Kate Middleton Given Access to Queen's Personal Jewelry Ahead of Australia, NZ Tour
Kate Middleton has been granted access to Queen Elizabeth II's personal jewelry collection ahead of her upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will kick off their Antipodean tour on April 7 and insiders claim Middleton, 32, will have more than 30 outfit changes during the three-week trip. The Queen reportedly wants Middleton, who has become somewhat of a fashion icon around the world, to adopt a more regal appearance.
"Although Kate won't be wearing tiaras on the tour, the Queen has given Kate total access to her private jewel collection so she can wear some exquisite pieces," a source told Us magazine.
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"She has been allowed to pick out as many items as she needs," the source continued. "She's working with a wardrobe coordinator to put together her outfits."
In February, reports claimed the Queen had instructed Middleton to make adjustments to her wardrobe ahead of the tour. Some of these changes include adding couture dresses with lower hemlines as well as heirloom jewels and the Queen's personal dresser Angela Kelly is expected to assist Middleton in her image overhaul.
"A number of outfits she's wearing on the tour are off-the-rack pieces, however they're being tailored to her body shape," the insider revealed.
"The Queen's dress maker, Angela Kelly, and her team have been involved in a lot of the wardrobe prep," the source added.
Middleton and Prince William are believed to have obtained a passport for baby George Alexander Louis in September ahead of the tour.
The trip will mirror the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles' 1983 trip to Australia which marked a then nine-months-old William's first trip abroad. Prior to the trip, the Queen first had to give permission for William, now 31, to travel on the same plane as his father as royal protocol dictates an heir and the next in line must not fly together.
The royal couple will have at least 48 engagements during their tour including a yacht race in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand.
"We are all very hopeful of coming to Australia next year," William said in August.
