The Princess of Wales paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, during the Nigerian state visit in a remarkably similar 1980s-style double-breasted, two-toned pencil dress.
Kate, 44, was accompanying her husband, Prince William, 43, as the senior working royals welcomed the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle.
For the occasion, which also saw King Charles III and Queen Camilla extend their welcome to the African head of state, the mother-of-three chose a light grey ensemble that almost replicated an outfit worn by Diana in 1989.
During a visit to the Dartmouth Naval College, the then 27-year-old princess wore a bright red Catherine Walker coat and matching hat that featured the exact same white lapels and buttons as Kate's dress in Windsor.
Prince William's mother's ensemble was simple yet striking, much like Kate's look, and was complemented by a wide-brimmed straw hat in the same red with a white stripe and some red patent leather high heels.
Diana added a pair of pearl earrings, albeit studs rather than Kate's drop pearls, and wore a red and white bow attached to the back of her hat.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesShe carried her things in a red leather clutch purse and wore her hair in her signature cropped bob style.
Recycling the look, Diana previously wore this kind of white lapel coat dress in 1987 for the Easter service at St George's Chapel. Borrowing from the same designer, the princess chose a pale eggshell blue for the festive mass and once again matched her hat to her outerwear.
© Alamy Stock PhotoKate's copycat moment
During the royal engagement earlier this week, Kate nodded to her late mother-in-law when she stepped out in a Tolu Coker coat dress featuring a pencil-cut skirt, contrasting 1980s-style white lapels, and double-breasted buttons.
Much like Diana's hat, Kate's look also showed off an unexpected detail when she turned around to reveal a lace-up corset-style back.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageIn response to Kate's unique ensemble, stylist Sian Clarke of Styled by Sian, told Best Quality Designer Handbag : "The head-to-toe neutral palette brings an effortless sense of elegance, poise, and calm. Her decision to avoid bold colour feels incredibly intentional.
"Choosing grey as a refined, neutral base allows the focus to remain on the visit and hosting, while still looking undeniably striking. It’s understated, but powerful."
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetMatching Diana's hat with a grey and white striped version of her own, the princess further paid homage to the ex-wife of King Charles by wearing the Collingwood Pearl Drop earrings from Princess Diana's collection.
