Princess Kate went from 'girl next door' to 'woman of the people' due to key style change

Ever since the early days of her relationship with Prince William 20 years ago, Princess Kate's style and fashion choices have been scrutinised by the press and the public.

Unlike Meghan Markle, her fellow royal that married into the Firm, Kate has grown from a normal university student into a confident future Queen in the royal limelight, and her sense of style has matured too.

Style expert Miranda Holder addressed how the Princess of Wales has allowed her clothes to become more refined as she has grown in the Firm and taken on more royal responsibility.

She told Express.co.uk: "We first got to know Kate as the 'middle class girl next door' who was the envy of girls all over the world and dating the future King. Her style back then suited her student lifestyle, albeit at one of the most prestigious universities in the UK, and mainly comprised of well chosen high street pieces with a 'country classic' feel.

"These days, Kate’s style is more refined as she takes on more responsibility within the firm, and although we have seen a major upgrade in terms of working with major designer brands such as Alexander McQueen and Emilia Wickstead, Kate has worked hard to maintain the more relatable side of both herself personally as a 'woman of the people' and of her wardrobe, by frequently wearing pieces which we could all go out and buy ourselves."

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As an ambassador of British fashion on the global stage, Kate's other favourite designers include Catherine Walker and Jenny Packham, while Queen Camilla prefers Bruce Oldfield and Fiona Clare.

Meghan on the other hand struggled more to adjust to royal fashion due to her coming from a more Hollywood background, according to Ms Holder.

She explained: "In contrast to Kate, Meghan comes from the glamorous American film and television industry, in which it is customary to 'dress for success' and 'look the part' by wearing the very best pieces you can afford.

"Although Meghan admits she did attempt to dress down in neutrals when she was a working member of the Royal Family in an attempt to fit in, she still 'threw the kitchen sink at it' sartorially speaking, by pulling on super brands such as Christian Dior for many of her big moments.

"Meghan, although she frequently looks lovely in her more relaxed, natural, Californian laid back style, knows how to push the fashion boat out and uses fashion as a costume - which of course it is - to help her step into the 'role' she is playing."

While out and about royal duty over the past few months, Kate has been snapped in a series of colourful power suits, helping her to seem both approachable and confident as she represents the Firm all over the country.

Despite having access to some of the most coveted designer clothes and jewellery in the world, the Princess still knows the importance of dressing down and looking relatable while wearing pieces from the British high street.

One of her favourites is Zara, as she wore their white blazer to watch the England team play at the Rugby World Cup in France.

The item is on sale for just £65.99, and was worn by Kate earlier in the year as well when she met Iceland chairman Richard Walker to promote the importance of early childhood.