As Kate Middleton turns 40, we take a look back at the 10 times the Duchess of Cambridge paid tribute to Princess Diana...
Princess Diana stole our hearts – as a royal, a humanitarian and a fashion icon. People felt a kinship with her, not only in the UK but across the globe, and that was probably why she was dubbed as the ‘People’s Princess’. After her marriage to Prince Charles came to an end, the young princess became the ultimate trendsetter, transitioning into looks that reflected her independence and freedom, and until today, her wardrobe continues to influence our style choices.
She used fashion as an extension of her personality – unafraid to go against the grain and yet evocative of the warmth and charisma she possessed. Which is probably why, many royals today look up to the late Princess for their fashion choices, including Kate Middleton.
Recently turning 40 years old (she looks *SO* good!), the Duchess of Cambridge has had her fair share of standout fashion statements. Her birthday portrait (1/3 shown above) showcases a black-and-white portrait of Kate in an ethereal white gown by Alexander McQueen, complete with a diamond, pearl drop earrings and the sapphire ring – both belonging to the late Princess.
Mastering sophistication, elegance and sustainability, Kate has paid tribute to her late mother-in-law’s fashion sense in more ways than one. Below, scroll through the 9 times the Duchess’ style nods to Princess Diana…
Princess Diana, seen photographed at home in 1985; the Duchess of Cambridge wearing a similar polka dot, white-collared Prada dress in Prince Charles’s 70th birthday portraits in 2018.
Princess Diana in all-pink ensemble in April 1983 visiting the Freemantle Hospital in Australia; Kate Middleton sporting the same full look while at Buckingham Palace in June 2017.
The Duchess of Cambridge wearing a polka dot dress by Jenny Packham while carrying her new son, Prince George, in 2013; The Princess of Wales, Diana, presenting Prince William to the world in 1982.
Princess Diana was spotted pairing a blue blazer with a matching pleated skirt; Kate Middleton mirrored her look while visiting Scotland in May 2021.
Princess Diana is seen wearing a festive printed skirt and black pullover; Duchess of Cambridge similarly wears a festive long plaid skirt and black cardigan while arriving at a Christmas party at Kensington Palace in 2018.
Princess Diana’s masterclass in modern eveningwear in 1991; the Duchess of Cambridge looking similarly ethereal in a one-shoulder white Alexander McQueen dress in 2019.
In 2018, Duchess Kate sported a red dress with a white lace collar while leaving the hospital with newborn son Prince Louis; Princess Diana leaving the same St. Mary’s Hospital with newborn Prince Harry in 1984 wearing a red collared dress and coat.
Princess Diana in one of her many all-pink ensembles; Kate Middleton in Emilia Wickstead at a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2012.
Kate Middleton wearing the Lover’s Knot tiara for a state dinner in 2018; Princess Diana wore the same tiara while attending a dinner at the British Embassy in 1985.
