As the Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton celebrates her thirtieth birthday, we take a look at her sartorial highlights from the past year...

Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton

From the moment the Royal Engagement was announced in that blue Issa dress, the British Public (all at Grazia HQ included) have been fascinated by Kate Middleton and her loyalty to the British high street. She’s shifted more dresses this year than all the other A-listers put together - in fact, we bet more women will be wearing the Zara lace print dress that Kate wore to a charity concert earlier this month (which sold out in hours!) this NYE than any other designer!   

Kate Middleton in (L-R) Alexander McQueen, Reiss, Jenny Packham

But whilst K-Majesty is not afraid of a trip to Waitrose in jeans and a sweater or a trolley dash on the Kings Road with her mum, the Duchess of Windsor has sparked a look that’s made looking polished cool again. Kate’s never seen without her signature bouncy ‘do and just the right amount of make-up; her safe, elegant, demure look feels so right during a time when being ostentatious would be simply bad taste.

Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen designs

But whilst she never fails to wow the public, the Duchess does have a signature style and a handful of regular labels she turns to. London-based label Issa is a long standing favourite of Kate’s, as are fellow Brit designers Amanda Wakeley (remember the vintage gown she wore for her first solo engagement?) and Jenny Packham (who could forget that glitzy number she wore in June?). Plus, since Kate chose to wear Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen for the Royal Wedding, she has been wearing lots of archive from the brand and also current collection pieces to wave the Brit flag in. Not forgetting of course her high street hit list, which includes Reiss, Zara, Joseph, Whistles and LK Bennett.

Kate Middleton in (L-R) Reiss, Jenny Packham, Erdem on the Canada and LA tour

Needless to say it's clear that Kate takes her role as a British ambassador very seriously (and so she should), all eyes were glued to the newly weds when they arrived in Canada for their first Royal tour of duty, and Ms. Middleton emerged triumphantly in a beautiful blue lace dress by Canadian designer Erdem (who shows at London Fashion Week).

Kate Middleton in (L-R) Diane Von Furstenberg, Jenny Packham, Jane Troughton

KM is also partial to a spot of re-styling. For Zara Phillips’ Royal wedding in June, she re-wore a Jane Troughton coat (she’d worn it five years before to the nuptials of Laura Parker Bowles), updated with a new hat. Kate’s not only a politically sensitive dresser, she’s a savvy one too, ever appropriate and totally gorgeous. Yep, 2011 was the year the world become captivated with K-Midd so it's time to celebrate with a review of her best (style) bits. But which look is YOUR fave?

by Catherine Nieto