WINDSOR, UK—In the annals of royal style, few figures have captured the world’s imagination quite like the Princess of Wales, Catherine. Her wardrobe is a masterful blend of accessible high-street pieces and breathtaking high-couture gowns, yet it is her adoption of the “Princess-core” aesthetic—a sophisticated homage to classic storybook glamour—that truly cements her as a modern-day royal icon. From high-profile receptions to red-carpet premieres, the Princess of Wales consistently transforms royal engagements into living, breathing fairytales.
This sartorial magic is not accidental; it is a calculated choice that blends royal history, storytelling, and an innate understanding of modern celebrity culture. The Princess doesn’t just wear beautiful gowns; she selects pieces that tell a story, often echoing the beloved heroines of Disney and classic literature, while simultaneously showcasing invaluable, centuries-old royal jewels.
A gown truly fit for a princess! Kate’s ice-blue Phillipa Lepley princess dress was a perfect modern-day match for Cinderella’s iconic blue ballgown
The Cinderella Moment: Ice Blue and a Gown Fit for the Ball
One of the most defining moments of Kate’s “Princess-core” journey occurred during the 2022 Caribbean Royal Tour. Stepping out for a reception hosted by the Governor General of The Bahamas, the Princess delivered a look that instantly drew comparisons to the ultimate storybook transformation: Cinderella at the ball.
The gown, a magnificent ice-blue floor-length dress by British designer Phillipa Lepley, was the embodiment of modern-day royal fantasy. The satin creation featured a structured crossover bodice, delicate bows at the shoulders, and a voluminous full skirt that flowed with cinematic grace. Paired with sparkling silver pumps embellished with Swarovski crystals and a matching clutch, the entire ensemble was a perfect, ethereal echo of Cinderella’s iconic transformation dress.
The dress was a breathtaking visual statement, but it was the inherent elegance and poised demeanor of the Princess that brought the fairytale to life. Observers noted that the look was a powerful reminder that while the days of glass slippers are long gone, the aspirational magic of a princess remains eternally captivating. This moment highlighted Kate’s strategic use of fashion to connect the history of the monarchy with the public’s love for romance and fantasy.
Jewels of the Crown: The Victorian Sapphire Suite and the Tiara
Kate’s Princess-core aesthetic is often amplified by the weight and legacy of the jewelry she chooses to accompany her gowns. For her most glamorous appearances, she frequently turns to the extraordinary Victorian Suite of Sapphire and Diamond, a collection of jewels that speaks directly to the history and continuity of the Crown.
This breathtaking set, which she often pairs with an array of royal tiaras, includes an imposing necklace and a coordinating pair of earrings. The history of the suite is as rich as its deep blue colour: The necklace and earrings were originally commissioned in 1850 by Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, but the pieces often associated with this broader collection were famously created as a wedding gift.
The specific sapphire and diamond suite that Kate is most often seen wearing—a necklace and earrings—was a 1947 wedding gift to the then Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) from her father, King George VI. The original pieces were an exquisite pairing of sapphires and diamonds, forming a classic, regal silhouette. The matching tiara that Kate occasionally wears, featuring large sapphire stones surrounded by diamonds, was an addition to the wider collection, crafted in 1963 to complement the original necklace and earrings.
While the exact valuation of specific heirloom pieces is rarely confirmed by the Palace due to their priceless historical nature, the sheer magnitude, carat weight, and legacy of the Victorian-era sapphires place the entire suite among the most valuable assets of the Crown. Experts in royal jewellery often estimate that the most comprehensive sapphire and diamond suites in the collection—including necklaces with 30-35 carat center stones—could command valuations exceeding £15 million (approximately $20 million USD), highlighting the immense value of the jewels the Princess uses to elevate her fairytale looks.
Beyond Cinderella: A Catalogue of ‘Princess-core’ Moments
The ice-blue Phillipa Lepley gown is just one chapter in Kate’s storybook fashion diary. Her wardrobe is replete with dresses that evoke the magic of Disney and beyond:
- The Emerald Shimmer: For a dinner in Jamaica, the Princess wore a shimmering green sequined gown by Jenny Packham, a look that drew immediate comparisons to a modern-day Tiana (from The Princess and the Frog) or a magical fairy. The intense colour and glittering fabric perfectly captured the fantasy of a royal ball.
- The Aurora Pink: During a different engagement, she donned a beautiful shimmering pink floor-length gown by The Vampire’s Wife. With its ruffled sleeves and metallic sheen, the dress was reminiscent of Princess Aurora’s iconic gown from Sleeping Beauty, blending vintage romance with contemporary cool.
- The Bold Gold: For the London premiere of the James Bond film No Time to Die, the Princess chose a spectacular gold sequined dress by Jenny Packham, featuring a cape and shimmering from every angle. It was a fiercely modern take on a warrior princess, blending traditional royal glamour with Hollywood’s highest octane sparkle.
The Princess of Wales uses these “Princess-core” moments as a bridge to the public. By choosing gowns that resonate with universal stories of beauty, transformation, and dignity, she maintains the aspiration and magic historically associated with royalty, ensuring that the next generation still looks to the monarchy as a source of contemporary fairytale wonder. In an era dominated by casual wear and high-speed social media, Kate’s dedication to bringing these iconic looks to life is a quiet masterclass in royal communication and timeless elegance.
