Kate Middleton refuse to wear Princess Diana’s old clothes to replace her in royal duties
Kate Middleton, the current Princess of Wales, often pays homage to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, through her fashion choices. However, there is one fashion rule that Diana frequently broke, which Kate still mostly adheres to: wearing black only for mourning or funerals.
Princess Diana was known for her bold and sometimes unconventional fashion choices. While the royal protocol suggested that black should be reserved for mourning or somber occasions, Diana often defied this rule. She was particularly fond of minimalistic dark dresses and was seen wearing black for events outside of traditional mourning contexts. For instance, in March 1981, shortly after becoming engaged to then-Prince Charles, Diana attended a fundraising concert in a striking black gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. This choice was unconventional for a member of the royal family and marked one of her first public appearances with Charles. The event was also significant as it coincided with Charles publicly admitting his infidelity, making the occasion even more poignant.
In contrast, Kate Middleton tends to follow royal traditions more strictly. The current Princess of Wales usually reserves black for occasions of mourning or remembrance. For example, she wore black during the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and Prince Philip in April 2021, as well as throughout the mourning period for the late Queen. While Kate has occasionally worn black outside of these contexts, it’s rare. Instead, she often opts for a wardrobe filled with vibrant colors and stylish neutrals, following the late Queen Elizabeth II’s advice to stand out in a crowd by wearing bright colors.
According to Bethan Holt, fashion director at the Daily Telegraph and author of *The Duchess of Cambridge*, Kate uses fashion to pay tribute to Diana in a very positive way. However, while Kate references Diana’s style, she modernizes it, making it relevant for today. Unlike Diana’s 1980s power shoulders or puffball skirts, Kate’s fashion choices are sleek and contemporary, ensuring that she honors Diana without appearing as if she’s simply imitating her.
Princess Kate’s adherence to this particular fashion rule reflects her overall approach to royal life—one that balances tradition with a modern touch, showing respect for the past while embracing the present.
