She may be known for wearing the latest in retail fashion, but Duchess Kate’s wardrobe hardly has an accessible price tag. Her stunning array of outfits has been estimated to cost close to $56,000 since January alone, according to estimates by the British press.
She’s gained the respect of women around the globe for wearing affordable Zara, Topshop and Whistles dresses. She’s even been known to borrow clothing and hats from her mother and shop at second-hand stores. But it’s the Alexander McQueen, Erdem and other designer duds she’s worn to official royal functions that hike up this estimate.
The tan, lace McQueen dress she wore to during the queen’s Jubilee reportedly cost $1,848, while the turquoise Jenny Packham dress she wore to a gala dinner this spring was estimated at $3,198.
“Princess Diana, when she was doing official duties, would have spent even more money,” royal expert Robert Jobson said on TODAY. “I actually think Kate has been quite frugal. Although it sounds like an awful lot of money, in terms of what she's got to do, it's not.”
Kate’s a designer’s dream customer, sparking a sell-out run on her outfits from the second she is spotted in public. But this royal doesn't accept special favors; she refuses any special treatment or gifts and always pays the asking price.
Prince William, who earns around $68,000 a year as a search and rescue pilot for the RAF, is hardly suffering from Kate's expensive taste. Father in-law Prince Charles is reportedly footing the bill for her “work-related” outfits.
In several days, we should have a better understanding of the exact figure after Prince Charles opens his accounts for the year, which will also likely reveal the price tag on his share of the royal wedding. His Duchy of Cornwall estate provides the bulk of his income, which he shares with his wife, Camilla; last year, he took in approximately $30.7 million.
Prince William should now be able to finance Kate’s shopping habits on his own: On his 30th birthday on June 21, he inherited $15.5 million from his late mother Diana’s estate.
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