The fashion relationship between the Princess of Wales and her mother, Carole Middleton, represents one of the most intriguing style dynamics within the royal sphere. Journalists at the Daily Mail carefully select and present products featured on their platform, with commission earned through purchases made via their links. The mother-daughter duo are celebrated not just for their individual elegance but for their remarkable tendency to draw inspiration from one another's wardrobes, occasionally even wearing identical outfits.
A Shared Sartorial Language
Both women have demonstrated a pronounced affinity for specific aesthetic elements that define their public appearances. Their shared fondness for traditional tartan patterns, deep burgundy colour palettes, and the now-iconic pink shirt dress has become a signature of their coordinated style approach. They regularly champion the same fashion labels, with ME+EM, Cefinn, and Beulah London featuring prominently in both their wardrobes.
While the Princess typically debuts new looks first, with her mother following suit shortly afterwards, this pattern has interesting exceptions that reveal the bidirectional nature of their style influence. To mark Carole Middleton's seventy-first birthday, we examine her most stylish ensembles in detail, providing exact product matches and accessible high-street alternatives to recreate her sophisticated looks across various budgets.
The ME+EM Shirt Dress Phenomenon
The Princess of Wales is globally recognised as one of the world's most stylish women, making it unsurprising that her mother would seek inspiration from her daughter's wardrobe for prestigious events like Royal Ascot. During the 2022 horse racing event, Carole Middleton made a striking appearance in an eye-catching ME+EM silk shirt dress featuring a distinctive dipped hemline and elegant, breezy pleats.
Kate Middleton had previously selected the same mid-length design for an afternoon tea engagement with five-year-old cancer patient Mila Sneddon at Holyroodhouse in May 2021. The Princess later wore the dress again to the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2023, completing her ensemble with trusted Castaner espadrille wedges.
Tartan Coat Coordination
The Middleton women's shared appreciation for tartan patterns has been particularly evident in their recent public engagements. During a visit to the Ever After Garden at The Royal Marsden Hospital, Kate Middleton wrapped up against the chill in her trusted Holland Cooper double-breasted coat in classic Black Watch tartan.
Instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive embossed gold buttons, this longline wool design marked the fourth occasion the Princess had worn this particular piece. Just one week earlier, Carole Middleton had debuted a striking tartan coat from House of Bruar at the Together at Christmas carol service held at Westminster Abbey.
Featuring the same traditional Scottish check pattern, Carole's coat also boasted luxurious gold buttons, though with a single-breasted silhouette that offered a slightly different interpretation of the classic tartan coat.
Royal Ascot Elegance
Carole Middleton is no stranger to Royal Ascot's prestigious events, appearing all smiles as she attended day two of the 2025 event alongside her daughter-in-law, Alizee Thévenet. Although Kate Middleton was also expected to appear at the racecourse, she withdrew at the last minute as she continues to find the right balance following her health challenges.
Carole opted for a striking yellow two-tone lace dress by ME+EM, which she paired elegantly with a blush-coloured Emmy London clutch and classic court shoes. Her sophisticated dress combined opaque and sheer textures, crafted from delicate lace with a peach sorbet base enhanced by vibrant yellow cord-embroidered detailing. A peach underlayer provided tasteful coverage beneath the intricate design.
Wimbledon Style Statements
Carole Middleton made a significant sartorial statement during the 2024 Wimbledon Championships as she arrived on Centre Court wearing a floral print frock by Cefinn. This label, founded by Samantha Cameron, represents another favourite of Kate Middleton's wardrobe.
Unfortunately, it was recently announced that the fashion brand will be wound down this year. Despite receiving considerable praise and building a loyal following, the label has struggled to compete with large-scale retailers in the contemporary fashion market.
The Irina dress was cut on the bias for a universally flattering fit and featured a vibrant tropical print in summer-ready hues, while the high tie neck and short ruffled sleeves added elegant finishing touches. She completed her look with further royal-approved brands, layering a ME+EM cropped blazer over the dress and finishing with Emmy London low block heels.
Burgundy Coat Coordination
Carole and Kate Middleton possess strikingly similar burgundy coats, both of which they have worn to annual royal carol services. In 2021, Carole arrived in a long wool design featuring classic lapels and a double-breasted front.
Typically, it is Kate who sets the fashion agenda, with her mother often taking inspiration in subsequent years. On this particular occasion, however, it was Carole who led the way, stepping out in burgundy a full year before Kate followed suit.
For the 2022 service, Kate chose a bespoke burgundy coat dress by Epinone, accessorising with tonal gloves and a matching clutch. Her sister Pippa Middleton and cousin Zara Tindall also opted for rich merlot hues, creating a coordinated show of support for Kate as she hosted the Together at Christmas carol service.
Striped Shirt Dress Synchronicity
In July, Kate Middleton visited the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital wearing a taupe and white striped shirt by Ralph Lauren. Just five days later, Carole Middleton appeared to take direct inspiration from her daughter, attending Wimbledon in a striped dress by Beulah London rendered in near-identical colour tones.
Kate is also a longtime supporter of the ethical brand, with several Beulah dresses in her wardrobe including the iconic Ahana style in blush pink. Carole's Helena frock forms part of the Beulah x VCH limited-edition summer capsule collection.
Crafted from hand-woven cotton poplin, it offers effortless versatility that can be easily dressed up or down throughout the summer months, demonstrating the practical yet sophisticated approach both women bring to their fashion choices.
