Exclusive: The designer behind Princess Diana’s wardrobe on how Princess Kate honours her style legacy….Read More

With the title the Princess of Wales comes an incredible style legacy. Prince William’s wife, Kate inherited the honour on 8 September 2022 upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Kate’s predecessor was, of course, her late mother-in-law Princess Diana who has gone down in history as one of the British royal family’s best dressed ladies. Responsible for many of Diana’s fabulous looks was iconic British fashion designer, Amanda Wakeley.

Kate’s style lessons
Though Diana and Kate’s outfits both possess a timeless quality, Amanda says that royal dressing has undoubtedly become more streamlined and polished. “Diana had a certain romanticism in her style, whereas Kate often leans into a refined, almost diplomatic elegance,” she tells me.

Kate’s predecessor was, of course, her late mother-in-law Princess Diana who has gone down in history as one of the British royal family’s best dressed ladies. Responsible for many of Diana’s fabulous looks was iconic British fashion designer, Amanda Wakeley.

Kate’s style lessons
Though Diana and Kate’s outfits both possess a timeless quality, Amanda says that royal dressing has undoubtedly become more streamlined and polished. “Diana had a certain romanticism in her style, whereas Kate often leans into a refined, almost diplomatic elegance,” she tells me.

Learning from Diana
There have been outings where Kate has seemingly honoured her late mother-in-law in her outfit choices. “Kate pays tribute to Diana in the most thoughtful ways – through colour choices, silhouettes, and, of course, wearing her jewellery,” Amanda tells us.

“Prince William gave her Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, as well as pieces from her personal collection. But beyond the literal tributes, she carries forward Diana’s belief that fashion can be powerful – whether through diplomatic dressing, supporting British designers, or using clothing to express warmth and approachability.”

During the Earthshot Prize event in Boston in 2022, Kate styled her slinky green gown with Diana’s emerald choker, while in 2023, she wore her diamond and sapphire drop earrings to make a keynote speech during the Shaping Us symposium.

Kate also never shies away from print and colour, much like William’s mother. She channelled Diana at 2023’s Order of the Garter in a polka dot Alessandra Rich dress and statement hat. Diana wore a near-identical look in 1988 to Royal Ascot.

Meanwhile, Kate wore cobalt blue in the form of a double-breasted Zara blazer and pleated skirt during a royal tour in Scotland in May 2021 – a copycat moment from Diana’s identical look from September 1992.