When it comes to fashion, Kate Middleton never misses. She’s always the epitome of elegance, whether in a laid-back blazer or a radiant gown reminiscent of Princess Diana. (Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up some of her best looks of all time for you.) And while royal experts speculate that her style evolution is proof that she’s preparing to take on quenly duties one day, it turns out that, in at least one regard, she’s been taking a page from the Queen’s own style book.
It’s been a big week for Kate and Prince William as they prepare to award the first-ever Earthshot Prize for environmental change-makers on Sunday night, and the pair (as well as the rest of the royals) have been sharing their messages about climate change with the press. We even noted that, at one environment-focused event, Duchess Kate donned a grass green ensemble that made her look very Mother Gaia. People even noted that it’s the same coat she wore to an event in 2014, which William told her was “a bit bright.” (We’re glad to see his sassy critique didn’t dissuade her from donning it again.)
But those bright color choices are the whole point. The publication also noted that in the 2016 documentary The Queen at 90, Queen Elizabeth’s daughter-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex, explained why the Queen can always be seen in public in bright jewel tones—like the royal blue she donned this weekend:
The Queen looking radiant in royal blue on October 16.
According to Countess Sophie:
"[The Queen] needs to stand out for people to be able to say 'I saw the Queen.' Don't forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, 10, 15 deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen's hat as she went past."
And as Kate Middleton steps into her role as the future of the royal family, she may be doing the same with her brightly colored ensembles. Her outfits do tend stand out in a crowd, after all.
Whatever the reason, though, Kate has proven that she’s the latest fashion icon in a royal family that’s historically been full of them.
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Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-FlopsNext stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
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Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh FlatsThe controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
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Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions""We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
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Body Language Expert Reveals Kate Middleton Can't "Mask Her Emotions" at Trooping the Colour 2025
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
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Kate Middleton's Trooping the Colour Outfit Features a Special Tribute to Queen Elizabeth IICatherine made sure the late monarch's presence was felt at the prestigious event.
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Yes, Prince Louis and Prince George Are Having a Ball at Trooping the Colour 2025Their matching outfits are simply the icing on the cake.
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Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte Showcase Their Mother-Daughter Style at Trooping the Colour 2025The little princess twinned with her mom in the best way.
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Kate Middleton Channels Princess Diana in a Catherine Walker Coat Dress at Trooping the Colour 2025The Princess of Wales even wore the same designer as her late mother-in-law.
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This Vintage Clip of Kate Middleton Apologizing to Prince William After Beating Him in a Boat Race Is Going Viral on TikTok"We were sabotaged," Will joked after Kate beat him not once, but twice.
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The "Cheeky" Joke Prince William Made Referencing a Former Queen at Formal Windsor Castle EventThe Prince of Wales was speaking to 'Bad Sisters' star Anne-Marie Duff at the time.
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How Prince George and Prince William's "Shared Passion" Made a Windsor Castle Event "Extra Special" for One AttendeeThe father and son duo have made quite the impact.
