Princess Kate’s Tweed Houndstooth Skirt Is a Subtle Homage to Princess Diana

Princess Kate is known to occasionally take a style cue from her late mother-in-law.

During a joint outing with Prince William today, the Princess of Wales visited the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance charity dressed in a tweed midi skirt covered in a classic black-and-white houndstooth pattern. The Zara piece is reminiscent of an iconic look Princess Diana wore in 1990: a Moschino tweed skirt suit with a red houndstooth blazer and a black-and-white knee-length houndstooth skirt.

During an outing this past weekend, Kate re-wore another houndstooth piece—a red-and-white coat dress by Catherine Walker—that also drew parallels to Diana's 1990 outfit.

The rest of Kate's ensemble fit into the black-and-white theme of the statement skirt. She finished the look with a neutral base, opting for an oatmeal turtleneck and a white long coat, as well as black knee-high suede boots and a black croc-embossed handbag.

Meanwhile, William wore a navy blue suit with a light blue button-down, plus a dark blue tie and dark brown suede dress shoes.

Today, William became the patron of the Wales Air Ambulance charity. It is his first patronage since receiving the Prince of Wales title.

The charity offers critical care to patients—such as blood transfusions, the administration of anesthesia, and emergency operations—before flying them directly to specialist care. William previously worked as an air ambulance pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. As patron of this charity, the royal will focus on championing the pilots' efforts and supporting their mental health.

"The Prince has first-hand experience of working in the unique and often challenging air ambulance environment," Sue Barnes, chief executive of the Wales Air Ambulance charity, said in a statement. "We look forward to our new relationship with the prince as our charity continues to support a lifesaving service for the people of Wales."

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