There have been lots of rumours in the past few months

The rumour mill has been going into over drive for months now.

With the Duchess of Cambridge showcasing a sleeker new look the fashion industry has been buzzing with speculation - Why-who-what was the secret behind Kate's transformation?

The rumours started when Middleton’s long term stylist Natasha Archer went on maternity leave in December. Then as the Duchess stepped out of her sartorial comfort zone the industry went into a mini meltdown.

Yet despite being desperate to find out ANY information regarding Kate no one seemed to know anything.

But all was finally revealed this week when former Vogue editor Alexandra Schulman let the cat out of the bag.  According to Schulman  Kate’s recent make-over is down to fashion consultant Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey.

 The Duchess of Cambridge wearing a Missoni midi dress on a two day visit to Northern Ireland

36-year-old Ginnie, a former Vogue Executive Retail Editor, is said to be an old friend of the Duchess’ since their days at St Andrew’s and has stepped in to help.

Since working with Ginnie it’s fair to say Kate’s style has changed up a gear.

The Duchess hasn’t veered to far from her signature look but she’s widened her list of go-to designers and has updated her look.

And thanks to these subtle changes her image is looking more polished than ever, and Kate is exuding confidence as a result.

How has Kate Middleton’s style changed?

Up until now Kate has stuck to a tried and trust formula - that worked.

Lauded for her style tire’s no disputing she’s successfully honed a signature look.

However over the past few months the Duchess has introduced some subtle changes the most noted departure being the Gucci blouse and wide leg trousers she wore on an outing to the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre in Lambeth, South London.

 The Duchess of Cambridge wearing a Gucci blouse and Jigsaw trousers during a visit to the Henry Fawcett Children's Centre

Kate has also added a host of new labels to her wardrobe, attributing to her subtle style evolution.

New looks from the likes of Sportmax, Missoni, Manu Atelier and Gucci have helped to revamp her look.

 The Duchess of Cambridge wore this stunning Mulberry coat for a visit to the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena, Northern Ireland
 The Duchess drew praise for the Gucci gown she wore to a gala dinner at the Victoria and Albert Museum

A blue Mulberry cape style coat that the Duchess wore also attracted a lot of attention. The bold colour and statement silhouette were a bold fashion move that paid off.

Kate's choice of evening has also garnered high praise. The pale graduated pink Gucci gown she wore to a gala dinner at the Victoria & Albert museum in February was a dramatic departure from Kate's usual style.

(Photos: Courtesy)

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Kate Middleton;Duchess of Cambridge;Fashion;Trendsetters;Natasha Archer;Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey;Meghan Markle