Carole Middleton displayed a touching sartorial tribute to her daughter, the Princess of Wales, during a significant festive event last week. The mother-of-three attended the annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday evening, where her outfit choice revealed a close alignment with Kate's renowned fashion sense.
A Tartan Tribute to Kate's Wardrobe
The 70-year-old arrived at the concert alongside her husband, Michael Middleton, 76, looking notably proud. She chose a £345 tartan coat in navy and green from House of Bruar, a piece that bore a striking resemblance to an Alexander McQueen coat owned by her eldest daughter. Kate has worn her statement McQueen coat on several occasions, including during a high-profile visit to Scotland in 2019 to open the V&A Museum in Dundee.
The stylish parallels continued with Carole's accessories. She carried a £395 Emmy London blue suede clutch bag and wore £425 'Josie' heeled shoes from the same brand. Both items are confirmed staples in the Princess of Wales's own wardrobe. According to reports, Kate is such a devoted fan of the Josie heels that she owns them in six different colours, including green, tan, and grey.
A History of Shared Style Inspiration
This is not the first instance where Carole Middleton has drawn inspiration from her daughter's impeccable taste. Over the years, she has echoed Kate's outfits at major events like Royal Ascot and Wimbledon. A notable example was in 2017, when Carole's outfit for her second daughter Pippa's wedding appeared to be inspired by Kate's treasured light pink Alexander McQueen dress coat.
The fashion mirroring underscores the profound and enduring bond between the Princess and her parents. This closeness has been especially vital following Kate's recent health challenges, with Michael and Carole providing steadfast support to the Royal Family during this period.
A Service Celebrating Community and Family
The carol service itself, which Kate has spearheaded, was a poignant event. Last year's concert marked the Princess's most significant public engagement after completing a course of preventative chemotherapy. A candid video shared at that time featured touching clips of Michael and Carole playing cards with the Wales family, highlighting the extended family's role during a difficult chapter.
This year's service, themed around 'the power of reaching out', saw 1,600 guests gather at the Abbey. Attendees included celebrities like Kate Winslet and Katie Melua, while Prince William, Winslet, and actor Chiwetel Ejiofor delivered readings. The event honoured community stalwarts and celebrated 'love in all its forms'.
The Princess's parents, known for their hands-on approach with their grandchildren, were joined by Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, alongside other royals. In a letter to guests, Kate praised the community heroes present, stating their compassion 'make an extraordinary difference to the lives of others' and highlighted how the festive season reminds us 'how deeply our lives are woven together'.
