Will Kate Middleton become a royal style icon?

To much fanfare and very little surprise, it was announced this morning that Prince William and his long-term girlfriend, Kate Middleton, would marry next year. Middleton has hardly been hidden from the public eye, at least in England where “will they or won’t they” speculation has been going on for so long that the 28-year-old has earned herself the nickname “Waity Kaity.”

This is all fine for royal watchers, but what does that mean for fashion? Well, not a lot–yet. Many in the UK see Middleton as one to watch, at least in terms of royal style. She worked as an accessories buy for UK retailer Jigsaw and has been named to best-dressed lists by publications ranging from People to Vanity Fair, but hasn’t really made a huge splash on the international fashion scene, though perhaps that’s by design. Her conservative wardrobe has clearly struck a chord with some, and her preference for London-based label Issa and fashion hatter Philip Treacy show she’s got potential. We’d love to see her use her new status as a next wave royal to support the considerable pool of local talent.