The Princess of Wales made a subtle yet significant style statement this Christmas Day, choosing a piece with deep personal and sartorial history. Braving the Norfolk chill at Sandringham, Kate Middleton was seen wearing a partridge-print silk scarf from the British brand Really Wild Clothing.
A Decade-Old Accessory Makes a Comeback
This was no new seasonal purchase. The elegant scarf, originally priced at £125 and now sold out, was first debuted by Kate eleven years ago at the very same Christmas Day service in 2014. Its reappearance served as a powerful reminder of the princess's commitment to rewearing and revitalising cherished items in her wardrobe, championing sustainability over fast fashion.
Worn loosely knotted with her sophisticated Blazé Milano coat, the scarf added a touch of nostalgic warmth and texture to her festive ensemble. More than just an accessory, it symbolised a long-standing fashion philosophy focused on quality, longevity, and loyal support for homegrown talent.
A Royal Partnership Spanning Two Decades
Kate's connection to Really Wild Clothing runs far deeper than a single scarf. Her association with the label began an impressive twenty years ago, long before her royal status. In 2004, a university-aged Kate Middleton posed in front of Blenheim Palace wearing one of the brand's graphic T-shirts, an appearance that propelled the fledgling company into the national press.
The brand was founded by designer Natalie Lake, who carved a niche celebrating classic British country style with a contemporary edge. Lake, who lived near the Middletons and was a friend of Carole Middleton, took her debut collection to the Game Fair at Blenheim Palace that same year, where it quickly sold out.
It is widely believed Kate herself helped promote the brand at the fair as a favour. There has even been speculation she may have collaborated with the company during its formative years, lending her innate style to a brand rooted in British heritage.
Royal Endorsement and Lasting Impact
As Kate's profile soared following her marriage to Prince William, her fashion choices gained immense influence. Each public appearance in a piece from Really Wild Clothing triggered an immediate surge in interest. A particular leather waistcoat she wore became a cult item, with the company reportedly inundated with orders overnight.
The brand's recent evolution includes a change in ownership. Nadja Swarovski, former executive and great-great-granddaughter of the crystal company founder, alongside her husband Rupert Adams, has acquired a majority stake. Strengthening its aristocratic links, Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Windsor have since modelled for the label.
True to her considered approach, it is understood Kate has enquired about whether the brand's manufacturing processes and commitment to craftsmanship have been maintained under the new ownership. She is known to favour brands that uphold traditional methods and responsible production.
From a student helper at a country fair to a global style icon, the Princess of Wales's relationship with Really Wild Clothing has remained constant. Her choice to rewear an eleven-year-old scarf is a testament to a bond built on shared values of British design, quality, and timeless style.
