Why I'm flying the flag for Kate M....

Will somebody please tell me: just what is wrong with the clothing of Ms Kate Middleton? I ask that question not as someone who finds anything wrong with the sartorial sense of the soon-to-be princess, but as someone who entertains the opposite view. In fact, I quite like her procession of pared-down coats and suits. They are exactly right on someone of her looks, age and, dare I say it, class.
The blue frock I could have left behind; too ‘eighties’ for me, but that’s just my taste. However, I would have, and still could kill for the black velvet coat. Again, just my taste in clothes, but to read the rants of the style columnists, you would think Ms Middleton had all the allure of a geriatric bag lady. In any case, who started this ‘princess-of-the-realm-as-style-icon’ thing? Is a drop-dead sense of style a requirement of her forthcoming job? In short, where is the precedent?
No doubt, as yet another fashion columnist suggested this week, they are all comparing Kate with her late predecessor. Well, yes, but Late Predecessor was hardly Lady Gaga. All I remember from the Age of Diana was a plethora of porkpie hats, awful frilly frocks and blouses, and a succession of decorative hosiery. Of course, Ms Middleton is beginning her royal career as someone much advanced in years – and learning – over Late Predecessor. And that is the point exactly. Some day, a fully-qualified Messiah will appear out of the clouds to single-handedly save the British fashion industry – has it not already been done? In the meantime, columnists, leave Kate to her elegant collection of genteel clothing. One day, we may all be wearing the same, branded as Kate M.