A fashion expert says she expects Kate Middleton to begin changing her style ready for her role as the UK's next Queen Consort.
The Princess of Wales will eventually succeed Queen Consort Camilla, with her husband William having become the heir to the throne following the death of the Queen.
Fashion and royal expert Miranda Holder expects Kate to start taking a more formal approach to her outfits, with fewer accessories being sported.
Feminine fabrics and prints such as polka dots could make way, while hatbands are likely to be phased out for hats, which are seen as more imposing.
The Express reported Miranda as saying: “It is likely that we will see her wardrobe become more formal and appropriate for her position.
"Her immaculate outfits will no doubt remain stylish enough to enthral her loyal fashion-loving fans."
However, Kate’s image will evolve further, "to reflect this new phase in her royal life".
Miranda explained that over the past years "we have witnessed Kate’s fresh-faced girl next door appeal morph into a sophisticated and elegant style sensation treading the tricky line between royalty and celebrity in her favourite nude toned court shoes with panache".
Now as the Princess of Wales' role changes further "we can expect her fashion to follow suit," Miranda said.
The expert revealed that not only will Kate opt for a more formal style, but she may also have to stop wearing a few accessories.
Miranda said: Tthe more flirtatious fancier accessories such as hatbands will be fully phased out for more imposing hats".
Similarly, the floaty feminine fabrics "and prints such as polka dots" will gradually give way to "more immaculately cut tailoring in Kate’s signature fit and flare style which complements her graceful figure perfectly".
Polka dot dresses are one of Kate's favourites, and she often opts for the fun pattern to attend the most important events, such as her recent Wimbledon outing or Royal Ascot back in June.
Colour psychologist and director of design at Lick Colour, Tash Bradley, said the Princess of Wales loves polka dot dresses because they are the perfect alternative to balance "elegance and sophistication with the fun and approachable polka dots".
Clutch bags will continue to be the Princess of Wales' favourite accessory, as they add a touch of glamour to every occasion, and also have a royal language all of their own.
However, as Kate evolves further, "we can expect to catch sight of some more Queen-like top handled bags inspired by the Queen’s trademark Launers".
Queen Elizabeth wore her "iconic" miniature black handbag elegantly for years, and it is believed she owned more than 200 of the brand’s bags.
Some of her favourites were the black leather Royale and the black patent leather Traviata.
The Queen loved the sophisticated black handbag, which was also reportedly used to communicate messages to her staff.
Royal historian Hugo Vickers explained that if she passed her handbag from one hand to the other it meant that she needed help getting out of a conversation.
He explained: "It would be very worrying if you were talking to the Queen and saw the handbag move from one hand to the other.
"It would be done very nicely. Someone would come along and say, 'Sir, the Archbishop of Canterbury would very much like to meet you'," he told People.
As well as that, the Princess of Wales may start wearing brooches "as a finishing touch to her look," Miranda revealed.
