SHOWING SHE MEANS BUSINESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES SMART SUITS MARK A SHIFT IN HER STYLE

Striding confidently into a meeting last month, the Princess of Wales cut a chic, businesslike figure in a stylish trouser suit.

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

Kate, 41, emanated a sense of purpose during a day of official engagements in Leeds and, as she has been doing frequently of late, chose a sophisticated two-piece and smart white blouse for the occasion.

After stepping up into her new royal role following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year, the Princess appears to mean business as she throws herself into her work. Her polished look has been complemented by a new hairstyle with layered waves and a trendy half fringe, adding a touch of edgy cool.

Some royal observers have interpreted Kate’s switch from dresses to suits as evidence of her growing stature and confidence as she takes on greater responsibilities.

SERIOUS BUSINESS

She and her husband the Prince certainly appear to be taking a more businesslike approach to their duties and, for the first time, are looking for a chief executive officer to run their Kensington Palace household.

Such roles are usually given to long-serving members of staff with military or civil service backgrounds, given titles such as Lord Chamberlain or Master of the Household. But Prince William and Kate have enlisted the services of global headhunters Odgers Berndtson to find the ideal candidate - one who, according to the job description, should be a "realworld" executive.

Susan E Kelley, founder of the popular What Kate Wore website and social media accounts, says it makes sense for Kate to wear trousers.

'As someone who would like to believe that we have moved beyond trousers as a requirement for women to be considered businesslike, I would hope this is not a factor in the Princess's style choices. I know many successful female executives who wear skirts and dresses for work; trousers are not needed for them to be taken seriously.