When it comes to style, Kate Middleton has it down. It's safe to say the Duchess of Cambridge is yet to have sartorial misstep since joining the royal family in 2011. And there's a reason for that. Kate knows what works for her, as well as what she's expected to wear as the future queen consort, and it isn't too often she takes crazy fashion risks. For the most part, Kate sticks with tried-and-true styles (looking at you, knee-length dresses and skirts). But once in a while, when she's feeling frisky, Kate shows off her legs with an outfit.
Although it's a supposed royal rule that women in the family always wear nude pantyhose, Kate on occasion will forgo the stockings and bare her incredible legs. And though Queen Elizabeth might disapprove, Kate seems to have no qualms showing off her gams. Honestly, we can't blame her — she looks good, and she works hard for those legs!
From gorgeous gowns at galas to laid-back maxi dresses on vacation, here are 30 times we couldn't help but stare at Kate's fantastic legs.
Smoke Show
Holy smokes — look at those pins on Kate Middleton! What a babe the duchess is! And she's got great shoes to boot! Just from this photo alone, it's easy to see that she probably never skips leg day when she goes to the gym, so who could blame her for wanting the world to see the fruits of her labor?
Pregnancy Polka Dots
This became one of Kate's most memorable maternity looks, and it's easy to see why. We love that she wasn't afraid to wear a shorter dress during pregnancy — and she shouldn't be. Because she looks incredible! If only she'd consider wearing polka dots like this more often. It's an adorable look on her.
Pretty in Pink
Pregnant, not pregnant. Kate — and her legs — always have it, and this is yet another example of a time when she and her legs killed it while she was sporting a baby bump. And let's take a moment of observance for peach on pink, which isn't always a hit (but for Kate, of course it works perfectly).
Thigh High
The Duchess of Cambridge sure cleans up nice, and here, like she does for many of the formal events she attends, we can tell that she's really pulling out all the stops. Kate and her legs were en fuego in 2012 entering Claridge's Hotel in London. And look at those shoes! And the hair! And the jewels!
Windy City
Perhaps Kate didn't plan for her legs to peek through in this gorgeous gown — judging by the fact that she seems a little caught off guard by that gust of wind that was hitting her when this photo was taken. We're happy they did, though, because the windswept look definitely works on her!
Calf Love
This photo is a major throwback — and it just goes to show that for as long as Kate's been in the spotlight, she's had some seriously incredible legs. Someone didn't forget to do her calf exercises this morning — or ever, for that matter (even more evidence that Kate never skips leg day). Give us your routine, Kate!
Totally Relaxed
Who could forget this iconic moment of Kate frolicking with her children at the Beaufort Polo Club? This picture has ended up being an iconic look at Kate as a mom, and it's simply too cute. Her dress is gorgeous (and we give her props for chasing her kids around while wearing it). And her wedge espadrilles show off her sculpted legs to perfection.
Gorgeous in Green
Another maternity look from Kate, another chance for her to flaunt her legs even when she's got a baby onboard. There's only one problem, though: We're not sure the Queen would approve of Kate's higher hemline. But we're here for it! Big time.
Flashing Lights
We have lots of action shots of celebrities like this on the internet — including Kate, where she's just getting out of the car. But even though she's not posing, she still looks amazing. First of all, how are Kate's legs even in such a position? Second of all, damn. She looks incredible in every way.
Show Off
Another throwback photo. We can't believe how young Kate looks here! And can we talk about that white dress and how it highlights her legs and her tan, all at the same time? Oh, Kate, now you're just showing off. But hey, we can't blame you — we would too if we were in your position.
Marilyn Monroe Moment
Though many of the royal ladies (Kate included) use tricks like putting weights in the hems of their dresses and skirts to prevent moments like these, sometimes wardrobe malfunctions are inevitable. Fortunately, when the wind lifted up Kate's dress, she handled it like a champ — and we got a glimpse of her amazing legs in the process.
Marilyn Monroe Moment 2
That's right — Kate's had more than one of those incidents, and this one is just as good as the last. When Kate Middleton arrived in Calgary, Canada, the wind blew her dress up, allowing onlookers to see a bit more of her legs than Kate might have planned. She seems to have kept her cool, but what did the Queen think?!
Baby Blue
Remember the high-low dress trend? When that was going around, Kate definitely got in on the action, and it ended up giving us this major fashion moment. At the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards in 2014, Kate's dress showcased her legs perfectly. And again, we love the shoes!
