Michael Dunlea/Barcroft Media /Landov; Stefan Post
While his wife Kate gets all the attention for her fashionable choices, Prince William has been quietly making a statement for British designers on the couple’s tour of Australia and New Zealand.
William, 31, wore a Spencer Hart suit for a day of official outings in Australia Thursday, while in the evening he switched to one by Richard James. Both are cool choices. Hart has dressed Diddy, while Usher and Daniel Craig are known to dress in Richard James suits.
The Prince also switched ties twice during the day, observers noticed. He had a blue one on in the evening to match his rich blue suit.
William took some style hints from Kate when they were first married, palace insiders tell PEOPLE. But like his father, Prince Charles, he’s always been interested in supporting British tailors in the heart of London’s style district around Savile Row.
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A source close to William says likes the “timeliness” of smart British clothing. “That has not lost their appeal to him or Prince Harry, and they’ve always wanted to keep that alive,” the source says.
Leading British fashion commentator Hilary Alexander has said, “I think it is Kate’s influence. Since the wedding she has obviously had some influence on his wardrobe — guiding him to a slightly more modern, contemporary look, rather than perhaps relying on what his father wears.”
–Simon Perry
