It’s been exactly 29 years since Princess Diana passed away, and the world remembers her tragic death like it was yesterday.
Prince William’s wife, Princess Kate, may never have met her mother-in-law, but she often pays homage to her with her classic wardrobe.
The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis is loved for her elegant dress sense as well as her caring nature – just like Diana.
© Getty ImagesWhen it comes to Kate’s personal style, there have been many times over the years when her fashion choices appeared to pay tribute to King Charles‘ former wife.
In 2026 alone, there have been three standout occasions when her outfits directly emulated Diana’s. Which one is your favourite?
© Getty ImagesKate wore a grey coat dress in March
March
During the Nigerian state visit in March, Kate donned a remarkably similar 1980s-style double-breasted, two-toned pencil dress. The 44-year-old was accompanying her husband, Prince William, as the senior working royals welcomed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Diana wore a red Catherine Walker dress in 1989
Kate chose a light grey ensemble that looked very much like an outfit worn by Diana in 1989. During a visit to the Dartmouth Naval College, the then-27-year-old princess wore a bright red Catherine Walker coat and matching hat that featured the exact same white lapels and buttons as Kate’s dress in Windsor.
© Getty ImagesKate donned navy a coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
April
Princess Kate looked resplendent at the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey as part of the ANZAC Day commemorations in April.
She debuted a new sculpted navy coat dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, her bridal designer, which featured bold white lapels, a wrap front, and boxy shoulders for added structure. She accessorised with Princess Diana’s diamond and sapphire double cluster earrings.
© Getty ImagesDiana wore this navy number in 1995
The heirloom earrings were not the only way Kate paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, as it seemed her entire look took style cues from her. In 1995, Prince William’s mother stepped out in Germany to present new colours to the Light Dragoon Guards Regiment. She wore a navy skirt suit with white lapels that looked almost identical to Kate’s Alexander McQueen number. Tailoring her look to the trends of the time, Diana added a wide-brimmed hat and a white belt.
© Getty ImagesThe royal donned a Catherine Walker coat dress in June
June
Kate delighted fashion fans at Trooping the Colour 2026. Sporting a new coat dress for the occasion by Catherine Walker, the chic design had white detail at the collar. With gentle shoulder pads and a sleek, body-sculpting cut, the coat dress had a distinctly ’80s feel to it.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetDiana also wore a Catherine Walker design in 1987
Princess Diana wore an almost identical style, also by Catherine Walker, in 1987. Diana defied rainy conditions as she arrived at Huddersfield airport, wearing the icy blue ensemble.
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