Below The Knee: Queen Tells Kate Middleton To Cover Up Knees On Australian Tour

As lovely as the Duchess of Cambridge looks, we've never had her down as a fashion rule breaker, but apparently the royal style icon's love of short hemlines has some opposition from the Queen. The Daily Mail reports that under the guidance of the British monarch, Kate is set to unveil a regal wardrobe for her Australian tour in April, which includes couture pieces that fall below the knee and jewels befitting a princess.

In the past the 32-year-old has worn high street brands from Topshop to Reiss, garnering her a reputation as a thrifty fashionista, as well as a loyal following of women wanting to replicate her look. Now Kate is set to ditch the flirty frocks, in favour of British designers, including Alexander McQueen and Alice Temperley who have been asked to create bespoke pieces for the formal engagements she will attend Down Under.

With up to four outfit changes a day over the three and a half week visit Kate will have her work cut out to look the part of a princess 24 / 7. Luckily help is at hand from the Queen's personal dresser Angela Kelly, who has been deployed to help the mother-of-one prepare for her Australian travels by utilising her knowledge of her employer's collection of jewels to kit Kate out with a dazzling selection of tiaras and gemstones.

Fit for a (grown-up) princess? Alexander McQueen coat, Temperley London skirt and dress by Australian designer duo Camilla and Marc

A palace source told the Mail, "Angela has been asked to start selecting jewels ahead of the trip. She knows most of the pieces in the Queen’s private collection. Her understanding is crucial because this trip will be about Kate appearing more Royal than ever – you can expect to see a lot more tiaras and the Queen will be watching closely."

We imagine the Queen will have her eyes peeled for any wardrobe malfunctions, which are apparently the main reason why Kate has been cautioned to adopt a more grown-up image. No one could forget the brunette's Marilyn moment that occurred at Calgary airport in 2011 when a gust of wind whipped up her Jenny Packham summer dress. With fitted couture pieces there is opportunity for a fashion fail.

Designer David Emanuel who has worked with the Duchess on previous royal tours explained, "It takes weeks of research and Kate is going to need quality couture for the trip. She will be travelling in a warm climate and she will need quality-cut clothes. She really needs a full-time member of staff to help with her wardrobe. It’s not just the frock, it’s the whole thing – shoes, clutch, accessories. A superstar would take an entire personal entourage to look after them. There’s no room for a fashion faux pas."

Take a look at Kate's previous style successes in the gallery below...