This is an interesting question that many may wonder about Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge and wife of Prince William. As a member of the British royal family, Kate has access to resources and staff that could easily handle tasks like shopping for her if she wished. However, there are indications that Kate still likes to do some of her own shopping when she can. In the opening sections, we’ll look at some quick background on Kate and her status as a royal, then dive into what is known about her shopping habits.
Kate’s Role as a Royal
As the wife of Prince William, who is currently second in line to the British throne, Kate holds the title of Duchess of Cambridge. She and William also have other title associations, but Duchess of Cambridge is Kate’s primary one. Since her marriage to William in 2011, Kate has taken on royal duties and engagements as a working member of the royal family. Her activities include charitable work, making public appearances, going on royal tours, and more.
Yet despite being royalty, Kate was not born into aristocracy like William. She was born to middle-class parents and met William when they were students at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Her non-royal upbringing may influence Kate’s desire to hold onto some normalcy in her life, such as doing her own shopping.
Does Kate Go Shopping Herself?
Although Kate has staff who can do tasks like grocery shopping and clothes shopping for her, there are many reported instances of Kate going to stores herself. She has been spotted browsing children’s clothing racks at department stores, for example. Before her marriage, Kate was also photographed walking home with grocery bags.
So while Kate does utilize assistants, she also seems to enjoy shopping herself when her schedule allows it. There are likely several motivations behind this:
To Have Control Over Purchases
Even with staff, Kate may want to pick out certain items herself, especially clothes, to ensure she likes them. Shopping yourself gives you control to see, touch, and try on items.
For the Experience
For someone like Kate who did not grow up as royalty, the novelty of shopping in a standard store likely hasn’t worn off. She may genuinely enjoy perusing the aisles and seeing what’s new in.
For Privacy and Normalcy
Shopping allows Kate some sense of normalcy doing routine errands. If she shops semi-incognito, she can have a bit of privacy too.
What Does Kate Buy?
So what kinds of things does Kate seem to shop for herself? Here is an overview:
Clothing and Fashion
Kate is known to buy many of her own clothes, especially dresses. She has been spotted browsing racks at Peter Jones, Zara, The Gap, and other clothing stores. Kate has a keen fashion sense and interest in clothing design. Shopping herself allows her to find pieces that fit her style.
Toys and Gifts for the Kids
As a hands-on parent to three kids, Kate is reportedly involved in buying toys, books, and other items for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Shopping for certain gifts herself allows her to see options in person.
Home Decor and Supplies
Though Kate has access to staff, she may enjoy picking out her own home accents and supplies. She can ensure any personal touches or favorite scents make it into her home.
Groceries
Even Duchesses need to eat! Kate has been photographed carrying groceries, suggesting she enjoys doing the household shopping herself on occasion. This gives her a chance to hand-pick fresh foods.
Does Kate Purchase Expensive Items?
While Kate does buy everyday products for herself and her family, she also has purchased pricier items:
| Item | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Alexander McQueen wedding dress | $400,000 |
| Cartier watch | $49,000 |
| Mulberry willow handbag | $1500 |
| Cartier Ballon Bleu watch | $12,000 |
For very upscale purchases like her wedding gown, Kate likely worked closely with designers and staff to craft the perfect look. However, she is clearly willing to spend sizable sums on designer fashions, accessories, and jewelry she fancies. Her personal fortune allows her great luxury in shopping.
Does Kate Use Shopping Delivery?
While Kate enjoys in-person shopping, she also takes advantage of delivery options at times. This allows her to get items without leaving home. For example:
- Clothing – Kate has reportedly ordered maternity wear and dresses for events through delivery services.
- Groceries – Grocery and meal delivery are helpful when Kate’s schedule is very busy.
- Baby supplies – Delivery right to home makes getting necessities for the kids easy.
So while Kate prefers shopping in stores when possible, she also uses delivery when convenient.
How Often Does Kate Shop?
It is difficult to definitively say how often Kate shops. As a busy royal, her schedule is always filled with engagements and obligations. However, there are some estimates:
Clothing Shopping
– Kate likely browses clothing stores a few times per month if possible. She has been spotted shopping for herself at department stores, maternity stores, brands like L.K. Bennett, and more. She seems to truly enjoy shopping for fashion.
Groceries and Errands
– For household shopping like groceries, Kate probably goes 1-2 times per week when her schedule allows. She has a nanny who can also handle these tasks.
Gifts and Supplies for the Kids
– Kate probably browses stores for items for her children at least weekly, if not more. She seems very involved in selecting toys, books, clothes, etc.
So while Kate does not shop daily, she seems to enjoy squeezing in shopping trips relatively frequently each month. It gives her a sense of normalcy.
Does Kate Shop Online?
