Kate Middleton Makes A Vintage Princess Diana Look Her Own At Trooping The Colour 2026

Kate Middleton has worn some timeless outfits at Trooping the Colour throughout the years, and the 2026 parade was no different. She once again proved that the perfect formula for royal style is a balance of tradition and modern accessories. The Princess of Wales stepped out in a striking icy blue coat dress by Catherine Walker as she joined the royal family for King Charles III's official birthday celebrations. While the style felt in tune with the senior royal's usual sartorial styling, Marie Claire pointed out the "classic silhouette paired with vintage-reminiscent contrast detailing had an incredibly '80s feel to it." The publication added that this made sense as Princess Diana wore an almost identical coat dress from the same designer in 1987. Rather than sporting a direct copy for the celebration, Middleton gave the vintage-inspired look a fresh, contemporary twist, showing off her ability to make a vintage Diana look her own.

Kate Middleton's Lafayette coat dress from Catherine Walker is described as "an impeccably tailored, hand-crafted couture coat dress defined by precision," making it a perfect choice for a formal military occasion. She paired it with a wide-brimmed Philip Treacy hat in a similar shade and added Cassandra Goad Cavolfiore pearl earrings, white pumps and her Irish Guards Regiment insignia brooch to complete the look. 

Middleton arrived at the celebrations in the Ascot Landau carriage alongside Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. In the past, the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte have donned coordinating outfits for Trooping the Colour, like their aquamarine matching moment in 2025, which saw Middleton wear another striking Catherine Walker coat dress, while Princess Charlotte followed suit in a similarly colored, bow-waisted dress. For the 2026 parade, Charlotte donned a puff-sleeved, button-front white tea dress and a matching bow in her hair. Princes George and Louis also matched their mom's look with their suits and pale blue ties.

Trooping the Colour 2026 is far from the first time Kate Middleton has channelled Diana's iconic style. In her time as a senior royal, the Princess of Wales has carefully incorporated subtle tributes to her late mother-in-law, often reimagining vintage Princess Diana looks and making them her own.

Tatler noted, "One instance [of her nods to Princess Diana] is Kate's fitted red coat, which she has worn for events like the engagements during her 2021 tour to Copenhagen". A look that the outlet stated "directly mirrors numerous occasions where Princess Diana donned striking red coats, such as a memorable red Catherine Walker coat she wore to visit a hospital in November 1989, or her red coat worn during a trip to Kuwait in 1989."

Middleton has also repeatedly embraced Diana's love of polka dots, with a video from E! Insider, noting her choice to step out in dresses that not only echo several of the late princess's most recognizable outfits, but even her love of polka dots. Even when the clothing itself isn't directly inspired by Princess Diana, Middleton often references Diana through accessories, most famously by wearing Diana's sapphire and diamond engagement ring and frequently choosing pieces from her jewelry collection.