Prince William's style transformation: As he turns 42, how the 'statesman' heir to the throne has gone from wearing ill-fitting sweaters to impeccably tailored suits
- MORE: Fans say Prince William is in his 'statesman era' as he steps up duties
His assured appearance at the D-Day commemorations earlier this month prompted some royal fans to say that Prince William is entering his 'statesman era'.
And, as he turns 42 today, it is worth reflecting on how that praise is down in large part to William's style transformation.
In 2016, he employed Kensington Palace's in-house stylist, Natasha Archer, who is responsible for creating some of his wife Kate's most iconic outfits.
And, since then, the future king - like his wife - has been on a winning sartorial streak.
He has gone from wearing baggy sweaters and ill-fitting suits to sporting much sleeker, more tailored looks.
In Normandy earlier this month to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, William looked as sharp as ever in a single-breasted black suit (left). The look was a considerable step up from the ill-fitting suit he wore for an outing in Birmingham in 2013 (right)
Ms Archer, who has been assisting Kate for several years, was first seen in 2013, when she was spotted entering the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington following the birth of Prince George.
The assistant was carrying a garment bag and baby car seat. She likely had a hand in selecting Kate's famed Jenny Packham polka dot dress that she chose for her departure from the hospital.
While the makeover for William may be subtle, it has effectively modernised his look.
After a style mishap in 2013 with ill-fitting knitwear and corduroy trousers, William has returned to favouring dark colours and tonal outfits, a look reminiscent of his stylish roots.
Back in 2001, at the age of 19, William caught attention in Ralph Lauren sweatshirts, faded jeans and trainers.
In recent years, he's added a mature twist to his signature style, opting for similar looks but incorporating indigo denim.
Ms Archer, who has a degree in Hispanic Studies from King's College London and joined the royal household in 2007, was enlisted by Kate as she was reportedly 'fed up' with William wearing the same outfits.
Back in 2001 (left), at the age of 19, William caught attention in Ralph Lauren sweatshirts, faded jeans and trainers. Right: Prince William dressed in indigo denim and a snug sweater as he attends a mental fitness workshop run by SportsAid at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, October 2023
Stylist Natasha Archer was enlisted by Kate, who was reportedly 'fed up' with William sporting the same tired outfits. Above: William in a drab ensemble in Holyhead, Wales, 2013
Prince William looked smart during the Queen Mother's 101st birthday celebrations in 2001
The royal couple often complement each other's style, too. For instance, when Kate wore a burgundy Roland Mouret suit on an engagement in Boston in 2022, William matched her with a jumper in a complementary hue
At the 2021 red carpet premiere of No Time To Die, they looked every inch the power couple. Kate stunned in a dazzling Jenny Packham caped gown, while William looked sharp in a velvet tuxedo
Prince William appeared smart at the wedding of Olivia Henson and the Duke of Westminster at Chester Cathedral. He wore a morning suit and sported his £5,500 Omega 'Seamaster Professional' watch on his wrist. It was a gift from his late mother, Princess Diana
Prince William looks suave in a sharp suit and tie as he rides a train to Cardiff on June 11
The stylist has been credited with replacing William's longtime favourite Asics trainers, which he wore for a decade, with a newer Adidas style.
His baggy chinos and V-neck sweaters, in varying shades of blue, were also exchanged for stylish jackets and slim-fitting trousers.
The stylist has curated several of Kate's show-stopping tour wardrobes, including those for New Zealand and Canada, helping her evolve from a girl-next-door to a Queen in waiting.
Preferring online shopping, Natasha assists William and Kate in planning outfits for official engagements and overseas tours by sourcing from a range of high street and designer brands.
The royal duo often complement each other's style, too. For instance, when Kate wore a burgundy Roland Mouret suit on an engagement in Boston, William matched her with a jumper in a complementary hue.
Similarly, at the 2021 red carpet premiere of No Time To Die, they looked every inch the power couple.
Prince William looks every inch the statesman as he stands alongside world leaders including US President Joe Biden and French president Emmanuel Macron in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings
Kate dazzled in a stunning Jenny Packham caped gown, while William looked dapper in a velvet tuxedo.
During the recent D-Day commemoration on Omaha beach in Normandy, William was impeccably dressed in a single-breasted black suit.
He teamed it with John Lobb Oxford shoes, his striped Army Air Corps tie and military medals.
The following day, he looked suave in a morning suit at the wedding of Olivia Henson and the Duke of Westminster, which took place at Chester Cathedral.
Eagled-eyed followers would have also noticed William's £5,500 Omega 'Seamaster Professional' watch.
The treasured accessory was a gift from his late mother, Princess Diana, and he is believed to never leave home without it.
