Princess Kate made a dazzling appearance at Trooping the Colour, wearing a breathtaking turquoise and white ensemble by Catherine Walker—a design that paid homage to a similar look once worn by Princess Diana. The Princess of Wales, radiant as ever, smiled at onlookers from a horse-drawn carriage while her children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—accompanied her. Prince William, meanwhile, rode on horseback alongside Princess Anne and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Kate’s impeccably tailored coat dress, crafted by her trusted designer Catherine Walker—a favorite of the late Princess Diana—was paired with a Juliette Botterill hat, the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch, and a pair of earrings once belonging to Queen Elizabeth II, valued at an estimated £20,000.
The ensemble bore a striking resemblance to the emerald green and white outfit Diana wore in 1988 for the same event. Back then, the late Princess paired her Catherine Walker jacket with bold white lapels, a wide-brimmed hat, pearl earrings, and her signature multi-strand pearl choker—a look that effortlessly blended modernity with royal tradition.
Princess Kate wore a similar design to Princess Diana’s 1988 Trooping the Colour dress (Image: Getty)
Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte matched in similar outfits at Trooping the Colour (Image: Getty)
Fashion expert Rebecca Bowyer noted that Kate’s choice of green—a color associated with Macmillan Cancer Support—could be seen as a poignant nod to the charity, particularly given her and King Charles’ recent health challenges. Both Kate and Prince William are joint patrons of the organization, which provides vital support to cancer patients.
In March 2024, Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis following abdominal surgery earlier in the year. Though initially thought to be non-cancerous, post-operative tests led to preventative chemotherapy.
Bowyer praised Kate’s look as “iconic,” describing it as polished, elegant, and regal yet undeniably modern. “The vivid aquamarine coat dress was the perfect choice—dignified yet fresh,” she said. “This is a clear homage to Diana, who would have worn it with the same confidence.”
Adding to the sentimental touch, Kate and Princess Charlotte coordinated their outfits—mirroring a similar mother-son moment between Diana and a young Prince William in 1987. “This intentional matching echoes another Catherine Walker design,” Bowyer noted. “It’s a visual statement of legacy and future leadership.”
With her poised return to royal duties, Princess Kate once again proved her mastery of meaningful, fashion-forward elegance.
The Princess of Wales donned a Catherine Walker bespoke coat dress (Image: Getty)
In March 2024, Princess Kate bravely shared her cancer diagnosis, which came after major abdominal surgery earlier that January. Initially, the procedure was thought to address a non-cancerous condition, but post-operative tests revealed cancer, leading her to begin preventative chemotherapy.
Her choice of green at Trooping the Colour held deeper significance, as it subtly honored Macmillan Cancer Support—a charity close to her heart. Known for its comprehensive support network, Macmillan offers emotional, practical, and financial assistance to those affected by cancer. Both Kate and Prince William serve as joint patrons of the organization, further underscoring their commitment to the cause during this challenging time.
The Princess of Wales made a glamorous return to the parade (Image: Getty)
elegance and modern sophistication. “The vivid aquamarine Catherine Walker coat dress was a masterful choice—regal yet fresh, with a silhouette that feels both timeless and contemporary,” she said.
“The most striking detail is its homage to Princess Diana. One can easily envision Diana wearing this with the same effortless confidence—especially since Catherine Walker was her favorite designer.”
The fashion historian also highlighted the touching coordination between Kate and Princess Charlotte, mirroring a similar mother-child moment from decades past. “This sweet sartorial echo calls back to 1987, when Diana and a young Prince William wore matching Catherine Walker designs to an Easter service. The intentional styling isn’t just charming—it’s a visual legacy, blending nostalgia with a glimpse of future leadership.”
