9 Times Kate Middleton Emulated Princess Diana's Iconic Style

Both do royal fashion well.

There's no doubt that Princess Diana is one of the most influential style icons of the past centry. The late princess's style managed to both be the epitome of chic, while also pushing the boundaries of royal style with her daring silhouettes and signature effortless off-duty looks. She's inspired countless women when it comes to fashion, including the current Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.

Even though the two never met, Kate has always honored Diana through her style, particularly with her penchant for bold colors and through her extensive jewelry collection. Sometimes, it's a subtle nod, but others, she copies the look to a T. Be it to attend church on Christmas day, at official royal duties, or to coronation services to King Charles III; Kate Middleton has carried on Diana's legacy in the form of fashion.

Ahead, nine times Kate Middleton emulated the iconic style of Princess Diana, from tartans to tweed and polka dots.

Timeless Tartan

There is no pattern as associated with Great Britain as classic tartan. The traditional pattern has been a royal staple for hundreds of years, but has been modernized over time. Nothing illustrates this more than when Kate Middleton wore a surprisingly similar tartan coat to Princess Diana. On Christmas day in 2017, Kate wore a dark green and red overcoat much like one Diana wore in 1990. The only difference? Diana's had a slim, blazer-like fit, while Kate opted for a boxier silhouette with double-breasted buttons.

Cobalt Suiting

One of Kate Middleton's boldest looks was the bright cobalt blue suit she wore to the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023. The look was finished with the addition of a gorgeous choker and intricate headpiece. We can't help but see the resemblance to the suit Princess Diana wore to announce her engagement to Charles in 1981.

Blue Polka Dots

One of the most notable times Kate Middleton took style queues from Princess Diana was in 2019. At an event honoring the 75th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landings, Kate wore a bold blue polka dot dress. Though it was not the exact same as the Catherine Walker dress Diana wore in 1989, the resemblance is striking. Kate opted for a navy blue dress with a classic collar, while Diana's was light blue with an exaggerated collar.

Pretty in Pink

When Kate Middleton attended the Wimbledon tennis championship in 2017, she opted for a whimsical look. Her belted dress featured a pretty shade of pale pink and feminine-details like a bow and puffed-sleeves. She must've turned to Diana for inspiration, wearing a similar vibrant pink shade as the Princess did in 1982.

Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara

Of course, royal jewels that have been in the family for generations have been spotted on both princesses. When Kate Middleton wore the stunning Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara—a silver tiara with dangling pearl and diamond details—we realized we had seen the extravagant headpiece before on Diana while on a trip to Hong Kong.

Black and White Polka Dots

If it wasn't clear yet, the princesses love their polka dots. Both Kate and Diana have regularly worn the pattern to formal events. In 2022, Kate wore a black and white dress and hat combo to the Royal Ascot that almost exactly matched the outfit worn by Diana on Derby Day in 1986.

Red and Black

One of Kate's most spot-on references to Diana was at the St. David's Day Parade in 2023. There, Middleton wore a red and black ensemble that's just a modernized version of what the late princess wore to a Christmas celebration in 1993. Middleton accessorized with a smaller sculptural hat, while Diana wore a classic wide-brim design.

Pearl Chokers

Though not the exact same choker Diana famously wore with her infamous little black “revenge dress," it was close enough for us to see the similarities. At the coronation of King Charles III, Kate wore a choker made of four strands of pearls. Then, in the center, the strings of pearls connected around an ornate silver charm. Diana's, on the other hand, featured nearly double the amount of pearls and a huge blue stone in the center.

Tweed Jackets

Nearly spot-on to a jacket once worn by Diana, Kate wore a tailored brown plaid tweed jacket to a royal visit honoring lives lost in the Holocaust in 2021. The only difference to the jacket worn by Lady Di on her honeymoon? Hers was boxier and cropped, while Middelton's was long and belted.

Read the original article on Byrdie.