Advertisement

The cost of Kate Middleton's wardrobe revealed

It seems Kate Middleton's hard-earned reputation as "Queen of the High Street" is in jeopardy.

The spotlight on Kate Middleton's affordable, frequently recycled wardrobe has only become stronger since she married into the royal family, but this time the spotlight is on what it's actually worth.

RELATED: Prince William receives £10 million inheritance

Kate Middleton wore a Jenny Packham dress worth over £2000 to the 'Our Greatest Team Rises' event at Royal Albert Hall on May 11, 2012. Source: Getty

RELATED: Kate Middleton wows in a show-stopping dress

Prince Charles' first financial report since Kate and Wills' royal wedding is due, and it's estimated that the Duchess of Cambridge's sartorial spending reaches £35,000 for the past year - only £9,000 less than Prince William's £44,000 RAF search-and-rescue pilot salary.

While Kate isn't afraid to wear her ensembles more than once - a habit which has gained her popularity with the masses - the Duchess also has designs by Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo and Matthew Williamson living in her wardrobe, which she accessorises with UK high street brands Zara, Whistles and LK Bennett.

GALLERY: Kate Middleton's year in dresses dresses

Kate wore a red Alexander McQueen ensemble during the Queen's official Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Source: Getty

RELATED: Kate Middleton slammed for her taste in shoes

According to the Daily Mail, although Kate's father-in-law can write off a lot of his official expenditure against tax, royal aides confirm that Kate's clothes aren't applicable.

Despite the cost, Prince Charles is only too happy to pay for outfits Kate requires for 'work-related' engagements through his official Household budget, which is funded by his Duchy of Cornwall estate, the Daily Mail reports.

RELATED: Kate Middleton - Pretty in recycled pink

Kate's Roland Mouret dress was a hit when she attended an elite dinner with Prince William earlier this year. Source: Getty

Kate's new curtsy rule

Queen Elizabeth II has reportedly had the Order of Precedence in the Royal Household updated to take into account the role of Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge, and it has been made clear she must show reverence to the "blood princesses" Beatrice and Eugenie, which also includes Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra.

The new rules make it clear that Kate must curtsy to the four princesses when she is not with her spouse Prince William, who is third in line for the throne.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Source: Getty

Kate curtsying for the Queen during her Jubilee tour. Source: Getty

However, when William is with her, she only needs to bow down to Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, while the Countess of Wessex - who is married to the queen's youngest son Prince Edward - will always have to curtsy to the duchess.

A lady curtsying for the Duchess earlier this year. Source: Getty

A source told the Daily Telegraph newspaper:

"Updating the Order of Precedence has been a simple matter of following the precedent set when the Prince of Wales married Camilla Parker Bowles."

The Order was previously updated in 2005 when Charles married second with Camilla in order to clarify her status within the household.