The Royal Shopper
Looking for Princess Catherine-inspired activewear? Leanne is here to help...
Happy New Year, Royal Shoppers, it’s Leanne here! I hope you had a fantastic time celebrating and are now ready to make memories in 2025. This year, I’m intent on sticking to my fitness goals and have decided I need some sportswear to do so (the classic excuse of a shopaholic), which is why I’m getting inspiration from the Princess of Wales and her collection of gym clothes.
It’s clear to see that the Princess of Wales loves sport – aside from being a spectator, she likes to get involved too.
Over the years we’ve seen her confidently play tennis; hit the slopes; take to the running track; challenge husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry to a sprint race; and try her hand at hockey, football and numerous other sports.
She is also a dab hand on the water too, as she proved in a rowing competition back in 2017.
But, of course, when it comes to working out you need to have the right activewear, as the 42-year-old royal exemplifies.
From Sweaty Betty and Lululemon, to stylish outerwear and uber chic tennis skirts, I am certainly taking a leaf out of Catherine’s activewear style book for 2025.
A love of Lululemon
Catherine is a big fan of Lululemon sportswear, including the Lululemon Chargefeel workout shoe – a pair that I personally rate. The high-performance trainer (a newer version is available now btw – the Chargefeel 2, $148 / £84) is designed for an array of activities, including running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), hiking, and even lifting.
It’s not the first time Catherine has worn Lululemon – we also saw her wearing a jacket from the brand too, back in Londonderry for an event in 2021.
The Define Jacket, $118 / £108, is a fan favourite – and celebrities love it too. The brand say this jacket has a “feel-good fit that can do it all” whether you’re “up for an adventure or ready for downtime.”
As a TikTok fan, I now know the Define jacket is huge on the social networking site. A lot of TikTokers rave about the jacket’s features, including a secret hair tie on the zip. Genius. You’ve got secure front pockets, thumbholes on the sleeves and ‘Cuffins’ (an inbuilt mitten to keep your hands warm on cold days). It’s available in various different colours at Lululemon for $118.
Oh so comfortable in Sweaty Betty
Sweaty Betty is hugely popular in the UK so it’s no surprise that the Princess of Wales has been pictured wearing the brand over the years. She once wore a pair of Sweaty Betty x New Balance running shoes that were part of a special limited-edition collaboration.
She also loves the Sweaty Betty yoga pants, and who can resist a pair of soft easy to wear comfortable pants perfect for the gym or for the school run?
Another Sweaty Betty favourite in her workout collection? The Athlete Hooded Long Sleeve Top, $52 / £35 in Oxford Blue which she wore to play rugby at Twickenham Stadium. She met England players, coaches and referees and took part in a training session on the pitch.
The top is made from a technical fabric that is lightweight, breathable and sweat-wicking.
Ready to rally in Adidas
Tennis whites time! Who remembers when Catherine played with Roger Federer wearing her tennis whites?
She wore a tennis skirt from a collaboration between Stella McCartney and Adidas, which she teamed with a pair of Babolat trainers.
Just do it in Nike
Catherine debuted a new pair of running shoes on a visit to the Lawn Tennis Association wearing a casual but cool sporty ensemble.
Her new trainers, the Nike Air VaporMax FlyKnit style, $173 / £167, in white and grey, include innovative tech through the perforated sockliner and apparently make you feel like walking on air.
Awesome in Adidas
Over the years Catherine has often been spotted wearing Adidas sportswear, especially trainers, which we can spot a mile off thanks to Adidas’ signature three-stripe motif.
In 2012, Duchess Catherine sported a pair of Adidas Ignition 2 trainers to meet with Great Britain’s hockey team at London’s Olympic Park.
However, she has also sported the design on walks through Edinburgh’s Hollyrood Park.
A stylish skier
The royals love a ski trip! For the family Christmas card in 2016, Catherine and William took Prince George and Princess Charlotte to the slopes in the French Alps. It was reported at the time Catherine’s ski outfit was from E and O, although the brand has since been bought by a larger conglomerate.
Catherine has a penchant for white and red skiwear, whether it's a combination of both colours, or mix and match.
And to go with the ski attire, Catherine turned to Sorel boots to keep her feet warm when not booted up in her skis.
In the past, she’s worn the 1964 Pac2 snow boots, £180 / £130, with the contrast shearling detail, and the Tivoli boots, $150, which are made from waterproof suede and leather. They feature a grippy outsole that’s perfect for slippery sidewalks and keeping your toes warm while on the go thanks to their micro-fleece lining.
The verdict
I think it’s clear from these photos that Catherine loves to be active. In fact, former rugby player Mike Tindall, who is married to Prince William's cousin Zara, once described her as an “engine”, claiming his dream rugby team would involve Catherine on one wing “because she loves running, she can run all day!”
As you can see, Catherine isn’t loyal to one particular sportswear brand and I love that about her. She opts for relatively popular brands, mixed with smaller less-known fitness brands. She keeps her looks simple, and dresses for the activity she’s about to do, often mirroring the people she’s exercising with on the day. I would love a gym session with Catherine, but I know she’d wipe the floor with me.
As ever let me know what you think of the outfits in the comments. And of course, if there any other royals or topics you would like me to cover, then please let me know too.
See you next time, Royal Shoppers!