Kate Middleton Wears Shorts for the First Time in 8 Years, Is Happy as Heck

We all know there is a long list of things royals aren’t allowed to wear. One of the more or less accepted rules is that duchesses don’t wear shorts in public. Until today, that is. While hosting the inaugural King's Cup Regatta, Kate Middleton stepped out in a pair of navy cuffed shorts, and the internet basically went wild. Though we know Kate is no stranger to controversial outfit choices, this occasion was particularly notable as it is the first time the royal has worn pair of shorts since she became a duchess eight years ago. The rather classic pair hit mid-thigh and kind of look like something you could purchase from J.Crew or Banana Republic.

While they weren’t the trendier extra-long shorts or nylon track shorts that fashion girls are all sporting this summer, we’re just excited to see Middleton expand her wardrobe universe. She looks downright ecstatic in many of the photos, and while that happiness could be coming from the fun of participating in a luxury charity boat race, we’re chalking it up to the joy of wearing shorts. Let that lower thigh out and those legs run, jump, and sail with abandon, Kate! Though she actually lost the race, she’s a winner in our book today for gracing us with this glorious sporty shorts look.

Prince William also wore matching navy shorts. Cute.

We love sporty Kate.

Just in case you need to see the shorts from all angles.

The shorts joy is coming on strong here. 

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Next up, see how Kate made $70 Aldo shoes look like royalty.