The Princess of Wales is celebrated for her mastery of soft diplomacy, often using her fashion choices to convey subtle yet impactful messages, particularly during her international visits.

However, during her 2016 royal tour of India, her sartorial efforts at diplomacy were described as a “holy mess” by one designer.

This fashion faux pas is explored by royal commentators in an upcoming Channel 5 documentary titled “Kate: A Life in 10 Dresses.”

The documentary revisits the highlights of the six-day tour in India, where the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge mingled with Bollywood celebrities, took in the iconic Taj Mahal, and enjoyed a safari at Kaziranga National Park.

Among their activities was a stop at Anita Dongre, one of India’s top fashion houses in Mumbai. Despite wearing a piece from the designer’s collection later, the Princess’s wardrobe choices largely overlooked local Indian designers.

Instead, she opted for attire featuring Indian motifs from British brands such as Topshop, Anna Sui, Temperley London, and Jenny Packham, a move some deemed disrespectful to the local fashion industry.

South Asian designer Onita Prasada, director of O’nitaa London, recalled: ‘It was a holy mess. 

‘I cannot put my finger on one garment that she wore over her visit to India that spoke volumes for the wealth of fashion that is available. Someone got it really wrong, I was disappointed.’

The then-Duchess of Cambridge’s failure to spotlight Indian designers during her 2016 royal tour of the country caused disappointment for some. Pictured in the Kaziranga National Park wearing a Topshop dress

Speaking on the show, royal commentator Daisy McAndrew said: ‘Soft diplomacy means dressing to the nines, on a mission of flattery to the government and people of that country, and fundamentally trying to improve the standing of the British Government, people and Royal Family in that country that they’re visiting.’

As such, attire is of prime importance, and in the past, royals have chosen to show respect in a variety of ways, from sporting the colours on the country’s flag to wearing designs made by local talent.

Three years later, however, during a 2019 tour of Pakistan, Kate and her stylist at the time, Natasha Archer, set out to prove that it was a lesson learnt.

Baroness Ayesha Hazarika said: ‘They would have had to think really carefully about not crossing the line and looking like they’re going to a fancy dress party because that is beyond cringe.

To get every detail right, Kate’s stylist at the time, Natasha Archer, visited a shop owned by Onita Prasada, a specialist in Asian couture, and asked for her help.’

Together, in a bid to create the perfect wardrobe, the designer and Archer selected over 300 outfits for Kate to try on.

‘There was a lot of interaction and communication between Natasha and myself,’ Onita said, adding that the pair discussed cuts, lengths, and traditions in the country.

Onita set out the rules for how Kate should dress for the tour and pushed for her to wear a scarf, called a dupata, around her ensemble as a sign of respect. 

Despite wearing mostly British designers, Kate did sport a design by Anita Dongre during the trip. Pictured wearing the frock in Mumbai

During a Bollywood inspired charity gala at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Kate donned a dress by Jenny Packham

Pictured: Kate attending a garden party celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday in New Delhi, India, wearing a £4,500 Temperley London dress

The designer pulled it off; Kate’s outfits were a huge hit at home in the UK and in Pakistan.

The royal sported a range of designs, including one made by esteemed Pakistani designer Maheem Khan.

Baroness Ayesha Hazarika said: ‘I remember this look really well because she completely nailed it.’ 

‘The outfit was made by famous Pakistani designer Maheem Khan, and was hailed as a masterclass in diplomatic dressing.

‘She looked naturally enthusiastic about respecting the culture and embracing fashion. It was a smart move for her, and she pulled it off.’

At the end of the tour, during a reception in Islamabad, William and Kate pulled off another impressive feat in diplomatic dressing.

Recalling the moment, the Daily Mail’s Royal Editor Rebecca English said: ‘It was very special for a number of reasons because before they arrived we were told they were going to arrive in a beautifully coloured tuk tuk.’

But another surprise materialised when the couple arrived. 

The royal mother-of-three proved it was lesson learnt when visiting Pakistan some three years later

Pictured: The then-Duchess of Cambridge during a school visit in Islamabad, Pakistan, in October 2019

Kate and William impressed royal fans with their ensembles at a reception in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2019

The then-Duke wore an eye-catching black Sherwani – a long coat-like jacket that is knee-length and usually worn for formal occasions or weddings – with matching trousers at the National Monument of Pakistan.

The couple drove up in a rickshaw decorated to mark the royal visit and fitted with lights ahead of the event hosted by British High Commissioner Thomas Drew.

The decision was considered a perfect show of traditional Pakistani style and inspired people around the world to see this way of dressing in a new light.

Kate: A life in 10 dresses airs on Channel 5 on Sunday at 9.30pm.