Crown and couture

When Kate Middleton said yes to Prince William, sighs of relief were heard around the world. Forget the daggy twin sets and matching hats of generations gone, here was a new breed of royal who could identify a Birkin bag in a mountain of Juicy Couture replicas. A former art history student and assistant accessories buyer for Jigsaw clothing, Middleton has made the best-dressed lists of Vanity Fair, Tatler and a score of others for her natural flair for fashion. She's a regular at social events throughout Europe, who pairs bargain Topshop items with Mulberry splurges on the red carpet, knows how to rock a fancy dress and is, according to S fashion editor Kate Waterhouse, already a style icon at only 28 years of age. "She's known for her subtle yet elegant outfits and the bride-to-be is sure to amp up the style factor now she's at the forefront of the media spotlight," Waterhouse says. "Although modelling a transparent dress at a student fashion show in 2002 was a fashion faux pas she'd like to forget, Middleton has done a complete 180 since her university days." Waterhouse adds that Middleton is finally nailing the art of dressing to impress. And to occasion. "She effortlessly pulls together jeans and blazers to create a sophisticated look," Waterhouse says. "From race days, dressed in her fineries at Royal Ascot, to showing off her long and lean figure in form-fitting gowns, she is always right on the money." The sapphire-blue Issa dress Middleton wore during her and Prince William's engagement announcement particularly impressed fashion critics. "It sold out in stores minutes after the world had seen it," Waterhouse says. "Top fashion designers will now throw their designs at her and, together with the royal jewellery collection, we can expect plenty more from this budding icon." Middleton isn't alone, however. Across Europe, the next generation of royals are growing up and they're proving to be just as chic. Take a look at the cream of the crop from the next-generation rock star royals.