Princess Diana remains a timeless fashion icon, admired not only by women worldwide but also within the royal family itself.

Although Kate Middleton never had the chance to meet her mother-in-law before Diana’s tragic passing in 1997, it’s evident that the late princess has had a significant influence on her—particularly in terms of style. With her signature polished hair, love for bold patterns, appreciation for statement jewelry, and ability to make any outfit look effortlessly elegant, Princess Diana’s impact on fashion is undeniable.

Throughout her life, Diana’s daring and sophisticated fashion choices were often highlighted in major publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and Elle. Even decades after her passing, she remains one of the most celebrated style icons of the 20th century. Her timeless elegance continues to inspire people today, and younger members of the royal family—especially her daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton—are frequently compared to her.

Since marrying Prince William in 2011, the Princess of Wales has captivated royal fans with her grace and poise. She seamlessly took on the responsibilities of a senior royal and quickly became known for her impeccable fashion sense.

Often referred to as the “Children’s Princess,” a title reminiscent of Diana’s “People’s Princess” moniker, Kate has developed a signature style of her own while also paying tribute to her late mother-in-law. From tailored coat dresses to elegant skirt suits, her wardrobe choices reflect both her personal taste and Diana’s lasting influence.

Kate’s admiration for Princess Diana is evident in the way she occasionally mirrors her fashion choices—even wearing some of the same jewelry that once belonged to her. Since officially joining the royal family, Kate has honored Diana’s legacy through her style on numerous occasions.

Notably, Prince William proposed to Kate with the same stunning 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to his mother. When they announced their engagement in November 2010, Kate wore a navy blue wrap dress that complemented the color of her ring—a choice reminiscent of Diana’s outfit in February 1981 when she and King Charles III (then Prince Charles) revealed their own engagement.

Kate’s wedding dress also featured subtle nods to Diana’s bridal gown, and she continued the tradition when she left the hospital after giving birth to her second son, Prince Louis. Her outfit closely resembled the one Diana had worn years earlier when she introduced Prince Harry to the world.

In September 2022, Kate was once again seen paying tribute to Diana when she met with Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s First Lady, at Buckingham Palace. She wore one of Diana’s iconic three-strand pearl bracelets, a piece commonly associated with mourning.

According to Metro, the bracelet was originally inherited by Prince William after Diana’s passing before he later gifted it to Kate. Princess Diana first wore the bracelet during her visit to Hong Kong with King Charles III.

As the future Queen Consort, Kate’s role in the royal family is more significant than ever. According to Town & Country, she may even inherit Diana’s beloved title as the “People’s Princess.” The Telegraph noted that her comparisons to Diana have sparked discussions about her potentially carrying on the legacy of her late mother-in-law.

Kate has already proven to be an invaluable member of the royal family. As Page Six reported, The Diana Chronicles author Tina Brown emphasized just how vital Kate is to the monarchy, stating that if she ever stepped away like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did, “it would be a disaster.” Brown added:

“It would, I think, crumble at the moment without her because she’s the only modern, beautiful woman who’s well-educated, substantial in herself, who’s actually wanting to commit herself to the rigors of this institution. Not many young women could do that.”

Despite the frequent comparisons, royal correspondent Katie Nicholl explained that Kate isn’t trying to replicate Diana. Speaking to Express, she shared:

“I think one of the great strengths of Kate, and one of her real successes, is that she hasn’t followed in Diana’s footsteps. I think she was so aware of the comparison right from the outset, but despite the weight of that engagement ring on her finger, and the significance that that holds and the comparisons it inevitably draws, she is actually a very different woman.”

What are your thoughts on Kate Middleton wearing Princess Diana’s jewelry? We see it as a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law! If you love following the royal family, don’t forget to share this with friends and family who enjoy reading about them too!