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TIMELESS, consistent and always stylish. 

Yes we’re talking about Kate Middleton but also her most reliable top. 

On Sunday evening the Prince and Princess of Wales congratulated Team GB over their amazing efforts during this year's Olympics with a video on their social media channels. 

The Princess of Wales wearing one of her favorite looks alongside the Prince of Wales on social media.
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The Princess of Wales wearing one of her favorite looks alongside the Prince of Wales on social media.Credit: X/UNPIXS
Kate wearing stripes and a young Prince George at Houghton Horse Trials, 2016.
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Kate wearing stripes and a young Prince George at Houghton Horse Trials, 2016.Credit: Helen Mathias / EyeContact
Catherine wore another striped knit during her cancer treatment announcement video  earlier this year.
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Catherine wore another striped knit during her cancer treatment announcement video earlier this year.

Stood side by side, William showed off a new look with his beard whilst Kate went with an old favourite, a Breton top. 

Catherine chose her Ralph Lauren ‘Tori’ Breton striped top that she has worn a number of times, including in 2013 at a Sports, while shopping in Anglesey 2013, at Houghton Horse Trials in 2016. 

But that's not the only striped number she has. 

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In March of this year when Kate bravely revealed she was undergoing treatment for cancer she wore a Breton jumper from designer British brand, Erdem

Throughout Kate's style reign she has worn the striped wardrobe essential on off-duty days and to royal events that warrant a more relaxed appearance. 

Even her faultless look for Trooping the Colour earlier featured a customised striped bow and waistband on a white dress she had previously worn.

Kate added stripes to a white dress at Trooping the Colour this year.
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Kate added stripes to a white dress at Trooping the Colour this year.Credit: Getty

So why this time? Let's go back to the beginning. 

The French navy wore the 21 striped Breton as their uniform as a nod to Napoleon's 21 victories and latterly were worn for being striking and visible in water. 

Ever since they have been worn by mariners and then Coco Chanel was seduced by their look and masculinity that she made them fashionable for ladies leisurely looks. 

Why the fashion team are taking tips from Coco and Chanel-ing the humble Cardigan this season

Since then the trend has been worn by umpteen style icons including Brigette Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Carrie Bradshaw, Kate Moss and, of course, various members of the royal family such as Diana and Meghan. 

Whether it's a top or a jumper, the Breton acts as somewhat of a comfort blanket for Catherine. 

It's become a uniform for her which means when she wears it she’ll instantly feel confident and at ease especially through difficult times. 

It’s also a reminder of consistency, not only for Kate but for us too. 

The royals as a British consistent that we can rely on, as is a Breton top thanks to its long historical popularity. 

Catherine arrived to the King’s Cup Regatta in London, 2019, wearing the nautical go-to.
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Catherine arrived to the King’s Cup Regatta in London, 2019, wearing the nautical go-to.Credit: Getty
The Princess of Wales in Plymouth, 2022, wearing another stripped knit
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The Princess of Wales in Plymouth, 2022, wearing another stripped knitCredit: Getty

Also, the striped stable is hugely versatile, inoffensive and therefore makes her more relatable. 

A strip to the seaside, the supermarket or school gates will prove their popularity and relatability. 

Plus, Kate is a mum and its school holidays

She's battling an illness and juggling entertaining three children.

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Reaching for your go-to top is something we’d all do in the same shoes - you just want something easy but stylish. 

And the Breton does just that.

Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery

JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery

JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery

JAN 18: William spends time at Kate's bedside

JAN 23: The princess' hospital stay passes one week

JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital

FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health

MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate

Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother's Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out 'kill notice' on photo

Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William

Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor

Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport

Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior

Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis

April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos

June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel's Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: "I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon"

June 14: Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family

July 14: Kate attended the Wimbledon Men's Final with Princess Charlotte

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