Spring in Her Step
We're not sure which we love more here: Kate's perfect legs, or the little girl who's wearing sparkly heeled shoes with ankle socks. Both have our hearts, to be quite honest, so Kate's legs better get used to sharing the spotlight. Wonder if Princess Charlotte has any shoes like these?
Tone It Up!
It's really these walking shots that drive the point home that Kate's leg muscles are on point. Kate, please give us your exercise regimen. We won't tell anyone. What is it? Lunges? Squats? Whatever it is, we have a feeling it's definitely a challenge — Kate's been athletic all her life.
Well-Heeled
And now, we're getting another shining example of what #LegGoals really means. Seriously, Kate, who is your trainer? He or she is definitely due for a raise. That is some seriously impressive muscle tone — and we know that doesn't come easily! If Kate ever needs a new project, she could make a lot of money selling her workout programs.
The Exit
Seriously, can we all agree that there's no graceful way of exiting a car? Even Kate and her gorgeous legs seem to have trouble. But despite the awkward photo and pose going on here, we have to admit that she still looks better than most of us would in this position!
Muscle Mania
If there's one thing Kate isn't lacking in life, it's calf muscles. Or the ability to walk in sky-high heels. Color us impressed! Even when she's wearing an outfit composed entirely of neutral hues, she still manages to stand out from the crowd. We'd never expect anything less from her.
Tights Are Alright
Though Kate's legs aren't bare in this photo, they might as well be. Even in tights, we can see that Kate has a killer pair of pins. It's impossible to hide them no matter what she's wearing! We have to believe that this outfit was definitely more up the Queen's alley than the rest of them.
No Stockings? No Problem!
Kate, you've got the best legs in Kensington Palace (sorry to Prince William, if he'd been hoping to take this particular prize). We bow down. No, seriously, we do — and photos like this are proof of that fact. Here, Kate skipped the stockings and still looked so classy. Take that, Queen Elizabeth!
She's Gotta Regatta
At the King's Cup Regatta in 2019, Kate showed us perhaps the most leg she's ever bared in public — impressive! Since she was taking part in a sailing race, it makes sense that she would have wanted to be comfortable, so she wore shorts and showed off those amazing legs for the world to see.
Baywatch
When attending a royal engagement on the beach, a good Baywatch-style run is de rigeur, and Kate didn't let the sand (and those towering wedges she's wearing) stop her! Another action shot that proves that Kate's got the best legs in the biz — and it's worth noting that white dress looks so pretty on her.
Above the Knee & Still Regal
Whenever the royals are wearing hats, you know it's a special occasion — but despite the formality of it all, sometimes Kate still has to display her legs, even when Queen Elizabeth is around. She still looks every bit a future queen here, even with those legs on show.
Off on Honeymoon
Here's another major throwback: A rare photo of Kate and William just days after they'd tied the knot and she officially joined the royal family. Even so early in her time with the Firm, Kate wasn't afraid to reveal a little leg before she and her prince headed off on their royal honeymoon.
Skinny Jean Chic
Another way that Kate often shows off her legs is by wearing a form-fitting pair of skinny jeans — and this mama looks good! Yes, this is another item of clothing we definitely wouldn't see in the Queen's closet, but Kate looks fantastic in hers, even in a more casual fashion moment.
Wedding Belle
If William and Kate look so happy here, it's because they're off to a wedding — Princess Eugenie's 2018 nuptials to Jack Brooksbank, to be exact. Kate obviously wanted to make a statement in that hot pink dress and matching hat, and in contrast with the bride's gorgeous long gown, Kate wasn't afraid to show off her knees.
Hot in Houndstooth
Kate looks great in this classic pattern! So maybe the slit in her dress is a little higher than some members of the royal family might appreciate, but it's definitely not scandalous at all — at least, not by non-royal standards, anyway. Rock those legs, Kate!
Meet & Greet
We are not at all ashamed to say that we're very jealous of this little girl! This photo goes all the way back to 2013, so there's no doubt this kid is all grown up these days. But we bet she'll never forget meeting Kate — and finding out that the duchess has got some serious gams!
Hand in Hand
We see two people in this pic showing off their legs! Taken when Prince George was much younger, he and his mom are looking good with their knees out as they're traveling together. We're loving George's headphones to protect his ears around all those noisy aircraft.
Applause
Let's throw in another peek at Kate's maternity style for good measure. Here, she was at a naming ceremony for a cruise ship while bumpin' along, but she still looked totally chic (and put her legs on display) in her patterned dress and matching hat and heels.
