The designer of Kate Middleton's 'duchess necklace' says the royal faces more pressure in her style choices than Meghan Markle because she will be queen

• Béatrice de Montille founded Merci Maman, a jewelry brand used by Kate and Pippa Middleton.
• Montille spoke to Insider about Kate's style, saying she must follow "a template."
• She said the duchess will face more pressure because of her royal role.

Classic. Timeless. Modern. Authentic.

These are just a few of the words designer Béatrice de Montille used to describe the Duchess of Cambridge's style during an interview with Insider.

Montille is the founder of Merci Maman, the personalized jewelry brand that counts both Kate and Pippa Middleton as customers.

The brand even named its iconic "Duchess Necklace" after the Duchess of Cambridge. Montille designed a custom necklace engraved with Prince George's name, which Pippa gifted her sister shortly after his birth in 2013.

The necklace was later made available on the brand's website for $196 (£139) and is available in sterling silver, rose gold, or gold.

Like Middleton, the Duchess of Sussex wore personalized jewelry to celebrate her son Archie's birth in 2019. She was photographed wearing a necklace with the "A" initial at Wimbledon.

But the similarities in their styles arguably end there.

Montille told Insider that Middleton's style appears classic, while Meghan Markle "has a more modern edge."

"I don't want to say that Kate is not modern. She is super modern as well, but maybe more classic and timeless. They have different styles, of course, which is good because you don't want to compare the two," she said.

"They are so different... they have their own style, which is quite assumed. They don't have the same destiny. One is going to become the queen, the wife of the king, so it's not the same pressure. I think there is a template for Kate, but even with that template, she is very authentic, so it's not a problem," she added.

Middleton's husband, Prince William, is second in line to the British throne. When he takes the throne, Middleton's title will change from duchess to queen consort.

The duchess often attends state banquets and ceremonial events, which require formal wear including tiaras and ballgowns.

Markle, meanwhile, resigned from royal duties last year. She currently resides in Santa Barbara, California, with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

Montille was surprised by how welcoming the royals were when she visited Buckingham Palace

Montille was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen in 2017 and again in 2020, after Merci Maman won The Queen's Award for Enterprise both years.

The awards are given to businesses for "outstanding achievements" in a number of categories, including innovation, international trade, and sustainable development.

"I was surprised to see that even other members of the family were welcoming. We spoke with Sophie [Countess of Wessex] and Princess Anne," Montille said. "I thought it would be more official and less relaxed than it was. Obviously it was super smart, but very friendly."

"Maybe I can't say it was like being at home, but nearly," she added.