Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her late mother-in-law Princess Diana never had the chance to meet, but they share a clear connection through their impeccable sense of style. 

Both women have become fashion icons of their time – Diana for her bold, trend-setting looks in the 1980s and 90s, and Kate for her modern take on royal dressing.

Over the years, Kate has often drawn inspiration from Diana, subtly honouring her through her wardrobe choices.

From sequinned evening gowns to polka dot prints, there is a recurring echo of Diana’s influence in Kate’s outfits.

A recent example came during the official naming ceremony of the Royal Navy’s HMS Glasgow, where Kate wore a nautical-inspired outfit that offered a nod to her mother-in-law’s style.

She opted for a sophisticated navy and white coat dress by Suzannah London. 

Crafted from luxurious Italian wool crepe, it featured a figure-skimming silhouette and flap pockets, accented with a refined white trim.

The naval theme served as a subtle tribute to Princess Diana, who was often seen in skirt suits with a similar flair during the 1980s and 90s. 

Following in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law Diana, Princess Kate has become a fashion icon

Kate has often drawn inspiration from Diana, subtly honouring her through her wardrobe choices

It also incorporated structured shoulder pads, a signature design element that Diana frequently favoured.

The subtle padding added definition and strength to the silhouette, enhancing Kate’s posture and lending the look a powerful edge.

Much like her mother-in-law’s signature power suits, the shoulder detail underscored both confidence and grace – qualities embodied by both women in their public roles.

In true Diana style, Kate completed the look with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat by Philip Treacy, which she debuted at the 2022 Trooping the Colour, along with an Emmy London clutch and Gianvito Rossi heels.

Adding a personal and sentimental touch, she wore the Cabochon Sapphire Drop Earrings, thought to have been a wedding gift to Diana.

The floral-inspired double-drop design beautifully complemented her sapphire engagement ring, another treasured heirloom passed down from the late Princess. 

With this ensemble, Kate once again demonstrated her ability to merge tradition with modernity – honouring Diana’s legacy while defining her own sense of royal style.

A recent example came during the official naming ceremony of the Royal Navy’s HMS Glasgow, where Kate wore a nautical-themed outfit that felt like a nod to her mother-in-law’s style

Much like Diana’s signature power suits of the 80s and 90s, Kate’s outfit underscored both confidence and grace – qualities embodied by both women in their public roles

Notably, it incorporated structured shoulder pads, a signature design element that Diana frequently favoured

In true Diana style, Kate completed the look with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat by Philip Treacy

Kate added a bespoke brooch by James Porter & Son, one of Scotland’s oldest jewellers, founded in 1858 and based in Glasgow’s historic Argyll Arcade

In contrast to her mother-in-law’s consistent choice of black footwear, Kate opted for her go-to nude suede court shoes – a trusted pair she has worn on countless occasions.

She added a bespoke brooch by James Porter & Son, one of Scotland’s oldest jewellers, founded in 1858 and based in Glasgow’s historic Argyll Arcade. 

The piece was specially commissioned to reflect the crest of HMS Glasgow. 

Its creation was funded by two London livery companies: the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers and the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors.