Couple style may vary from one romantic pair to the next, but in the case of royals Kate Middleton and Prince William, who has just marked his 40th birthday, it manifests as a shared appreciation for sophistication.
Since their engagement in 2010, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have opted for silhouettes that are classic and smart—sharp suits for him, tea dresses for her—befitting their regal roles. When it comes to creating a matching moment, the two eschew more obvious styling tricks and instead use subtle details like a colour or an accessory to tie their looks in harmony.
Take a page or two from their refined sense of style through some of their best coordinated outfits, highlighted below.
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Engagement, 2010
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After dating for almost a decade, the fresh-faced couple announced their engagement at the St. James Palace through portraits that captured how well they complement each other. Both Kate Middleton’s Issa wrap dress and the Prince’s crisp suit came in deep blue, a colour that would be essential to their royal wardrobes in the years to come. And it also highlighted the gem on Kate’s finger: a 12-carat sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana.
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Royal Wedding, 2011
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For their fairytale wedding at the Westminster Abbey, Prince William was decked in full military regalia, as is tradition for royal grooms in England. His bright red Irish Guards uniform, with its flashes of blue and gold, made his bride’s Alexander McQueen lace gown seem all the more ethereal in contrast.
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Visit to Stephen Lawrence Centre, 2015
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While blue would prove to be their signature hue, the royal couple have shared the spotlight in other colours—most daringly in fuchsia pink. In 2015, Kate, who was then expecting their second child, Princess Charlotte, dressed for her baby bump in a pink Mulberry coat, which her husband discreetly matched with the patterned tie peeking out from his suit.
Royal Ascot, 2017
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The Royal Ascot is one of the most fashionable events on the calendar of the British high society, and the Duke and Duchess certainly live up to its sartorial expectations every year. In 2017, the two adhered to the event’s strict dress code in style: Kate wore a prim, ivory lace dress by (who else?) Alexander McQueen, and the Prince sported a black tailcoat with a brooch that nodded to the floral pattern of his wife’s frock. The two also flaunted hats, with Kate in an elaborate design adorned with white flowers, and William in a classic black top hat.
Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, 2018
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At Prince Harry’s wedding, Prince William flaunted the stately frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals, just like his younger brother. Once again, his military ensemble allowed for the simplicity of the Duchess of Cambridge’s outfit to shine through; it comprised a tailored, primrose yellow coat dress by Alexander McQueen, as well as a Philip Treacy hat and Jimmy Choo heels.
Royal Ascot, 2019
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The duo drew from a shared colour palette of blues and greys for their outfits at the Royal Ascot in 2019. While she wore a sheer Elie Saab dress and a floral Philip Treacy hat, he layered up in a formal tailcoat, vest and pants, with a blue flower pinned to his lapel that again nodded to his wife’s ensemble.
‘Top Gun’ premiere, 2022
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The royal couple can certainly take on Hollywood, as they demonstrated at the premiere of the Tom Cruise film, Top Gun. Prince William was dashing in a velvet Alexander McQueen tuxedo, tapping onto his wife’s favourite fashion brand, while Kate Middleton stood out on the red carpet with an off-shoulder Roland Mouret column gown. But the Prince wore the better shoes of the two: his Crockett and Jones loafers came embroidered with fighter airplanes.
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