Kate Middleton Brings Back Y2K Chic on Scenic Scout Trip

During a recent visit to the Lake District in northwest England, Catherine, Princess of Wales, subtly championed the Y2K fashion comeback. In a short film shared by the palace, she appeared wearing a dark green puffy baker boy hat, reminiscent of late ’90s and early 2000s style. The princess, on an outing with local Scouts aged 10 to 15, paired the nostalgic headgear with a green bomber jacket, a warm camel-knit sweater, and classic skinny jeans — a look that effortlessly combined practicality with a retro twist.

The baker boy hat, also known as a newsboy cap, has deep roots in British history. Though now considered stylish, its origins date back to the 16th century when English law required working-class men to wear wool hats on Sundays and holidays. Over time, the cap became associated with laborers, newsboys, and eventually, celebrities. In the early 2000s, icons like Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears embraced the style, with Anne Hathaway famously donning it during her transformation in The Devil Wears Prada.

Kate’s fondness for the look is not new; she previously wore a similar hat during a 2013 visit with the Scouts. Her latest fashion choice has sparked mixed reactions from fashion critics, with Vogue describing the look as “divisive” and Elle Australia dubbing it a “Dickensian fashion moment.” Nonetheless, she joins a growing list of modern trendsetters, including Kendall Jenner and Anne Hathaway, who have recently embraced the retro accessory.

The outfit also featured a notable repeat: Kate’s green bomber jacket, believed to be the same one worn in the now-controversial family photo that stirred public speculation about her health. The image, taken following her abdominal surgery, became a topic of debate before she later revealed her cancer diagnosis. In the new footage, her choice of familiar clothing appears to reflect a sense of comfort and continuity amidst personal challenges.

In a touching moment from the film, Kate shared her connection with the outdoors, stating, “I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection… a place to balance and find a sort of sense of peace and reconnection in what is otherwise a very busy world.” Since 2020, she has served as joint president of the UK’s Scouts Association, a role that underscores her commitment to youth and the healing power of nature.

(Image credit:  Neil Mockford/GC Images/Getty Images)