Queen Camilla’s former daughter-in-law has made her feelings clear on Carole Middleton.
Sara Parker Bowles, who was previously married to Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, works as a fashion editor and is the founder of Wardrobe Revivals.
She has recently spoken about Carole Middleton, the mother of the Princess of Wales, who is marking her 70th birthday today as one of Britain’s most celebrated style icons.
Parker Bowles praised Carole’s natural approach to fashion, saying: “There’s a kind of freedom and an easiness to her dressing. She wears the clothes, they don’t wear her.”
Queen Camilla’s former daughter-in-law makes feelings clear on Carole Middleton
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Carole’s royal fashion moments have consistently demonstrated her refined taste, particularly through her loyalty to designer Catherine Walker.
Her 2011 mother-of-the-bride outfit, a tailored coat-dress in baby blue, remains a standout choice.
Parker Bowles continued to tell the Telegraph: “Her mother-of-the-bride outfit was definitely a highlight for me. It hasn’t dated at all.”
The businesswoman and grandmother of seven has earned widespread recognition for her elegant fashion choices since entering public life as the mother of our future Queen.
Carole Middleton wore a Catherine Walker outfit at Kate and William’s 2011 wedding
PA
“Many ladies take inspiration from her outfits when dressing for events themselves,” designer Claire Mischevani also told the publication, highlighting Carole’s refined approach to style.
Her influence has placed her among an elite group of stylish septuagenarians, joining the ranks of Helen Mirren, Joanna Lumley and the Queen.
Her versatility has become a hallmark of her style evolution, as noted by stylist Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey: “One moment she is in a Breton top and jeans, the next a Me+Em dress, then a fabulous Catherine Walker suit.”
She has mastered the art of dressing appropriately for every occasion, choosing soft colours that complement her complexion and maintaining elegant proportions with carefully considered necklines and hemlines.
Carole Middleton wearing a gorgeous dress from Me + Em at Wimbledon
PA
Her style choices reflect a confident understanding of what suits her, avoiding the trap of falling into repetitive fashion patterns.
She has continued to favour Catherine Walker for significant royal occasions, most recently wearing an electric blue coat dress to King Charles III’s Coronation.
At social events like Royal Ascot and Wimbledon, she reliably appears in chic summer dresses paired with sharp blazers and elegant espadrilles.
Carole has become renowned for championing British fashion brands across various price points.
“Supporting local talent is so important, and she does it in a way that truly highlights the creativity and craftsmanship of British fashion on a global scale,” explains designer Daisy Knatchbull.
Her wardrobe includes high-street favourites like Boden, Reiss and Whistles, alongside mid-range designers such as Me+Em and Cefinn.
Samantha Cameron, founder of Cefinn, said: “Carole is the perfect embodiment of ageless style; she always looks fabulous and gets it right whatever the occasion. She is very chic and stylish putting her outfits together brilliantly.”
