Making a case for pastel blue, the Princess of Wales delighted fashion fans all over the world at Trooping the Colour 2026. Sporting a new coat dress for the occasion, the 44-year-old looked resplendent in the Catherine Walker design, which had chic white detail at the collar. The regal style was elegant and strangely familiar on initial sighting.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesWith the gentle shoulder pads and sleek, body-sculpting cut, the coat dress had a distinctly '80s feel to it, and after consulting the archives, we can confirm that Princess Diana wore an almost identical style, also by Catherine Walker, in 1987. Diana defied rainy conditions as she arrived at Huddersfield airport, wearing the icy blue ensemble.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetKate wore her hair in a charming updo style, topped with a pastel blue hat by Philip Treacy and Cassandra Goad earrings.
© Getty ImagesThis is the second time Kate has channelled Prince William and Prince Harry's late mother at Trooping the Colour.
In 2025, the brunette royal donned a patriotic, turquoise coat dress by Catherine Walker once again. Kate's stylish number was known as the 'Bria', and the brand described the striking design as a "deep aquamarine wool coatdress with ivory contrast lapels and cuffs."
© Getty ImagesKate added a delightful hat by Juliette Botterill and wore nude high heels and exquisite drop earrings, wearing her famous mane up in a chic chignon.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetIn 1988, also during Trooping the Colour that year, Diana wore a hugely similar coat dress, also by Catherine Walker. Although a slightly different colourway - green and white - it featured the bold, contrasting detailing down the front and on the cuffs.
Diana's love for Catherine Walker
Catherine Walker was considered one of Diana's favourite labels. The blonde royal wore the brand throughout her royal career and owned over 1,000 styles by the designer. Catherine also memorably designed the black dress that Diana was buried in at Althorp.
Said Cyrus, who founded the company with his wife, Catherine Walker, told Best Quality Designer Handbag in 2017, "We saw our job as giving Diana the tools of her trade.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via Get"As the relationship developed, we took the combination of her job and our support very seriously. Diana was always very polite, very courteous and very appreciative. She was never late for an appointment, which, for a busy person, shows respect, and whenever she wore a dress that was admired, she'd thank us," he revealed.
