Kate Middleton's Affordable Hiking Shorts Deliver Elite Outdoors Style For Women Over 40

Kate Middleton just completed one of Britain's most difficult climbing challenges in secret, doing so quite stylishly. The Princess of Wales embarked on the National Three Peaks Challenge — which requires scaling the highest summits in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours — in order to raise awareness for cancer and "explore life after diagnosis," as she explained on Instagram. While completing the challenge, Kate wore a few hiking-ready outfits, including a much-discussed pair of red athletic shorts. 

In a video originally posted by entrepreneur Phillip Tebajjwa, Kate can be seen making her way down from the peak of Snowdon Massif in Wales alongside her brother James Middleton. Eagle-eyed fans spotted the royal's stylish red hiking shorts, which have been identified as The North Face's Women's Summit Series Pacesetter 3" Shorts in the color "Iron Clay." Unlike Kate Middleton's go-to earrings that come with a hefty price tag, her shorts are modestly priced at $80. While Kate Middleton's sophisticated shorts style could inspire your summer 2026 outfits, her recent outdoorsy picks are perfect for creating a trendy gorpcore look that works for mature women. 

Unlike the red athletic shorts she wore while hiking Wales' Snowdon Massif, Kate Middleton's typical shorts style is far more preppy. At a 2022 sailing event in the Bahamas, Kate wore a simple white polo shirt with khaki shorts and a brown belt — making for an outfit that screamed quiet luxury. The Princess of Wales often pairs her shorts with a classic white sneaker, which is a look that will never go out of style. 

Surprisingly, Kate typically doesn't wear particularly conservative Bermuda shorts. Given that she is a part of the British royal family, who are known for their strict style rules, you'd think that Kate would be expected to wear knee-length shorts. However, the 44-year-old royal often wears shorts that fall just above her mid-thigh. This look is sophisticated, while simultaneously avoiding an overly stuffy vibe. The Princess of Wales can rock any style, from casual hiking shorts to coastal chic Bermuda shorts.