Prince William's then-wife-to-be rocked the Spice Girls-esque attirePhoto: Getty Images

Princess Kate wows in unexpected leopard print mini dress in throwback photo

The Princess of Wales occasionally favors a print, whether it be gingham, houndstooth, or floral. Animal print is a style that is uncommonly worn by royalty because it is thought to be too loud for her refined royal wardrobe.

There was nothing stopping Princess Catherine from rocking a sassy animal print back in 2008, though, before she wed Prince William and officially joined the royal family.

 

The Princess of Wales rocked a leopard print frock in 2008 Photo: Getty Images

 

The soon-to-be royal was spotted out and about in the O2 wearing a leopard print mini dress with a flippy mini skirt and a monochrome color scheme. The knee-length dress, which had long sleeves and a traditional V-neckline, was layered beneath a black longline coat with notched lapels in a distinctly Y2K look.

The Princess chose a natural beauty blend to highlight her well-known features and left her brunette hair down loose with her usual side part. Her evening look was literally elevated by a pair of tights and a pair of black slip-on pumps.

 

The princess-to-be was spotted at the O2 Arena for a night out
Photo: Getty Images

 

Catherine was seen laughing along to a performance while watching it with a group of friends in the VIP area of the O2 arena.

Princess Catherine has previously appeared in throwback photos that we have discovered. It’s actually one of many. The princess was known to occasionally wear a pair of low-waisted jeans before she became a royal, despite being known for her ultra-structured clothing and composed wardrobe.

 

The royal paired her dress with tights and pumps
Photo: Getty Images

 

An example would be in 2005, when the future wife of Prince William went out in St. Andrews, Scotland, before her graduation. The history of art student appeared unconcerned in a pair of light-wash blue jeans with bell bottoms, a low-slung silhouette, and an American It-girl vibe.

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Catherine rarely dons bold animal print since becoming a royal  Photo: Getty Images

 

She paired the bottoms with a straightforward white cami top with spaghetti straps and a cute frilled trim. Her outfit was completed by a large, woven black belt that gave it an unmistakable Y2K twist.

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