Getty ImagesTread lightly in those wedges, Kate Middleton.
The Duchess of Cambridge's style rarely goes unnoticed—ever heard of the Kate effect?—but as of late, one of her staple fashion fixtures has gone missing: Her wedges. The once integral part of Kate's footwear collection seems to be on an extended hiatus, and there may be a good explanation as to why.
"[Queen Elizabeth II] isn't a fan of wedged shoes," a source dished to Vanity Fair. "She really doesn't like them and it's well known among the women in the family."
Thinking back, we don't believe Kate's ever been caught in wedges when photographed with the Queen. Hmmm.
Recall the mother-of-two's enviable outfit collection from her Australian and New Zealand tour last spring, and you'll remember that there was hardly a day the duchess didn't sport a pair of sleek cork wedges. In true Kate fashion, she recycled her favorite pair—a slick Stuart Weitzman Corkswoon Pump in navy suede with a cork heel, $398—throughout the trip, and looked perfectly put-together each time she wore them.
Since returning from the trip, Kate seems to have swapped her comfy wedges for sleeker heeled styles. And while you won't find anyone complaining about Kate's still-refined taste in footwear, it's worth noting the wedges noticeable absence in her wardrobe mix.
Clearly, the Queen still has some major influence.