Some clothing items hold sentimental value, while others are simply too stylish to part with. Whether it’s nostalgia or practicality, many people hold onto garments long after they’ve been outgrown—even members of the royal family. Princess Kate, or rather, the Princess of Wales, recently shared that she keeps a collection of her children’s old clothes, proving once again that royals aren’t so different from the rest of us.
Preserving Their Outfits
With wardrobes as polished as those of Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, it’s no surprise that their mother has taken steps to preserve their outfits. During a visit to the Corgi textile factory in South Wales, she revealed that she has “archived” many of their garments. According to Hello!, she commented on how well the pieces had held up over time, emphasizing how wonderful it is to reuse well-made clothing. The factory, known for its knitwear and handmade socks, seemed the perfect place to discuss her appreciation for quality craftsmanship.
Catherine hasn’t just stored away her children’s outfits—she’s also passed many down to her brother, James Middleton, for his son, Inigo, 1. James has also received clothing from their other sister, Pippa Middleton, ensuring that little Inigo has a wardrobe filled with hand-me-downs from his older cousins. In his 2024 memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, James reflected on their family’s warm, affectionate bond, sharing that his sisters regularly bring “two big suitcases of hand-me-down clothes” for Inigo. He recalled that, initially, the garments seemed huge, but before he knew it, his son was fitting into them effortlessly.
Beyond practicality, James noted how this tradition brings back memories for his sisters. In an interview with Hello! last September, he explained that certain pieces serve as markers of time, allowing Catherine and Pippa to reminisce about when their own children wore them. He described it as a touching experience, saying that each outfit sparks recollections of milestones in their kids’ lives.
The Wales children, of course, are no strangers to hand-me-downs themselves
Prince Louis captured attention at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 by wearing the same sailor suit his father, Prince William, once wore. Similarly, Princess Charlotte appeared to be sporting her uncle Prince Harry’s red Mary Jane shoes during a royal tour of Germany and Poland in 2017.
Catherine’s commitment to rewearing clothes extends to her own wardrobe as well. Over the years, she has been celebrated for recycling some of her favorite looks. Just recently, she donned a familiar $20 Zara dress during a visit to a children’s hospice in Wales, and in December, she revamped an older holiday ensemble for the Qatar state visit. Whether it’s her own fashion choices or her children’s, Catherine continues to embrace sustainability in style.
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