engagement in over a year after she announced in March 2024 that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Kensington Palace Releases Striking Portraits Drawn by Kate Middleton and Her 3 Kids (and George’s Is Incredible)
Kensington Palace surprised fans of the British royal family today by releasing four striking new portraits. And while followers will note that it isn’t rare to see a new royal portrait—for example, this striking one of Prince William standing alone—it is rare to get hand-drawn images. And it’s even more rare for the images to be drawn by the members of the family themselves.
Today on Instagram, the palace shared portraits done by none other than Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The caption read, “The @earlychildhood Shaping Us Framework describes the social and emotional skills which start to develop in early childhood. These skills are key throughout our lives, shaping who we are, how we manage our thoughts and emotions, how we communicate with and relate to others, and how we explore the world around us.”
It continued, “Drawing portraits with children can provide a moment of connection as you spend time looking at and focusing on one another, as well as being creative and – most importantly – having lots of fun together!”
And, of course, there was credit given for the images: “Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and The Princess of Wales.”
Jonathan Brady – Pool/Getty Images
While the caption doesn’t specifically specify who drew which image, presumably they are credited in the order in which they are presented. That means the red image comes from Prince Louis, 6, and is likely of Princess Catherine or even Princess Charlotte. The second image then would presumably be from Princess Charlotte, 9.
The third image, which appears to be of Catherine, is quite impressive, especially when you consider it comes from Prince George, 11. And the final portrait proves that there isn’t anything the royal mom of three can’t do, as it’s truly well done. (It seems to be of Prince Louis.)
Looks like we have a few future artists on our hands.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(753x236:755x238):format(webp)/Pierce-Brosnan-Keely-Shaye-Smith-051024-5e7053baff3e4b979fb808b5b3bcd0ba.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Pierce Brosnan and Wife Keely Shaye Brosnan: 15 Photos from the Early Days of Their Romance")
