UNLESS you have been living under a rock for the past few months, you can’t help but notice that Kate Middleton is fast becoming the new Victoria Beckham in terms of fashion icon status.

The Duchess of Cambridge has earned herself another title to be proud of; fashion princess. Women have bestowed this unofficial title upon the 28-year-old.

On the High Street, it seems that almost every clothes shop you walk into you are confronted with Middleton Mania.

As I walked into fashion store Warehouse, I instantly spotted a beautiful navy jersey that bears a striking resemblance to Kate’s Issa engagement dress. The blue silk jersey dress made by designer Daniella “Issa” Helayel, was first replicated by Tesco back in November, though on a much cheaper scale.

The replica, priced at a modest £16 – the original was a huge £399 – sold out in under an hour. The dress was then copied again by High Street store Peacocks and again it flew off the rails.

Debenhams is also getting in on the double-act. They’ve produced a £6 replica of Kate’s engagement ring. Debenhams spokeswoman Vicky Hewitt believes that women have been captivated by the romance of the royal wedding. She said: “Women want the chance to look like a princess too – but for a fraction of the price.”

Can you really blame people for wanting to look like royalty? Not only has she married Prince William – which is enviable in itself – but Kate has flair, from her famously glossy hair to her beloved knee-boots. Kate always manages to look very comfortable in her chic but conservative style – a world away from the see-through number that first caught William’s eye back in 2002, or the monochrome Topshop dress that Kate celebrated her 25th birthday in.

Yesterday, we reported how Worcester wedding shop owner Karen Hamilton had recreated Kate’s wedding dress within four hours of the bride stepping out of her wedding car.

Over the pond, Michelle Obama, wife of US president Barack Obama, gives an instant boost to whichever brands she chooses to wear. Even further back than that, Queen Victoria popularised tartan and mini sailor suits for children after her son wore them.

Although some find Kate a little too conservative – British designer Vivienne Westwood included – it is undeniable that she is a huge icon.

TK Maxx brought out its Honeymoon Wardrobe collection earlier this month, where you don’t have to be a princess to dress like royalty. From Kate’s staple camel trench coat to a classic black heel, or even another replica engagement dress – they have it all. Independent shop Fuel in Worcester’s Reindeer Court stocks a selection of knee-high boots akin to those that the Middletons are so fond of, as well as other dresses and coats fit for royalty.

Gemma Lloyd, aged 22, works in Fuel and is a supporter of Kate’s style. She admires Kate’s “plain but structured” approach to her look. By now Kate will be used to having all eyes on her and is set to be in the spotlight for many years to come.