Kate Middleton has been branded a ‘disappointment’ – and fans are not impressed
The Princess of Wales has been branded a ‘disappointment’ by a former Vogue editor


Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Thank you for signing up to Woman & Home. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The Princess of Wales has had fans rush to her defence this week after one prominent fashion critic – who was awarded an OBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II – labelled her a “disappointment” for her attitude towards jewellery. Former Vogue editor, Suzy Menkes, suggested that Princess Kate doesn’t quite have the same love for jewellery that the likes of Queen Camilla does, but many fans have been quick to disagree.
- A former Vogue editor has suggested Princess Kate is a “disappointment” when it comes to her approach to jewellery
- Legendary journalist Suzy Menkes’ take – that Kate is often less passionate about the jewels from the royal vault – has been slammed online by many, who resonate with the Princess’ more personal and relatable style
- In other royal news, Queen Camilla’s way of keeping fit sounds so elegant and she’s even got her friends on board!
Let’s be honest – it’s rare to hear anyone suggest the Princess of Wales doesn’t ace whatever she tries her hand at. From playing tennis with sporting legends to leaving millions of fans around the world stunned with a surprise Eurovision appearance, she’s a woman who can wear many hats.
Sometimes literally – as this throwback cowboy picture proves.
But this week, it’s not her hats that are under scrutiny, but another type of accessorising. The Princess has been branded a “disappointment” when it comes to her affinity for jewellery.
The surprising comment comes from a legendary fashion journalist – Suzy Menkes – who served as editor for Vogue International until 2020.
The renowned editor, who was awarded an OBE, spoke out about Kate’s attitude towards jewellery on the podcast Creative Conversations.
Speaking to current British Vogue's jewellery editor Carol Woolton, Suzy stated, “The Princess of Wales is a bit of a disappointment about jewellery. She gives the impression that she only puts it on when she absolutely has to”
“I imagine her looking beautiful in one of those gowns and then her sort of pulling a face as if to say, “Do I have to wear this? I mean, it's probably ridiculous but she doesn't give any sense of adoring jewellery and being pleased to put it on.”
“Maybe she is, maybe she's a mother and really doesn't want to spend her time putting these things around her neck. But she certainly doesn't seem to have Camilla’s joy at wearing jewellery.”
And speaking of Queen Camilla, Suzy added, “We now have a new Queen, so presumably she has a first opportunity to look at the jewels. We can imagine that the next in line to the throne’s wife would be something that was very special, so will we see Catherine wearing jewellery that is more dramatic, that is more personal to her? I don’t know. I can't help feeling with things of beauty, you either love it or you don't.”
Naturally, many of Kate’s fans disagreed – particularly pointing out how much they love Kate’s individual style and her ability of mixing regal pieces with high-street favourites.
One X user (formerly Twitter) wrote, “when you have everything, you don’t have to flaunt. The Princess always looks flawless.”
And we have to add some arguments to the contrary of Suzy’s opinion.
Most recently, she’s impressed fans with her £45 Wimbledon earrings, plus she’s known to opt for pieces with powerful stories.
Also, it was Kate’s nifty jewellery trick which saw her reintroduce a “forgotten” royal piece recently, so we think the Princess deserves more praise for her accessorising prowess.
woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.

Jack Slater is not the Last Action Hero, but that's what comes up first when you Google him. Preferring a much more sedentary life, Jack gets his thrills by covering news, entertainment, celebrity, film and culture for woman&home, and other digital publications.
Having written for various print and online publications—ranging from national syndicates to niche magazines—Jack has written about nearly everything there is to write about, covering LGBTQ+ news, celebrity features, TV and film scoops, reviewing the latest theatre shows lighting up London’s West End and the most pressing of SEO based stories.
-
-
Nicole Kidman wore the most beautiful pale blue feathery gown, and made a strong case for arm-length black leather gloves
If there's one thing we know about Nicole Kidman, it's that she's going to be wearing feathers in 2023
By Madeline Merinuk Published
-
We just found out Gillian Anderson has a libido-boosting drink launching and the flavour sounds intriguing, to say the least
Partnering with the season 4 release of Netflix's Sex Education, Anderson's drink brand G Spot has released its most sensual flavour yet
By Emily Smith Published
-
The huge baby moment Kate and William practised at home before Prince George was even born in order to avoid a mistake in front of the world
The Prince and Princess of Wales made sure they were fully prepped for Prince George's arrival
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Prince George’s fruity 'obsession' has got Kate Middleton eager for more of this homemade delicacy
Prince George’s fruity 'obsession' has been revealed by an unlikely source - and it's a rather wholesome classic English beverage
By Laura Harman Published
-
Kate Middleton ventures into camp-core territory with her retro new hairstyle, her black hiking books, and her casual grey blazer
The forest really complements Kate's new aesthetic choices, wouldn't you say?
By Madeline Merinuk Published
-
The blusher secret Kate Middleton relies on to 'enhance her complexion' and create a 'cohesive look'
We love Kate Middleton's blusher hack that helps her create a cohesive look for every engagement - and it's easy to copy!
By Laura Harman Published
-
Princess Catherine enters 'new phase in her relationship with the public' during latest engagement
Princess Catherine's 'new phase' with the public has been revealed by a body language expert who analysed her at a recent engagement
By Laura Harman Published
-
Kate Middleton dazzles in chic, heat-beating white outfit for Rugby World Cup, and sweet video captures moment she’s applauded by stadium full of fans
The Princess of Wales was in France to cheer on England in the Rugby World Cup
By Jack Slater Published
-
We learned something surprising about Kate Middleton as she joined Mike Tindall’s podcast wearing a suitably appropriate print
The Princess of Wales was wearing the Prince of Wales check pattern on her Catherine Walker blazer
By Jack Slater Published
-
Fans impressed by Princess of Wales’ quick change as she swaps elegant glamour for casuals, getting stuck in to three different duties on anniversary of Queen’s death
The Princess of Wales got straight back to duties after paying tribute to the late Queen on Friday
By Jack Slater Published