Kate Middleton recently honored Princess Diana’s memory with thoughtful fashion choices at two major events. On November 9, she attended the Festival of Remembrance, followed by Remembrance Sunday on November 10. Her looks on both days paid subtle yet powerful tributes to Diana. This “Kate Middleton tribute” showed her admiration for her late mother-in-law and highlighted the lasting impact of Princess Diana’s style.
Honoring Diana Through Iconic Jewelry
On November 9, Kate Middleton wore Collingwood pearl earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana. She paired them with the famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring that Diana wore after her engagement to Prince Charles. Known for its striking beauty, this ring first captivated the world in 1981. By wearing these pieces, Kate honored Diana’s timeless elegance in a way that felt both personal and respectful.
Paying Homage to Diana’s Favorite Designer
During Remembrance Sunday on November 10, Kate wore a black coat dress by Catherine Walker & Co., a fashion house that held a special place in Diana’s life. Catherine Walker was one of Diana’s most trusted designers and a close friend. Diana wore Walker’s designs on many important occasions, including her 1983 Australia tour with Prince Charles and young Prince William.
Some of Walker’s most famous creations for Diana include the iconic “Elvis dress,” a pearl-encrusted white gown Diana wore to the British Fashion Awards in 1989. Though Walker didn’t win that night, Diana sent her a note the next day saying, “To my designer of the year.” This close bond lasted until Diana’s untimely passing in 1997.
Catherine Walker’s Close Work with Diana
Catherine Walker played a unique role in shaping Diana’s public image. Walker’s husband, Cyrus, recalled how carefully his wife worked with Diana to ensure each outfit suited the occasion. “We worked closely with Diana to make sure what she wore was appropriate,” he shared. Diana, he said, always remained the focus—not the clothes.
Walker’s team even traveled to countries ahead of royal visits. This ensured that Diana’s wardrobe respected each destination’s customs. Through this level of care, Walker’s designs helped Diana represent Britain with grace while honoring each culture she visited.
The Lasting Legacy of Walker’s Designs
Diana continued to wear Walker’s creations throughout her life, including at key events. In 1997, she wore Walker’s designs to a charity auction in New York City. Her final public appearance in July 1997 saw her in a red belted dress by Walker during a hospital visit in England. Cyrus Walker described their professional relationship as respectful and positive. “The relationship between the House and Diana was always professional,” he said, noting that Diana appreciated their work.
Walker remained devoted to Diana even after her passing. She was entrusted to create the dress for Diana’s burial, a task that Walker later described as “the saddest and most difficult commission of my life.”
Kate Middleton’s Connection to Catherine Walker
Since joining the royal family in 2011, Kate Middleton has often worn Catherine Walker’s designs. Like Diana, Kate uses her fashion choices to honor those who came before her. In fact, Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, wore a pale blue Catherine Walker outfit for Kate’s wedding to Prince William in 2011. This family connection shows the lasting influence of Walker in royal fashion.
Intentional Homages to Diana’s Style
Kate Middleton’s fashion choices frequently show admiration for Princess Diana. Experts note that these tributes seem both thoughtful and intentional. By wearing Diana’s favorite designers and iconic jewelry, Kate brings Diana’s influence into the present. Yet she always adds her own modern touch.
One fashion expert explained, “Kate uses fashion to pay tribute to Diana in a positive way.” Kate’s choices reflect Diana’s legacy, but she never looks as if she’s simply copying Diana’s style. Instead, she adapts these looks to suit her own image, showing respect for Diana while building her unique role in the royal family.
Honoring Both Diana and Queen Elizabeth
On Remembrance Sunday, Kate also included a subtle tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. She wore a pair of diamond and pearl drop earrings that once belonged to the late Queen. Along with these, she wore the Queen’s Dragoon Guards brooch as a nod to her role as Colonel-in-Chief. This combination of tributes to both Diana and Queen Elizabeth reflected Kate’s respect for her family and royal duties.
