THE KATE EFFECT

On her first official overseas tour, Prince William's bride charms Canada - and the fashion world - with her impeccable style

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As much as Kate tried to avoid comparisons to her iconic late mother-in-law, it was inevitable that the wife of Diana's eldest son would be seen as the new People's Princess, and this was especially evident when it came to fashion.

Even before the art-history graduate's April 2011 wedding to university sweetheart Prince William, the Kate effect was well underway, her trendsetting outfits selling out the minute they were glimpsed by her legions of fans.

Like Diana and the late Queen, Kate quickly mastered the art of diplomatic dressing - a skill she aptly demonstrated during her “honeymoon tour” of Canada in 2011, as well as on the couple’s subsequent family trip with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte in 2016.

“Her clothes show respect, bring an emotional warmth that strengthens historic and strategic bonds and send a positive message about the country and family she represents,” the Guardian noted during the royal bride’s first visit to Canada. Still, Kate managed to make fashion look like fun – as everyone who clocked her playfully patriotic maple leaf hat on Canada Day in 2011 can attest.