Although Catherine, Princess of Wales, never had the chance to meet her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, the two share a remarkable bond when it comes to their fashion sense.
Both women have become iconic figures in royal style, each defining their eras with unique yet somehow connected looks.
Diana captivated the world in the 1980s and 90s with her bold, trend-setting ensembles, while Kate brings a modern, elegant touch to royal dressing today.
Kate’s Subtle Homage to Diana Through Fashion
Over the years, Kate has often looked to Diana for inspiration, weaving subtle nods to her mother-in-law’s signature style into her own wardrobe.
From shimmering evening gowns to playful polka dot prints, Diana’s influence quietly shines through Kate’s choices.
One recent example stood out during the official naming ceremony of the Royal Navy’s HMS Glasgow, where Kate’s nautical-themed outfit paid a graceful tribute to Diana’s flair.
The Nautical Elegance of the HMS Glasgow Ceremony Outfit
At the ceremony, Kate wore a stunning navy and white coat dress by Suzannah London.
Made from luxurious Italian wool crepe, the dress featured a sleek silhouette with flap pockets and was highlighted by crisp white trim.
The naval theme was more than just a style choice—it echoed the tailored skirt suits Diana favored in the 80s and 90s.
Kate’s dress also incorporated structured shoulder pads, a defining detail that Diana loved, adding a sense of strength and poise to the look.
Power Shoulders and Poise: A Shared Signature
Much like Diana’s famous power suits, the padded shoulders gave Kate’s outfit an air of confidence and grace, qualities both women embodied throughout their public lives.
The structured design accentuated Kate’s posture and gave the ensemble a powerful edge, balancing modernity with tradition.
Finishing Touches That Speak Volumes
To complete her look, Kate chose a dramatic wide-brimmed hat by Philip Treacy—the same designer behind the hat she wore at the 2022 Trooping the Colour.
She paired this with an Emmy London clutch and elegant Gianvito Rossi heels.
Adding a deeply personal touch, she wore the Cabochon Sapphire Drop Earrings, believed to be a wedding gift to Diana.
These floral-inspired earrings perfectly complemented Kate’s sapphire engagement ring, another treasured heirloom passed down from Diana.
Honouring Legacy While Defining Her Own Style
With this carefully curated outfit, Kate once again showed her knack for blending tradition with a fresh, modern sensibility.
She honoured Diana’s enduring legacy while confidently defining her own place in royal fashion.
Unlike Diana, who often chose black shoes, Kate went with her favorite nude suede court shoes—a reliable pair she’s worn many times before.
A Bespoke Brooch to Mark the Occasion
Kate also wore a special brooch by James Porter & Son, one of Scotland’s oldest jewellers based in Glasgow’s historic Argyll Arcade.
The bespoke piece was designed to reflect the crest of HMS Glasgow and was commissioned with support from two London livery companies: the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers and the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors.
This elegant detail beautifully tied Kate’s outfit to the significance of the event.