Kate Middleton Just Recreated One of Princess Diana’s Most Iconic Looks for VE Day — and We Love It

Kate Middleton joined her husband, Prince William, and other senior royals to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. While she impressed in every outfit for VE Day events, one dress particularly stood out as it was a tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. The Princess of Wales recreated one of her polka dot dresses for a service at Westminster Abbey on May 8, featuring a turtleneck and cinched waist.

Middleton paired the long-sleeved black and white dress with a black fascinator from Juliette Botterill. As reported by Marie Claire, Middleton had previously worn the same dress for Garter Day in 2023. For VE Day, she made the Alessandra Rich design look chic by swapping out her oversized black Garter Day hat with a small veil. She accentuated the look by carrying a Demellier London Nano Montreal purse and wearing toffee-hued Ralph Lauren pumps. Meanwhile, Diana had worn her polka dot dress during the Royal Ascot Day in 1988.

Additionally, Middleton also wore Diana's beloved Collingwood Pearl Drop earrings to the service. As per Page Six, Diana loved to wear the bauble earrings often, and they perfectly matched her Queen Mary Lover's Knot tiara. Rich, who had also designed a similar polka dot dress for Middleton for the Royal Ascot Day in 2022, previously told The Telegraph, “The Duchess of Cambridge is such a style icon, I can't ever say I'm not thrilled she likes my clothes.” She added, “She looked so beautiful. It was a crepe de chine, with an asymmetrical hem. She was like light in it; she looked amazing. It was the perfect choice for this incredible event.”

This isn't the first time that Middleton has paid tribute to Diana. She famously channeled the late Princesses ‘Sloane Ranger’ look, rocking a Smythe blazer, an all-black outfit, and chic ankle boots during a visit to PACT. For those unversed, Diana had worn her outfit during a 1985 visit to a children’s hospital. In the UK, a Sloane Ranger look typically includes elegant blazers, classy uniforms, tailored jackets, and preppy trousers. The term refers to upper-class young women with a sophisticated and fashionable style.

Other than the Collingwood Pearl Drop earrings, the most famous piece that Middleton has inherited from Diana is her iconic sapphire engagement ring. As per Town & Country magazine, the ring was created by British jeweler Garrard and chosen for then-Prince Charles's proposal to Diana in 1981. In 2010, Prince William presented the same ring, which features a 12-carat oval Ceylon, to Middleton for their engagement. The Princess of Wales has also worn Diana’s favorite, Queen Mary's Lover’s Knot Tiara, for the annual diplomatic reception in 2015. She has also recreated Diana’s light blue polka dot dress at St. Mary's Hospital shortly after giving birth to Prince George in July 2013.