Kate Middleton secretly wore M&S in latest solo portrait - and we almost missed it

Last week, the Princess of Wales appeared in a series of stunning portraits which marked her partnership with the Royal Centre for Early Childhood.

Shot in Cornwall earlier this month by royal photographer Josh Shinner, the royal smiled happily for the camera as she posed in front of the idyllic countryside backdrop.

The mother-of-three chose a gorgeous heritage-style ensemble, featuring a new jumper by one of her favourite labels, ME+EM. The £195 Fair Isle design was made from a super-soft alpaca-wool blend.

Catherine layered the knitted piece over a pie-crust blouse. It seemed a mystery as to where this floral-printed style came from, but royal fashion Instagram account Middleton Maven appeared to solve the style riddle. 

"Mystery solved!" the caption read, adding: "The Princess of Wales wore a past-season floral blouse from @marksandspencer, dating to around 2020. A lovely piece brought back into rotation."

The 44-year-old also added her trusty Barbour waxed jacket over the top and an enchanting pair of earrings by Missoma.

The Princess of Wales' fashion bargains

Catherine has a famously resplendent wardrobe brimming with the most exclusive designer pieces from Emilia Wickstead to Jenny Packham. Last week she wore a bespoke Elie Saab creation to a state banquet in honour of Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

But that doesn't mean the royal doesn't enjoy a smattering of high street goodness. Some of her fashion buys are surprisingly affordable.

In 2024, Catherine lit up Westminster Abbey at the Together at Christmas concert, and her bow-trimmed red coat stole the show. The outerwear staple was a past-season buy from Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, which had a double-breasted cut and structured buttons across the front. The royal upcycled the coat, clipping a gorgeous bow clip by Jigsaw that cost just £20.

The Princess visited the Natural History Museum in 2023 and looked so elegant, teaming her vintage Chanel bag with a pair of khaki wide-leg culottes from Jigsaw and a fabulous, scallop-edged neck top from Warehouse, which cost £39 at the time.

And in 2021, Catherine sported a pair of chunky gold twist hoops at the launch of the 'Taking Action on Addiction' campaign. We were so surprised to learn that the Princess's earrings cost just £10 from ASOS.