Kate Middleton's Style Homages to Princess Diana: A Visual Timeline
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has often drawn inspiration from the renowned fashion sense of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, particularly through her choice of clothing and accessories. This link is highlighted by her sapphire engagement ring, which belonged to Diana, and the Collingwood pearl earrings that Diana received as a wedding gift, both of which Catherine has worn. She also embraces Diana's love for polka dots, plaids, jewel tones, and wide-brimmed hats, frequently opting for designers like Catherine Walker, Alexander McQueen, and Jenny Packham, favorites of Diana as well. Milliners such as Juliette Botterill, Philip Treacy, and Jules Millinery have designed hats for both women. Kiki McDonough, a jeweler favored by Diana and recently granted a Royal Warrant, has around 20 pieces in Catherine's collection. The fashion legacy continues with Princess Charlotte, who matched her mother in aqua outfits during Trooping the Colour 2025. A slideshow featuring 32 images showcases outfit comparisons, from Diana’s first public engagement in May 1981 to Catherine’s recent looks, including a polka dot dress at the VE Day 80th anniversary service in May 2025 and a red dress paired with Diana's pearl earrings at the Commonwealth Day Service in March 2025.
Key facts
- Catherine, Princess of Wales, has paid tribute to Princess Diana through fashion and jewelry.
- Catherine wears Diana's sapphire engagement ring and Collingwood pearl earrings.
- Both royals favored designers Catherine Walker, Alexander McQueen, and Jenny Packham.
- Catherine and Diana shared preferences for polka dots, plaids, and jewel tones.
- Catherine wore a Catherine Walker coat dress and Juliette Botterill hat at Trooping the Colour 2025.
- Catherine wore a polka dot Alessandra Rich dress at the VE Day 80th anniversary service in May 2025.
- Catherine wore Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings at the Commonwealth Day Service in March 2025.
- Princess Charlotte coordinated with Catherine in aqua at Trooping the Colour 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Kate Middleton
- Princess Diana
- Princess Charlotte
- Catherine Walker
- Alexander McQueen
- Jenny Packham
- Juliette Botterill
- Philip Treacy
- Jules Millinery
- Kiki McDonough
- Alessandra Rich
- Sally-Ann Provan
- Bruce Oldfield
- Victor Edelstein
- Frederick Fox
- Donald Campbell
- John Boyd
- Philip Somerville
- Tomas Starzewski
- Graham Wren
- Emilia Wickstead
- Suzannah London
- Zara
- Versace
- Lock & Co.
- Jane Taylor
Institutions
- Vogue
- Getty Images
- Tim Graham
- WPA Pool
- Princess Diana Archive
- Max Mumby/Indigo
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Scotland
- Australia
- India
- New Delhi
- Sweden
- Stockholm
- Jamaica
- Kingston
- Pakistan
- Lahore
- Wales
- Liverpool
- England
- Sandringham
- Cirencester
- Epsom
- Wimbledon