.svg)
The spirit of the beloved Princess Diana continues to shine brightly through the sartorial choices of Catherine, the Princess of Wales. At this year's magnificent Trooping the Colour celebrations, royal watchers were captivated as Catherine subtly yet powerfully channeled the timeless elegance of her late mother-in-law, a move that resonated deeply with British people who hold Diana in such high regard.
Arriving on the Mall for the grand parade and Royal Air Force fly-past, the Princess of Wales exuded grace in a stunning aquamarine dress coat by London-based designer Catherine Walker. This particular label held a special place in Princess Diana's wardrobe, making Catherine's choice a poignant nod to her predecessor. The 'Bria' style coat, featuring striking contrast ivory lapels and cuffs, was perfectly complemented by a co-ordinating aqua hat with elegant floral detail by Juliette Botterill. Catherine completed her impeccably chic ensemble with her Irish Guards Regimental Brooch and the late Queen Elizabeth's Bahrain pearl-drop earrings.
Seated prominently beside the King in her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, Catherine took a central position in the annual celebration of the monarch's birthday. Her outfit not only showcased her characteristic chic and suitability for the occasion but also bore a striking resemblance to the ensemble Diana famously wore for Trooping the Colour in 1988 – a green and white-trim dress, also created by Catherine Walker.
Princess Diana, still revered as a global style icon decades after her public life, attended Trooping the Colour twelve times, consistently delivering on-point looks. Her 1988 outfit, however, appears to be etched particularly strongly in the mind of the current Princess of Wales. This is not the first time Catherine has seemingly drawn inspiration from this specific 1980s fashion moment; in 2023, she garnered comparisons in a green dress by Singapore-born designer Andrew Gn, paired with a co-ordinating Philip Treacy hat, further underlined by her decision to wear her late mother-in-law’s sapphire and diamond earrings.
Catherine frequently delves into Diana's extensive and admired archive of outfits, seeking inspiration for a diverse range of engagements, from ski slopes in Switzerland to high-profile public appearances. A recent notable example was seen last month, when Catherine donned a navy coat dress with white trim by Suzannah London for the naming of HMS Glasgow. This immaculate nautical look was a direct echo of a similar Catherine Walker ensemble Diana chose in 1993 for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, further solidifying the contemporary Princess's deep respect for Diana's sartorial legacy.
Beyond individual outfits, both Princesses of Wales have mastered the subtle art of 'mummy and me' dressing, creating a harmonious and united family front. At this year’s Trooping the Colour, Princess Charlotte charmingly mirrored her mother in a dress of a paler turquoise-blue, complete with matching white trim and a tie-waist detail. Her horseshoe brooch, a cherished gift from the late Queen Elizabeth, once belonged to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, echoing Catherine's own earrings. This thoughtful co-ordination recalled a moment from 1988, when a young Prince Harry appeared in Diana’s arms on the Buckingham Palace balcony, his suspenders matching the very same shade of green as his mother’s Catherine Walker dress. This aligned dressing, rather than direct matching, effectively conveys a sense of unity without appearing overly coordinated or "twee."
Last year’s Trooping the Colour also saw Catherine and Charlotte executing an elevated take on family dressing, with Catherine in a white Jenny Packham design with black trim, and Charlotte in a navy sailor dress with white piping – an almost reverse, yet complementary, look. Similarly, at last year’s Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham, they sported co-ordinating tartan ensembles in navy blue and forest green.
This year's brighter, more summery shade of green proved perfect for the mother-daughter duo, striking a beautiful balance between pretty pastels and deeper winter tones. The Duchess of Edinburgh also embraced the green palette in a regal emerald Beulah dress and Jane Taylor pillbox hat. Queen Camilla, meanwhile, honored the occasion in elegant white, echoing her wedding ensemble with a silk crepe dress by Anna Valentine and a sculptural Philip Treacy hat.
Overall, the annual celebration of the monarch’s official birthday provided a wealth of uplifting fashion moments on a perfect summer’s day in London. The poignant tribute of black armbands worn by the King and other royal family members in honor of those lost in the Air India disaster provided a solemn counterpoint, with the vibrant colours and pageantry offering a welcome lightness amidst the darker news cycle.
