Carol Middleton has carved out a name for herself in the fashion world and has become a style icon in her own right after donning countless chic outfits since she became the mother of the Queen in waiting. Her impeccable ensembles date back to 2007 – a time when Prince William and Princess Kate were on the rocks. Their relationship woes overshadowed a seriously trendy look curated by Carole, 70.
Carole has been the backbone behind Princess Kate’s strength throughout her time under the spotlight and no doubt rallied around her following her recent cancer diagnosis. Carole has undeniably played a supportive role in her daughter’s life, offering both emotional and practical support. But her style appears to have had an influence on her daughter, and one iconic look from the noughties was a huge hit – even if it was overlooked at the time due to the news Kate and William had rekindled their romance.
Royal watchers were devastated in April 2007 when the Prince of Wales split from Kate. Following a five-year relationship, they called it quits and decided to take some time apart.
There were hints months later the couple reunited in secret, as in July 2007, the Middleton family joined Kate and attended the summer Concert for Diana.
Unsurprisingly, all eyes were on William and Kate as questions about their relationship status were raised.
Onlookers failed to notice Princess Kate’s mother Carole’s iconic outfit. Her look featured a trendy white camisole top and a long black skirt, which was an emerging fashion trend at the time.
Carole paired this with a low-rise belt that was a major fashion accessory back in the mid 2000’s, as well as a brown suede jacket, and a slouchy cream bag.
And that wasn’t the only fashionable ensemble that the matriarch of the Middleton family has donned since her daughter started dating Prince William.
One of her best looks to date was when she stepped out in regal lace in the capital over a decade ago.
Proving that age is just a number Carole turned heads at the Royal Variety Show which was held at the London Palladium.
She opted for a black midi dress that featured sheer lace sleeves that matched across the top of the bodice in a scoop neck style.
Back in 2012, which was 5 years after they split and went on a short break, Prince William and Prince Kate finally got hitched.
During their engagement interview with ITV’s Tom Bradbury, William shared that things only cooled off between April and June 2007, which offered them both breathing space given how high-profile their romance was.
He explained: “We did split up for a bit, but that was just, we were both very young, it was at university, and we were both sort of defining ourselves as such and being different characters and stuff.”
“I at the time wasn’t very happy about it, but it made me a stronger person. You find out things about yourself that maybe you hadn’t realised,” he continued.