Kate Middleton Had To Ditch This Outdated Shoe Choice Around The Queen

It's easy to assume things like fashion rules don't apply to royals. Kate Middleton, for instance, has been caught wearing outdated trends on numerous occasions, but often gets praised for pulling them off or bringing them back into the cultural sphere. Part of this may be due to a desire to maintain tradition, but it could also reflect an understanding of what looks good. As late as the 2020s, Middleton remained committed to wearing skinny denim, despite countless fashion bloggers stating the trend was no longer in style. But at a certain point, things do catch up to people. And for Catherine, Princess of Wales, there's one outdated trend that she was essentially coerced into giving up out of respect for the queen: wedges.

Though Middleton famously loves an espadrille (she's a huge fan of tan espadrilles with ankle straps from the brand Castañer, as well as simple black wedges with the classic cork soles, and countless other wedge styles), eagle-eye fashion fans noticed that she never wore wedges around the monarch.
A palace source dished the reason why. "[Queen Elizabeth II] isn't a fan of wedged shoes," an insider told Vanity Fair. "She really doesn't like them and it's well known among the women in the family." So Catherine had to adjust her shoe choices accordingly. When at an event with the late queen, Middleton opted for classic heels to keep her happy.

There's no denying that Catherine, Princess of Wales has undergone a stunning style transformation since becoming a royal. Her taste has become much more sophisticated and regal, but on some occasions, she has broken royal protocol when it comes to her wardrobe choices. In addition wearing wedges, Catherine has been spotted in open-toe shoes, which are a no-no for royal family members. "Open-toed shoes are considered informal footwear," etiquette expert William Hanson told Harper's Bazaar in June 2018, "and inappropriate for formal occasions." It's worth noting that Catherine typically only wears open-toed shoes under floor-length gowns — where the foot is barely visible — or while visiting a warm climate country. Nonetheless, they're not a common sight in royal wardrobes. 

Along with wedges, Catherine has a penchant for wearing sneakers — another shoe style disliked by the late queen. At casual events, she tends to wear white trainers from brands like Superga or Veja. While this may seem unusual given the restrictions on sandals, the choice isn't breaking protocol so much as it's rewriting royal dress codes for the modern age. "We've definitely seen a shift in the belief that heels were a mandatory requirement for formal attire and now even sporty sneakers effortlessly add a touch of fun to a look while staying stylish – as the Princess of Wales proves again and again," stylist Helen Canning told Hello! So Catherine's branching out.