Though the Princess of Wales is often associated with her sparkly evening attire and ravishing red carpet looks, one of the most costly items in her wardrobe is not her glamorous gowns and dazzling dresses but rather her outerwear.
From military-minded and distinguished day coats to wool trenches and tweed toppers, Kate owns around 100 coats in total (not including over 50 blazers and around 25 casual sports jackets and utility coats).
Since her coats are an investment piece and can be reworn for many years, she’s less inclined to be restrictive with her ‘coat budget.’ In fact, many of her recent outerwear purchases have been the most expensive in her royal career — with her four new long tailored toppers hailing from British fashion house Alexander McQueen priced around $5000 (one in blue, two in red, one in brown).
It’s expected that the princess will continue to expand her wardrobe with more designer garments and luxury coats as she prepares to become Queen.
Here are 14 of Kate Middleton’s Most Expensive Coats Ranked by Cost:
1. Missoni Metallic Crochet Knit Coat, $2015
A long snake stitch coat in silver, this elegant topper boasts Missoni’s iconic zigzag pattern along with a front button fastening, patch pockets and back vent. Designed by the Italian fashion house, the A-line coat has a unique visual presentation boasting the brand’s signature pattern. Elegant and striking, the shimmering chevron adds intriguing texture to this classic formal coat.
Worn by the Princess on two occasions including to the Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey in April 2017 and at a military vigil in France in June 2016
2. Miu Miu Tartan Peacoat, $2390
A clothing label beloved for its funky and feminine styles, this brand is all about ‘high fashion with a twist.’ Kate loves the Christmas clothing from Italian designer Miuccia Bianchi Pradaand; she owns a festive cardigan as well as this red and green double-breasted peacoat. Decorated with shiny gold buttons, a plush velvet collar and woven with a traditional tartan pattern, this holiday-happy coat is one of Kate’s pricier pieces.
Worn by the Princess on Christmas Day in December 2017
3. Sportmax Gerbera Wool Blue Coat, $2490
A favorite maternity coat of the princess, this cornflower blue coat has a wide notched lapel collar with a concealed side closure along with charming besom pockets. The coat remains Kate’s most expensive Sportmax style with her other two coats by the American sportswear company costing just under $2000.
Worn by the Princess on two occasions in February 2015 for a factory tour and again for a school visit in January 2018
4. Temperley London Odele Black Sheepskin Coat, $2520
One of Kate’s preferred off-duty outerwear pieces, this belted coat was seen on the princess during off-duty coffee runs, shopping trips and walks around Kensington Gardens. The asymmetrical zipper coat also appeared on the princess in Switzerland on a private trip in March 2013.
5. Dolce & Gabbana Double Breasted Coat in Plum (and Green), $2675
A military minded coat with two rows of buttons, this double-breasted design from D&G features a classic collar, front flap pockets and piqued shoulders. Constructed of virgin wool, the sophisticated statement coat is contemporary and classic.
Worn by the Princess once in Plum and Green both in February 2018
6. Alexander McQueen Black Wool and Velvet Patchwork Coat, $2685
The princess owns a few open neck coats, box pleat designs and funnel neck toppers priced around $2000-$4000 from the House of McQueen. This ready-to-wear coat was a custom creation from her favorite British fashion label and features notched lapels, a full skirt and patchwork medley of black felt wool and velvet.
Worn by the Princess on two occasions to Remembrance Sunday in November 2015 and for memorial services for the Duke of Westminster in November 2016
7. Erdem Grey Lace Overlay Coat, $3200
A tantalizing trench coat featuring a lace effect, this custom floral-print topper features a delicate pin dot pattern with a scalloped lace overlay. Defined by its high neck and oversized peter pan collar, the midi coat was custom-made by the Canadian label for the princess and rendered in a new format with removal of the trench detailing.
Worn by the Princess once in March 2016 at Commonwealth Day Service
8. Roksanda Denton Wool Blend Coat, $3405
A midi length coat designed from a fuzzy wool blend, this unique coat features a tantalizing mix of dark blue and orange wool. The coat boasts a modern funnel neck, copper toned hardware and lightly padded shoulders. Made in England, the architectural coat has a striking silhouette.
Worn by the Princess once in January 2020 for services at St. Mary Magdalene church at the Sandringham estate
9. Burberry Tolladine Black Shearling Trench Coat, $3495
Defined by its real black lamb shearling trim, this luxe coat bears Burberry’s signature styling. With a double-breasted closure, epaulettes, gun flap, belted cuffs and storm shield, this Italian made coat is perfect for wet winter weather and icy outdoor adventures.
Worn by the Princess in January 2018 at a hockey match in Stockholm, Sweden
10. Alexander McQueen Ivory Bullet Pleat Coat, $3725
Characterized by its feminine detailing, this playful pleated coat from Alexander McQueen comes equipped with a peter pan collar, puffed sleeves and a distinctive drop waist.
Worn by the Princess once in August 2014 in Belgium
11. Laura Green Emilia Military Wool Coat, $4115
A hunter green midi coat with military styling, this dignified day coat boasts a single breasted front, sharp structured dagger collar and coordinating wide wool belt.
Worn by the Princess once in March 2022 for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
12. Alexander McQueen Double-Breasted Wool Coat in Red, $4500
A double-breasted asymmetric wool coat, this striking scarlet topper is stylish and stately. Boasting contrast black buttons, sharply padded shoulders and front flap pockets, the holiday-ready piece bears elements of the ‘dad coat’ trend with an infusion of modern elegance.
Worn by the Princess once three times in total (October 2020, December 2020 for the Christmas train tour and again in November 2022)
13. Alexander McQueen Ivory Ruffle Samurai Skirt Coat, $5,560
A blazer dress design with a softly pleated skirt, this double-breasted cocktail coat has a short collar, voluminous skirt and padded shoulders. Defined by a romantic irregular ruffled hem, this ivory frock has modern attitude with its charming frills.
Worn by the Princess on two occasions to Trooping the Colour 2011 and Garter Day in June 2012
14. Alexander McQueen Double-Breasted Long Coat in Chocolate Brown, $5665
One of the princess’ most lavish coats, this longline maxi boasts a retro sensibility with its double-breasted design and front flap pockets. Classic but contemporary, the structured formal coat is perfect for royal duty.
Worn by the Princess once in Boston in December 2022
{Image Credit: Getty/AP, Pinterest, Kensington Palace, Reuters}