Princess Kate and Meghan Markle both secretly copied Princess Diana's overlooked 80s outfit


The late Princess Diana was a known classic dresser and donned this stunning white, cowl-necked look in 1983, which her royal daughters-in-law emulated


Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle take their seats in the Royal Box on Centre Court before watching Serbia's Novak Djokovic play against Spain's Rafael Nadal during the continuation of their men's singles semi-final match at 2018 Wimbledon© AFP via Getty Images
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
1 hour ago
Share this:

The late Princess Diana is the style blueprint for so many, and it appears that includes her royal daughters-in-law, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex.

The wives of PPrince William and Prince Harry have been known to step out in outfits that appear as a fashion tribute to the world's most famed style icon, and it's easy to see why - Diana's timeless look was ahead of her time.

Here at HELLO!, royal fashion is always on our radar, and we recently delved into the archives, finding this style gem from 1983. King Charles' former wife was pictured at Kensington Palace, alongside her husband, then known as Prince Charles, with baby William in 1983. 

Diana, Princess of Wales  and Prince Charles with their son Prince William during a photocall at Kensington Palace in London, 14th December 1983.  © Getty Images
Diana wore this timless outfit in 1983

Diana looked as resplendent as ever, wearing a glorious white, cowl-neck jumper and a pleated midi skirt. The timeless ensemble feels right at home in 2026 and wouldn't look out of place on the high street today.

Kate's take on Diana's all-white look

In 2023, the mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis was pictured at a local baby bank in Windsor. Dressing down with an elegant edge, Kate donned the 'Edina' jumper by luxury high street store Reiss.

Kate Middleton with her children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte helping out at a baby bank
Princess Kate wore a similar knitted top at a baby bank

 It had the same flattering cowl neck as Diana's, only she paired it with a simple pair of jeans - a more casual take on Diana's '80s look.

Meghan emulates Princess Diana

In 2018, when Meghan was still a working royal, she carried out an engagement alongside Prince Harry in Birmingham. 

harry and meghan© AFP via Getty Images
Meghan wore an AllSaints knit in 2018

The former Suits star has always loved the monochrome look and memorably sported black cropped trousers by Alexander Wang, alongside a statement J.Crew coat. Layering up in style, she mirrored Diana’s winter aesthetic and added a cashmere and wool blend sweater from AllSaints, which kept her warm and chic.

Meghan wearing Diana's jewels in 2026

While Meghan may look to Diana's style from time to time, her late mother-in-law's jewellery remains a constant fixture in her style repertoire.  

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the David Foster Foundation 40th Anniversary Celebration on August 07, 2026 in Victoria, British Columbia© The David Foster Foundation via
Prince Harry and Meghan had a red carpet moment last week

At the weekend, the As Ever founder made a glamorous appearance alongside Prince Harry as the couple stepped out for a special evening in Victoria, Canada.

Meghan Markle attends the David Foster Foundation 40th Anniversary Celebration © Getty
Meghan wore a pair of Princess Diana's earrings

The 45-year-old lit up the red carpet at the David Foster Foundation's star-studded 40th anniversary gala. Meghan wore a sophisticated strapless navy gown by Canadian designer Greta Constantine and added a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings that previously belonged to Diana.

More Royal Style
See more
Conversation

For more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.