Why Kate is forbidden from removing her beloved A-line coats

The Princess of Wales has routinely demonstrated her ability to communicate through fashion, illustrated by her evolving collection of elegant A-lined coats. 

Yet while striking statement outwear may have become an integral asset to Kate's wardrobe, a secret royal protocol means that royal fans will never see the princess remove her coat in public.

In fact, even in the heat of summer, Kate, 44, alongside other numerous royal women, is forbidden from removing her glamorous long coats that stretch below the knee. 

The reason behind such restriction? Historic royal protocol dictates that the act of removing an outermost layer of clothing in public would be considered 'unladylike', as per royal standards. 

Coats must also be long in length and made of an appropriate fabric and design,  meaning that Kate is unlikely to ever be spotted out in a puffer jacket or making a quick outfit change.

Meanwhile, all royal women must ensure that their skirts do not ride above the knee and that hats are not worn indoors at formal events unless it is after 6pm.

Since she wed into the royal fold in 2011, Kate has been adamant about sticking to these historic rules, while still showcasing her creativity and versatility in numerous coats that are often quickly snapped up by eagle-eyed fans.

Here, the Daily Mail revisits some of Kate's best A-lined coat looks and explores how her style has evolved as she climbed the royal ranks... 

Chic red Catherine Walker coat  

At the Commonwealth Day Service in 2025, Kate opted for a glamorous red Catherine Walker coat, worn with a matching red £450 Gina Foster hat.

It came after a general movement from the princess towards dark, neutral hues such as brown and grey, colours that mirror her intent to focus on her charitable work, rather that draw attention to the provenance of her couture.

Whether Kate has softened her 'substance over style' stance or was simply honouring the formality of the occasion, her fans will be delighted to see her dressing like the princess she is.

To accessorise, the princess opted for Collingwood pearl and diamond earrings, which once belonged to Princess Diana, and the late Queen Elizabeth II's much-loved Japanese four-strand pearl choker.

She couldn't have looked more regal, despite facing a slight fashion faux pas as she realised she had accidentally twinned with then Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Effortless double-breasted Emilia Wickstead burgundy coat dress 

While welcoming US President Donald Trump to Windsor Castle in September last year, the Princess of Wales was resplendent in a maroon Emilia Wickstead dress. 

Kate paired her elegant coat dress with a £2,330 hat by Jane Taylor and a burgundy Chanel bag that she's been seen with on numerous occasions.

Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, Kate accessorised with a feather brooch that once belonged to Princess Diana. It featured the feather symbol of the Prince of Wales surrounded by 18 round cut diamonds and miniature emeralds.

Kate wore her newly bronde hair in loose waves that cascaded down her back, after making the switch from brunette earlier that autumn.

The princess appeared to favour Chanel handbags, after choosing a black design for the Duchess of Kent's funeral.

In addition to the deep, wine-coloured Classic Flap Bag in quilted leather that she carried, Kate also accessorised with a pair of dainty ruby earrings.

She completed her look with dark brown suede pumps from Gianvito Rossi, another of Kate's favourite brands.

Elegant navy blue Catherine Walker coat dress 

At this year's Commonwealth Day Service, Kate lit up the grey skies in a cobalt coatdress from one of her favourite designers – Catherine Walker.

The collared gown, which accentuated her silhouette and featured a pleated skirt, was teamed with a sophisticated felt Sean Barrett hat, worn by the future Queen for the 2023 event as well.

She also appeared to be re-wearing her beloved Gianvito Rossi pumps in Navy Suede, currently retailing online for £650.

The mother of three carried a £295 bag from Strathberry, and around her neck opted for a stunning vintage faux pearl necklace from luxury jeweller Susan Caplan, a piece she has often reached for in recent months.

Susan is globally revered in the world of jewellery, and the 80s vintage design donned by the princess will be 'back in stock soon', according to the site.

In a sweet homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Kate wore a stunning pair of Bahrain pearl drop earrings that once belonged to the monarch, and had been in the royals' collection for decades. 

Sophisticated black Catherine Walker dress

When the Princess of Wales stepped out for an Armistice Day Service in November, she opted for a Jane Taylor Decima hat and tailored Catherine Walker & Co military-style coat with two poppies on the lapel.

She accessorised with Cornelia James gloves, Gianvito Rossie suede boots and diamond drop earrings, alongside the Irish Guards Regimental brooch.

Her gorgeous hair was arranged into a low, braided bun tucked under her hat, while her smokey eye makeup reflected the solemn mood of the day. 

Kate participated in the traditional two minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. She then laid her wreath at the Armed Forces Memorial, before being invited to view newly-dedicated names inscribed on it.

A vision in blue – striking Alexander McQueen bespoke coat

When Kate joined her husband, Prince William, to welcome the German president to the UK for a state visit in November, she debuted a fresh new hairstyle and gorgeous blue jacket that saw heads turn.

Dressed in an all-blue ensemble, Kate opted for an Alexander McQueen bespoke coat by Sarah Burton over a Burberry dress, before a subtle change to her hairstyle caught the attention of royal fans.

The mother-of-three's locks, which usually fall in subtle waves, had been straightened, making for a sleek look under her Juliette Botterill bow and arrow hat.

Observers soon gushed over the switch-up, with some even comparing the look to Kate's daughter, Princess Charlotte, 10, whose hair is usually styled straight.

Kate continued her blue theme with an Emmy London Natasha clutch in lake, and accessorised with Princess Diana's sapphire earrings and Queen Alexandra's three feathers brooch.

She previously wore a very similar look for the Christmas service at Sandringham in 2023.

An elegant monochrome ensemble 

The Princess of Wales put on an elegant display in a monochrome ensemble as she attended the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent in March.

The royal mother-of-three debuted a new £2,850 Washington Prince of Wales check Cashmere Coat from Suzannah London for the occasion.

She paired the piece with another new, standout accessory: the £690 Houndstooth Straw Boater from Juliette Millinery.

The royal mixed the old with the new, and also wore her £570 Ralph Lauren Celia Calfskin heels in black, while carrying her £4,036 Chanel Mini Classic Handbag, made of lambskin and gold-tone metal.

To accessorise, Kate donned her £7,245 Cavolfiore Earrings from Cassandra Goad, made from 18 carat yellow gold with pearls and diamonds.

A forest green re-wear

During a visit to Northern Ireland's Fire and Rescue Service's new Learning and Development college, Kate opted for a bespoke Alexander McQueen forest green coat. 

She first debuted the gorgeous jacket in 2020 in Bradford, before re-wearing it to Sandringham in 2022, showcasing her commitment to recycled outfits. 

To accessorise, the princess selected Daniella Draper shamrock hoop earrings, seen as a special nod to her Irish visit.

It's not the first time the princess has opted for colour as a way to pay tribute - she has also worn hues present on the flags of nations she has visited multiple times, including a poignant navy and yellow dress when meeting displaced Ukrainian families.

Earlier that year, when arriving for engagement in Pontypridd, Wales, Kate was elegant in a scarlet Alexander McQueen coat, matching the patriotic red dragon - also sporting a daffodil to accentuate regional pride.

Other times, her choices have been more rooted in context than culture.