In additional to in-person shopping, Kate can also take advantage of online shopping when she wants delivery or cannot make it to a store:
- Fashion sites – Kate has employees who help her order clothes from online sites.
- Amazon – Like anyone, Kate can browse Amazon’s unlimited inventory for home goods, books, toys, and more.
- Grocery delivery – Services like Ocado allow Kate’s staff to order groceries online.
So when travelling or on a tight schedule, Kate has staff help her purchase items electronically for delivery. This allows for shopping even amidst a busy royal calendar.
Does Kate Use Personal Shoppers?
In addition to shopping herself, Kate can utilize personal shoppers to help her browse and select items:
- Clothing – Designers will bring options to Kate for custom fittings and selection.
- Department stores – Personal shoppers at stores can pull and prepare items for Kate to review.
- Grocery shoppers – Assistants can do Kate’s food shopping according to provided lists.
Personal shoppers allow Kate to conveniently review and try on choices while delegating the legwork. This is especially helpful when her schedule is packed. However, Kate does seem to enjoy being hands-on in stores herself when possible.
Does Kate Re-Wear Outfits?
Yes, Kate is known for re-wearing many of her favorite outfits over time. This includes items like dresses, coats, shoes, hats, and jewelry. Some examples of repeatedly worn items include:
- Pink Alexander McQueen coat dress – worn 4 times over 8 years
- Blue Stella McCartney dress – worn 3 times in 1 year
- Red Luisa Spagnoli skirt suit – worn 3 times over 3 years
- Green Catherine Walker coat dress – worn 5 times over 2 years
Kate re-wears outfits for a mix of practicality and popularity. Certain pieces become “classics” for her. This enables her to put together looks easily while repeating favorites. It also allows crowds to see beloved outfits again.
Does Kate Borrow Items to Wear?
Kate has access to extraordinary jewelry and accessories to borrow from the Royal Collection. This includes:
- Tiaras – Kate has worn tiaras like the Lotus Flower Tiara and Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara.
- Earrings – Kate has borrowed diamond and pearl earrings from Queen Elizabeth II.
- Jewelry – Kate has worn bracelets, rings, and necklaces from the royal vault.
For formal events, Kate can borrow these priceless gems to add grandeur to her look. She also borrows items like scarves and hats on occasion.
Does Kate Have Favorite Brands?
When shopping for herself, Kate has several go-to brands she returns to time and again:
| Brand | Items Purchased |
|---|---|
| Alexander McQueen | Dresses, gowns, coats |
| Jimmy Choo | Shoes, pumps, sandals |
| Acne Studios | Jeans, jackets, blazers |
| Zara | Tops, dresses, pants |
| L.K. Bennett | Dresses, heels, clutches |
| Boden | Tops, dresses, coats |
Kate mixes both high-end and mainstream brands in her shopping. She has access to luxury labels along with enjoying more accessible stores like Zara and The Gap.
Does Kate Receive Free Products?
As part of her role, Kate regularly receives free products from brands and designers hoping she will wear them. These can include:
- Clothing – dresses, tops, accessories
- Beauty items – skincare, makeup, hair products
- Jewelry – necklaces, earrings, bracelets
- Baby items – toys, clothes, furniture for the Cambridge kids
Kate can keep anything she does not wear for events. So she can receive a wide array of free products through partnerships and patronages.
Does Kate Have Shopping Assistants?
As a royal, Kate has access to staff who can help facilitate shopping:
- Personal assistants – Help order and purchase items she requests online.
- Stylists – Advise on looks, find options, bring items for Kate to view.
- Private event shoppers – Shop sales and events for Kate’s favorite brands per her request.
Assistants allow Kate to have items purchased and delivered. Stylists pull options tailored to her taste. She can also send shoppers to sales specifically looking for items she wants.
Does Kate Pay for Purchases Herself?
Kate has access to various sources of funds:
- Personal wealth – She had a net worth around $10 million before marrying William.
- Income from Prince Charles – Charles pays for expenses of William and Kate.
- Crown Estate – The royal family receives a portion of revenues from the Crown Estate holdings.
So while Kate need not pay out of pocket for all purchases, she has ample personal income. She likely uses personal wealth for more everyday purchases.
Conclusion
In the end, while Kate Middleton certainly has access to staff, funds, and resources as a royal, she does seem to enjoy retaining some normalcy. Shopping allows her autonomy in selecting favorite clothes and items. And the chance to peruse stores gives Kate a small sense of regular errands amidst royal obligations. So when her calendar permits, the Duchess still pops into shops herself. Yet she also takes advantage of delivery and personal shoppers at busy times. Ultimately, Kate can balance the benefits of shopping herself with helpful services that enable convenience and privacy. She mixes traditions of royalty with her own middle-class upbringing. So through a blend of hands-on shopping with staff assistance, Kate finds items that fit her personal style.