Does The Queen Really Dictate What Kate Middleton Wears?

Adored for her antiquated wardrobe and no frills “mumsy” appearance, Kate Middleton is renowned for her conservative dress sense, but is the Duchess of Cambridge’s impeccable style a direct result of Queen Elizabeth’s tinkering?

Kate Middleton is often accused of being easily manipulated by stronger personalities, but surely the demure Duchess is allowed to dress herself? Well, one would certainly think so, but apparently not. That is, if reports from Vanity Fair are to be believed.

The fashion-conscious publication for dedicated followers of fashion revealed that the towering and elegant high heels in which Kate Middleton pushed her vintage pram “so effortlessly” at Princess Charlotte’s wedding while “fashionistas gaped in awe,” were worn upon the Queen’s strict orders.

Apparently, the Queen isn’t a fan of clumsy-looking footwear, and the sort of wedges that Kate Middleton favours are a definite no-go in Her Majesty’s books, according to a source.

“The Queen isn’t a fan of wedged shoes. She really doesn’t like them and it’s well known among the women in the family.”

Interestingly, Kate Middleton has never been pictured wearing wedges in the company of Queen Elizabeth, but does Kate’s grandmother-in-law really rule the duchess’s wardrobe with an iron fist?

According to Life & Style Weekly, the Queen has nicknamed Kate Middleton “Duchess of Do-Little” and “Lazy Katie,” because Kate always finds time to attend Wimbledon and meet with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but couldn’t spare a moment to meet with her country’s veterans.

“Kate is getting a bit of a reputation for ducking out of royal duties. That’s where her nicknames, ‘Duchess of Do-Little’ and ‘Lazy Katie,’ come from. If you can’t find time to pay tribute to some old men who saved your country, what message does that convey?”

Obviously, such scandalous reports must be taken with a pinch of salt, but do they hint at a bigger truth? Namely, that Kate is used by the Queen as a mannequin to symbolize all the royal family holds dear?

Obviously Queen Elizabeth is a formidable figure — old, feisty, and full of British steel — but Kate Middleton’s mum, Carole, is an equally bullish and bossy matriarch, and as such, surely the Duchess would know how to play the game when it comes to dealing with the domineering ways of short-tempered and overpowering alpha females.

Is Kate Middleton dressing in a way she knows will meet the Queen’s approval, or is her wardrobe governed against her withering will by the old iron fist, clothed in the velvet glove of diplomacy?

[Photo via Getty Images]