Kate Middleton may not watch The Crown, but she is aware of it—and reportedly worried about what its portrayal of her during season six could do to her public image. The show’s next season, which will be released in two parts on November 16 and December 14, will capture Kate and Prince William’s early courtship, a time where Kate very strategically pursued William, even changing universities so they would go to the same school and have the chance to meet.
Us Weekly reports that Kate has been trying to get ahead of the show’s impact on her reputation by changing up her public image now. The outlet detailed that following the Queen’s death, Kate has been “strategic” about modernizing how she is perceived as the Princess of Wales with her styling and choice of activities.
Shortly after the Queen’s passing, “Kate spoke with her team and people she works with, including stylists [about changing her image],” the source said, noting they all wanted to play up Kate’s “relatability” and “ability to connect with people.”
“Kate wants people to see her as a strong leader, someone who’s capable of taking the title of queen into a new generation,” the source continued. “She’s been wearing pants, more casual shirts and less high-priced clothing, and she’s ditching the long dresses and heels [in favor of] more accessible pieces.” (Kate is still wearing plenty of bespoke designer clothes too, of course, including many pantsuits from fashion houses like Alexander McQueen.)
With The Crown specifically, Kate is concerned about the show’s impact on her reputation. She thinks her character will be portrayed as a “very privileged, lovesick young woman.”
“Kate’s switching up her style in an effort to win people over and also to get ahead of the beating she feels her image will take when The Crown’s new season debuts,” the source said.
The source also addressed how Kate viewed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s remarks about the family’s treatment of them, calling them “attacks,” and saying “Kate’s had to work hard to show the public that they still want a royal family.”
They additionally explained the very (mild) increase in PDA between William and Kate during events: “William and Kate were told they can be more affectionate in public if the mood strikes them.”
Overall, the source concluded, Kate is “in a new phase of her life, and she wants her image and actions to reflect that. Kate used to portray the perfect, feminine wife, mother and caregiver. Now she wants to be seen as a powerful and kind humanitarian leader.”
Senior News and Strategy Editor
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.