Princess Catherine turned heads at Trooping the Colour today, wearing a powder-blue Catherine Walker outfit that royal fans say echoes Princess Diana's iconic style from 45 years ago.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, looked radiant as she soaked up the atmosphere at Trooping the Colour. The Princess of Wales, 44, beamed broadly as she revelled in all the pomp and pageantry of King Charles' official birthday celebrations. The senior royal donned a powder-blue dress by Catherine Walker, complemented by an oversized Philip Treacy hat and her beloved statement pearl earrings.
Her ensemble exuded elegance – and members of the British public were quick to note its distinctly familiar feel. Indeed, Princess Catherine appeared to pay tribute to Princess Diana with the refined look.
On social media, one observer noted: 'A nod from Kate to her late mother-in-law at today's Trooping the Colour. The Princess of Wales is wearing a pale blue outfit designed by Catherine Walker, a designer often worn by Princess Diana. Today also marks 45 years since Diana attended her first Trooping the Colour.'
Meanwhile, another viewer enthused: 'Fashion goes full circle to 1987. Two Princesses of Wales, one classic Catherine Walker coat dress.'
As the comparison image clearly shows, both princesses sported a strikingly similar shade of blue, each featuring distinctive white piping. Princess Diana held a particular fondness for this style, first showcasing it when she attended an Easter service alongside her son, Prince William, and nephew, Peter Phillips, in 1987. Then in 1992, she once again teamed a pale blue outfit with a coordinating Philip Somerville hat.
Powder blue has historically been a favoured option for female members of the Royal Family. In centuries past, blue pigments extracted from lapis lazuli were exceedingly rare, reserved solely for royalty and other significant figures in religious artwork.
Nowadays, the particular shade of blue selected continues to convey distinctive significance in British tradition. While deeper hues such as navy project stern, corporate-style authority, powder blue provides a nuanced 'soft power.' It allows royal women to inspire respect and uphold a distinguished bearing while simultaneously seeming warm, lively, and exceptionally accessible to the public.
Trooping the Colour, also referred to as the Sovereign's Birthday Parade, occurs annually in June to commemorate the monarch's birthday. The earliest Trooping the Colour is thought to have been staged during the reign of King Charles II, who was Monarch from 1660 to 1685. It was King Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910 and was born in November, who established the custom of holding Trooping the Colour in June.
Despite the fact King Charles was actually born in November, his birthday is observed in June, as has been the practice with numerous monarchs before him. This stems from centuries of custom and the pleasant weather.
The occasion began in London at Horse Guards Parade today, with thousands of royal enthusiasts filling the Mall to mark the event. The King's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, assumed centre stage, trooping their colour before His Majesty. After the procession concluded, the Royal Family appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony to observe the Royal Air Force flypast.
