How Kate has followed in Princess Diana’s footsteps

The ever-elegant Princess of Wales once again showcased her impeccable style at Trooping the Colour last weekend.

Making her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis, Kate showcased a meticulously upcycled Jenny Packham ensemble.

The outfit, which she previously wore a year earlier, boasted the addition of a monochrome bow at the neck and an updated belt. 

Kate’s sartorial recycling echoes the late Princess Diana, who would frequently rework her wardrobe for different occasions.

It also reflects the contemporary shift towards sustainability in fashion.

Below, we reveal the times Kate has repurposed her outfits – and show how in doing so she is following in Diana’s footsteps. 

CATHERINE, PRINCESS OF WALES

Jenny Packham – Adding a bow to the neckline

At Trooping the Colour, Princess Kate arrived wearing a white Jenny Packham dress with black trim and ribbon embellishment on the neckline. 

At first glance it appeared to be a new piece in her closet, but it turns out the outfit was actually an upcycled version of the ensemble that the royal wore last year on the eve of King Charles’ Coronation. 

The simple white and black dress was updated with a new neckline and different details around the waist.

The elegant alteration felt just as timeless and current as ever.

Alexander McQueen – Change of neckline

Kate Middleton attended the 2019 Portrait Gala wearing a black Alexander McQueen gown printed all over with green florals.

The outfit’s tiered skirt extended right down to the floor.

 If the dress looked familiar, it’s because she originally wore it to the Baftas in 2017.

However, for her second appearance, the dress boasted a completely new upper half with cap sleeves added to the original off-the-shoulder shape.

The update gave the gown a fresh new silhouette.

Alexander McQueen – Sleeve alteration

The royal debuted this Alexander McQueen gown embroidered in hibiscus flowers during a tour of Malaysia in 2012.

For the Bafta Awards eight years later, she paired the same dress with Van Cleef and Arpels jewels.  

On this occasion, the frock featured the same sweetheart neckline but the sleeves had been lined for an opaque finish and tailored for a neater fit.

Jenny Packham – Scarf removed

Going green in Pakistan’s national colour when attending a gala evening during her and William’s 2019 tour of the country, Kate was wearing a sequin and jewel embellished dress with a draped train stitched to the shoulder.

Clearly a red-carpet favourite, Kate re-wore the glittering gown by Jenny Packham – one of her favourite designers – two years later at the Royal Variety Show.

On this occasion, the scarf was removed, creating an elegant silhouette that nipped in at her waist before flaring out.

Alexander McQueen – Change in shoulder adornment

Stepping out at the 2023 Baftas, the Princess of Wales highlighted her penchant for sustainable dressing by re-wearing an Alexander McQueen gown that she originally wore for the 2019 ceremony. 

For the second outing, the gown had a modern pleated bow on her shoulder instead of the floral corsage and was styled with black velvet opera gloves and Zara earrings. 

Luisa Spagnoli – Lengthened hem

Kate has wowed in this red Luisa Spagnoli skirt suit on various occasions.

She was first spotted in the red two-piece back in 2011 on a visit to St Andrews University – where she and William met as students.

It was one of her first formal engagements following the announcement of her engagement to her royal boyfriend.

Most recently the royal wore the vibrant suit when launching Children’s Mental Health week in 2017.

This time, the skirt was a little longer, giving it a more demure feel which was more appropriate for her working wardrobe.

PRINCESS DIANA 

Catherine Walker – Sleeves removed

Diana wore this long-sleeved pale blue Catherine Walker gown for the first time during an official visit to Qatar in 1986.

She then remade the dress, removing the sleeves and re-crafting it with a heart-shaped strapless neckline to wear to a function in Cameroon. 

The extensive tailoring transformed the frock from demure and conservative to red carpet-worthy glamour.

Victor Edelstein – Deconstruction of Peplum

Diana was a big fan of polka dots and chose this ruffled Victor Edelstein ensemble for the Epsom Derby in 1986 along with a similarly dotted hat by Frederick Fox.

At a polo match a year later the princess chose the dress again but it had been sleekly modernised with the removal of the peplum for a less flouncy and more streamlined look.

Catherine Walker – Replacement of Skirt

Princess Diana wore this dazzling floral Catherine Walker gown with a full taffeta skirt to a dinner to meet the Crown Prince of Kuwait in March 1989. 

Then, at a banquet in Seoul, South Korea, in 1992, Diana aligned with changing fashion trends by wearing a remixed version of the dress.

This time the striking skirt had been changed for a slim column instead yet the embellished bodice remained the same.