As a former actress, it was Meghan Markle that had long been used to glittery red carpets. But, say experts, Prince Harry and Meghan’s departure from the royal family has now forced Prince William and Kate Middleton to “kickstart their star quality,” as the couple “have stepped up their glitzy appearances,” The Mirror reports.
Just last week, we saw Kate dazzle at London’s Top Gun: Maverick red carpet premiere in black and white Roland Mouret; her glittery gold Jenny Packham gown stole the show at last year’s James Bond film premiere of No Time to Die. On True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, a panel of experts spoke of how the Cambridges have undergone a “monumental transition” since they celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary in 2021.
“They’ve swapped their wax jackets and walks with the dogs for tiaras, ball gowns, and velvet, and walks down the red carpet with Tom Cruise,” royal expert Duncan Larcombe says. “This is about that coming of age…the Prince and Princess of Wales in waiting.”
Fellow royal expert and historian Tessa Dunlop says that this transformation is partially due to Harry and Meghan.
“I think we have got to give some of the credit to Harry and Meghan, because I think they forced the couple to slightly kickstart their star quality,” she says.
Yet long before their days of red carpets, tuxedos, and designer dresses, they had one VIP fan in particular: Her Majesty the Queen, who saw even on their wedding day in 2011 the power of the pair.
“The Queen was positively playful on the day of her grandson’s nuptials, ‘practically skipping’ according to one observer, absolutely thrilled at the way the public had reacted to the royal newlyweds,” writes Andrew Morton in his newest book, The Queen. “She had a sense that the future of the royal family, her family, was now secure. The monarchy was once again held in admiration and affection by the masses.”
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
Christian Louboutin Threw a Disco-Themed Party for the Royal Family of Monaco This Weekend, and They Went All In on the Theme
Gloria Gaynor performed at what is being billed as the “glitziest and grandest occasion in Europe.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
This Chic Collection Is Perfect for Elevating Your Office Outfits
Sponsor Content Created With SHEIN
By Marie Claire Published
-
Anne Hathaway Opens Up About Her Decision to Be Sober, Dealing with Anxiety, and Knowing She's Sexy
"I’m a Scorpio. I know what I’m like on a Saturday night."
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
How the World Is Reacting to Kate Middleton's Health News
World leaders and celebrities alike rushed to offer their sympathies to the princess and her family.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Kate Middleton Carefully Chose the Day She Would Reveal Her Cancer Diagnosis
Friday is an important milestone for Kate and William's children.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
If Prince Harry Does Attend the Coronation, He Will Avoid Bowing to Queen Consort Camilla
Plans are being drawn up to avoid the potentially awkward moment.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince George and Prince Louis Are "Protective" of Mom Kate in Mother's Day Photos, Body Language Expert Says
They have such a sweet relationship.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Royal Family Would “Collapse” Without Catherine, Princess of Wales, As the “Future Rests on Her”
No pressure!
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Paris Hilton Calls Princess Diana Her Idol, Says She’s Rooting for Prince Harry
Hilton and Harry both released memoirs this year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
The Next Royal Adjacent Wedding Is Coming Up—Soon
Let us (re)introduce you to the bride, Lady Amelia Spencer.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Catherine, Princess of Wales’ Daring Erdem Look from This Week Has a Deeper Backstory
A British fashion label apparently became a divisive element in her relationship with sister-in-law Meghan Markle.
By Rachel Burchfield Published