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12 Times Kate Middleton’s Style Reminded Us of Princess Diana

2 minute read

Since Kate Middleton was introduced to the public as a part of the British royal family, people have repeatedly compared her to her husband’s late mother, the beloved Princess Diana. Of all the parallels that the Duchess of Cambridge shares with Diana as the presumed future Queen of England, it’s a sophisticated sense of style that might be the most tangible, and certainly the most visible.

In many ways, it appears that Kate takes inspiration from her late mother-in-law, channeling the humanitarian’s glamorous fashion sense with her own wardrobe. Consider Kate’s choice to wear a dark blue dress to match the sapphire engagement ring (which formerly belonged to Princess Di) in her official engagement photo, which mirrored Diana’s dark blue suit for her own engagement announcement. Or the fact that Kate also selected a simple, but chic polka dot sheath to wear out of the hospital after giving birth to Prince George — perhaps taking a style cue from Diana who also wore a polka dot shift dress out of the hospital after giving birth to Prince William.

While Kate’s taste in silhouettes skews more conservative than Diana’s (keep in mind that the Princess of Wales entered the public eye as a fashion icon at the height of the ’80s,) she shares Di’s innate elegance.

See 12 times that Kate and Diana had similar style statements above.

Left: Prince Charles arm-in-arm with fiancée Lady Diana Spencer on the steps of Buckingham Palace in London, Feb. 24, 1981. Right: Prince William and Kate Middleton pose after the announcement of their engagement in the State Apartments of St. James Palace, London, Nov. 16, 2010.
Both Kate and Diana opted for deep blue looks for their official engagement photos, a color choice that complemented the sapphire engagement ring they shared.Tim Graham—Getty Images/Chris Jackson—Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion wedding day
For their weddings, both Diana and Kate opted for full-skirted white gowns that were made by U.K. designers; Diana's by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Kate's by Alexander McQueen. Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images; Chris Jackson—Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion black hat red jacket
Kate took a style cue from Diana's pairing of a striking red coat with a dramatic black hat.Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images; Tim Graham—Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion polka dot dress
Both Kate and Diana knew that a polka dot print could give a playful touch to an otherwise conservative outfit.Julian Parker—UK Press/Getty Images; Karwai Tang—WireImage/Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion tiara
One of Diana's favorite pieces of jewelry from the royal family's collection was the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, which she wore often. Kate was recently photographed wearing it during a state dinner at Buckingham Palace.Tim Graham—Getty Images; Max Mumby—Indigo/Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion maternity
When it came to post-partum fashion to leave the hospital after giving birth, both Diana and Kate opted for comfortable but pretty polka dotted dresses.Jon Hoffman—Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images; Max Mumby—Indigo/Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion black gown
Diana wore a glamorous body-conscious black velvet gown to dance with John Travolta during a gala at the White House. For a military gala, Kate selected a similarly elegant style.Tim Graham—Getty Images; Mark Cuthbert—UK Press/Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion skiing
Bright red skiwear was a striking choice for both Diana and Kate to hit the slopes.Tim Graham—Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion pink coat
Diana's bright pink jacket looks like it could have inspired Kate's own fuchsia outerwear choice.Julian Parker—UK Press/Getty Images; Karwai Tang—WireImage/Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion head wrap
The Princess opted to cover her head on a trip to Pakistan, observing the customs of modesty for women in the country. Kate followed suit by observing religious protocol during a trip to Malaysia.Tim Graham—Getty Images; Chris Jackson—Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion teal gown
Formal wear got a vibrant update for both Diana and Kate in jewel-toned teal.Jayne Fincher—Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images; Chris Jackson—Getty Images
Princess Diana and Kate Duchess of Cambridge similar moments in fashion white suit
Crisp white skirt suits with nipped-in waists proved to be royally striking for both Diana and Kate.Jayne Fincher—Getty Images; Samir Hussein—WireImage

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Write to Cady Lang at cady.lang@timemagazine.com