When Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement back in October 2010, it was inevitable that the newest member of the royal family would be compared to her mother-in-law, the late Princess Diana. Over the following years, Kate’s fashion choices have also often been compared to those of Lady Diana — many times because they might simply have worn the same color. However, there are some striking similarities between many of the women’s choices — some intentional, and others less so.
When Kate Middleton emerged in a blue-and-white polka-dot Jenny Packham dress from St. Mary’s Hospital with Prince George, royal fans immediately referenced Princess Diana’s appearance with Prince William 21 years earlier. The Princess of Wales wore a frock with green-and-white spots from Catherine Walker. Likewise, Princess Diana chose a floaty powder-blue dress by Catherine Walker for a gala at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987, and Middleton channeled her mother-in-law in a pale lilac dress 14 years later, at a BAFTA gala in LA.
Just this month, Kate Middleton recreated one of Princess Diana’s most memorable looks at Wimbledon. She wore a green blazer with a white lapel that resembled the iconic look her mother-in-law wore to the Trooping the Colour event in 1988.
The twosome are fans of many of the same sartorial statements, ranging from pastel colors to polka dots to plaids. Keep scrolling for every matching moment from Kate Middleton and the late Princess Diana.