Princess Kate's edgiest autumnal outfit features the number one trend of the season


The Princess of Wales has been a longtime fan of tartan - and was embracing the print long before it was considered chic…


Kate Middleton at Wimbledon wearing drop earrings 2026© Getty Images
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
1 hour ago

Trends come and go each year, and keeping up with them can be quite a task. In case you weren't aware, tartan is the print to be seen wearing this autumn.

The trusty check print has returned for AW26, nodding to the heritage trend that we often see our favourite royal ladies embrace. From flannel shirts to sleek coats, tartan is here to stay.

The Princess of Wales side on in green coat and tartan skirt© Getty Images
The tartan print is often embraced by the royal family

Someone who has embraced this trend for many years is the Princess of Wales. The mother-of-three has a huge collection of tartan pieces - in fact, it's her most-worn print aside from polka dots, of course.

model in check coat in field
Tartan print is the go-to fashion statement this autumn

Back in 2013, Kate was ahead of the pack when she was pictured in Scotland. The then-Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to the Emirates Arena in Glasgow and donned a glorious tartan coat dress in navy blue. The style was by McQ - a diffusion line of Alexander McQueen.

Kate Middleton looked incredible in this tartan dress coat by McQ - a diffusion line of Alexander McQueen - in 2013© WireImage
Princess Kate looked incredible wearing this tartan dress coat by McQ - a diffusion line of Alexander McQueen - in 2013

We love the statement buttons, and if you look closely, you will see that the hemline finishes above the knee - a pretty daring choice for the royal who is typically a fan of the midi shape.

Prince William's wife also added tights and an edgy pair of knee-high boots. This is such a cosy, elegant look which wouldn't look out of place today, cementing Kate's place as the ultimate timeless dresser.

Knee-high boots - a fashion staple

Knee-high boots are often considered a style staple, and they can also be flattering, too. "They automatically elongate and give structure to your legs," Ellis Ranson, celebrity stylist, previously told HELLO!. "The Princess of Wales' uniform tends to be a midi dress or a coat, and longer-line boots avoid any awkward cut or heavy shoes ruining the polished feel. It makes her outfits appear more streamlined and mindful," she mused.

Princess Kate wearing Penelope Chilvers boots© Getty
Princess Kate has always worn knee-high boots - she wore this pair by Penelope Chilvers in 2020

The stylist, who has worked with Pixie Lott and Emily Atack, added: "Knee-high boots are ideal for the winter months and keeping warm. Kate wears a lot of brown suede boots, which feel expensive and ground her outfits.

Princess Kate wearing Penelope Chilvers boots in Bhutan© Getty
Princess Kate enjoys autumnal tones

"Shades like this can soften jewel tones and make any fit look more autumnal. Kate's boots often tie any outfit she has together in a way that feels cohesive and chic, rather than overly matchy."

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