Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were encouraged by the palace to dress like Princess Diana, according to Omid Scobie‘s royals tell-all book, Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival.
In the explosive book, the journalist explained that the “Diana cosplay” suggestion by the palace led Kate and Meghan to regularly wear pieces either previously owned or inspired by their late mother-in-law.
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“While finding a trend untouched by Diana’s iconic style is almost impossible, the huge amount of effort that goes into channeling her exact look sometimes goes beyond the pale,” Scobie wrote, according to Page Six, who obtained an advance copy of the book.
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The royal expert added that dressing like the late princess has become a “royal staple” over the past 13 years.
Scroll to see times the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex paid tribute to Princess Diana through their outfits.
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Chris Jackson / Staff; Tim Graham / Contributor
Timepiece
Meghan was seen wearing a Cartier watch that once belonged to Diana on several occasions, including at the Invictus Games in April 2022.
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Samir Hussein / Contributor; Tim Graham / Contributor
State Visit Sapphire
Kate has worn the late princess’ sapphire and diamond drop earrings on multiple occasions, including to welcome the South Korean president for his state visit to London in November 2023.
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Karwai Tang / Contributor; Tim Graham / Contributor
Wimbledon Wink
In July 2023, Kate wore a mint green blazer at Wimbledon that looked similar to a dress worn by Diana in 1981.
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Samir Hussein / Contributor; Anwar Hussein / Contributor
Matching Houndstooth
The red and white houndstooth coat donned by Kate Middleton to a February 2023 rugby match was strikingly similar to a jacket worn by Diana in 1991.
5 of 12
Visionhaus / Contributor; Anwar Hussein / Contributor
Polka Dot Dress
Kate’s Alessandra Rich blue and white polka dotted dress for day nine of the 2022 Wimbleton tennis championships was a clear nod to one Diana was seen in multiple times throughout the mid ‘80s.
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ANDY BUCHANAN / Contributor; Anwar Hussein / Contributor
Exact Replica
Kate wore an almost exact replica of her late mother-in-law’s 1992 matching blue blazer and skirt for a 2021 visit to Scotland.
7 of 12
AARON CHOWN / Contributor; Tim Graham / Contributor
School Sendoff
The pink floral dress Kate wore to drop Princess Charlotte off for her first day of school in September 2019 is similar to the one Diana wore on a trip to Sydney, Australia in 1983.
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SAEED KHAN / Contributor; Tim Graham / Contributor
Dainty Butterflies
Meghan wore gold butterfly stud earrings and a gold bracelet that once belonged to Diana on an October 2018 visit to Sydney, Australia.
9 of 12
WPA Pool / Pool; Tim Graham / Contributor
Something Blue
Meghan rocked the aquamarine ring once owned by Diana to her wedding reception at Frogmore House in May 2018.
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Pool / Contributor
Welcome Statement
The Duchess of Sussex wore the statement ring again at a welcome reception during her royal tour of Tonga in October 2018.
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Max Mumby/Indigo / Contributor; Tim Graham / Contributor
Diamond Proposal
Prince William proposed to Kate with his late mother’s sapphire and diamond ring in October 2010.
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Max Mumby/Indigo / Contributor
Custom Ring
Harry’s ring for Meghan was custom-made featuring one Botswana-sourced diamond, and two smaller stones straight from Diana’s collection.