The Royals are coming to Ireland - We pay tribute to Kate's style

The Royal seal of style approval: Royalty has inspired fashion for as long as there’s been royalty, and anyone who dates, and marries, a prince is a subject of fascination from head to toe. As the Cambridges prepare for their visit to Ireland next week, Rachel Marie Walsh rates Kate’s style legacy, from safe unfussy high street pieces to subtle hints of rebellion with Alexander McQueen

The Cambridges’ visit next week is something we can enjoy as much as we please. Even with the news media common toIreland and the UK, the charming couple’s influence on life here is as peripheral as geography and the law dictate. Nobody here paid for their wedding or funds their lifestyle. We don’t much care where the duke’s brother wants to live and their work with mental health, arts and other charities is inspirational rather than prescriptive.

The fashion available in Irish stores, however, remains heavily influenced by (and often created in) the United Kingdom and there is no denying the Duchess of Cambridge’s impact oncontemporary style since she became engaged. Her pretty, unfussy pieces translate to everyday wear without high street brands having to change much to copy them and sometimes come from there directly. In this way she inadvertently touches our lives and will continue to do so long after she becomes Queen Consort.