The Palace's Influence: How Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Honored Princess Diana Through Their Fashion Choices
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle allegedly received guidance from the palace to emulate the iconic style of Princess Diana, their late mother-in-law, upon becoming members of the royal family
Princess Catherine, Meghan Markle, and Princess Diana. Getty Images (3)
Allegedly, the royal family encouraged Princess Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to take inspiration from their late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, when it came to their style. According to Omid Scobie's new book, "Endgame," Kate, 41, and Meghan, 42, reportedly received subtle nudges from members of the royal family to emulate Diana's fashion sense. The book was excerpted by Page Six on Saturday, November 25, just three days before its scheduled publication date.
Scobie allegedly spoke to a royal insider who had worked closely with Princess Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. The source claimed that decisions on how to dress Kate and Meghan, in ways reminiscent of Diana, were always discussed with the princes. According to Scobie, it was common for individuals to refer back to images of Diana in specific places or times for inspiration. While this could be seen as a sweet gesture, there was also a discomfort in realizing that it was often orchestrated by the same system that contributed to Diana's unhappiness, and an institution that still seeks to benefit from her legacy.
Diana, known as the People’s Princess, tragically lost her life in a fatal car accident in Paris. Her passing occurred when William and Harry were 15 and 12, respectively. Since her untimely death, William and Harry have been committed to preserving her legacy. In a touching tribute, both of their daughters — Princess Charlotte and Princess Lilibet, respectively — were given Diana as a middle name. (William and Kate also have sons Prince George and Prince Louis, and Harry is the father of Prince Archie.)
Meghan Markle was spotted wearing a pair of butterfly earrings and a gold bracelet that once belonged to Princess Diana. SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images
“We have more photos around the house now of her and we talk about her a bit,” William said in a 2017 ITV documentary about his mother. “It’s difficult because, obviously, Catherine didn’t know her, so she can’t really provide that level of detail. So, I regularly talk about her when putting George or Charlotte to bed, just to remind them that there were two grandmothers in their lives. It’s important that they know who she was and that she existed.”
Both Kate and Meghan have adorned themselves with several items from Diana's jewelry collection, including their engagement rings. Kate received Diana's sapphire bauble from her ex-husband King Charles III, as a gift from the Prince of Wales. Meanwhile, Harry incorporated stones from Diana's collection into his own custom ring design.
Kate has been actively updating her style, often opting for tailored suits for public events.
"Kate is emphasizing, 'Please don't focus solely on my attire. I am here to fulfill a role and I want to be taken seriously. I am approaching this as a significant responsibility. I am committed to supporting these charities and causes. ... I am your future queen, and I am giving my best effort,'" shared royal fashion expert Miranda Holder exclusively with We in October. "This communicates a message of professionalism rather than just focusing on fashion. ... [She's] aiming to shift the spotlight away from the world's — including my [own] — fixation on [her] fashion."
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Princess Catherine is seen donning Princess Diana's sapphire earrings. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Holder remarked, "[Suits] have truly become Kate's go-to look, especially for appointments. [She] is subtly guiding us towards her philanthropic causes and what she wants to highlight in the media."
