The Fashion Show That Marked Kate's Capture of William in ‘The Crown’ | Vanity Fair

Written by Chris Murphy

Kate Middleton captivated Prince William with her impressive catwalk skills, as shown in the ninth episode of The Crown’s sixth season, "Hope Street". The episode demonstrates Kate Middleton didn't require assistance from her mother, Carole Middleton, to win over the future King of England, but just some glamour and sparkle. Julie Miller from Vanity Fair joined Still Watching to discuss the eventful St. Andrews event that helped Middleton win over William's heart.

Still Watching’s co-hosts Hillary Busis, Richard Lawson, and Chris Murphy were intrigued by the dramatic show, which Murphy believes to be the "most high-stakes fashion show" ever. “The future of the empire hinged on this fashion show,” Busis adds. The decision by The Crown to segue from Kate’s runway walk directly into the demise of the Queen Mother left Lawson feeling puzzled.

He asks, “How did you perceive the abrupt transition from a sexy fashion show to the Queen Mother passing away in a small bed?” He believes it was a strange way to direct the episode's action. The two incidents may seem mismatched, but as Busis mentions, they took place quite close in time: the fashion show occurred on March 26, 2002, and the Queen Mother passed away on March 30 of the same year. “It wasn't Kate's dress that caused her demise,” jokes Busis.

The episode not only bids adieu to the Queen Mother but also welcomes back Salim Daw’s character Mohamed Al Fayed. Al Fayed is determined to propagate his conspiracy theory about the involvement of the royal family in the deaths of his son, Dodi, and Princess Diana. Lawson notes that in real life, Mohamed was quite outspoken about his mistrust and dislike for the royals. Despite the show debunking Al Fayed's theory through an independent inquiry, the hosts felt it was harsh to portray him as deranged. “Princess Diana's death was a tragic accident, not a conspiracy,” emphasizes Busis.

Despite the appearances of Mohamed Al Fayed and the Queen Mother, the episode's main theme revolves around the budding romance of William and Kate. Miller reveals some intriguing details. She says the transparent dress worn by Middleton was designed from a £40 piece of sheer fabric, intended to be a skirt, but ended up being auctioned for £78,000 for charity.

“It was probably the finest purchase I've ever made,” Lawson humorously comments.

Miller provides some insight into Carole Middleton’s influence on her daughter’s relationship. The Crown’s research team found no proof that Kate chose St. Andrews University just because of William. Yet, there were signs of Carole hoping for her daughter to find a suitable match, though Miller states that Carole’s wishes were more about upward social mobility than just Prince William.