Duchess of Cambridge takes inspiration from Diana's wardrobe for thanksgiving service
Watch: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the Service of Thanksgiving for Prince Philip
Fresh from the Royal Tour of the Caribbean in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, on Tuesday morning.
Kate, 40, wore a black spotted midi dress and a coordinating shallow, wide-brimmed hat for the occasion in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh who died in April 2021 at the age of 99.
The duchess wore a pleated skirt and puff sleeved dress from British designer Alessandra Rich, one of the duchess’ go-to brands when it comes to dressing for public occasions, in a polka-dot print, often favoured by the late Princess Diana.
The 80s-inspired high neck style, which cinches in at the waist, was a silhouette often worn by her late mother-in-law for public occasions, and one that Kate has adopted over the years as her own.
The Duchess of Cambridge has opted to wear looks by the London-based designer on many outings, including a visit to Bletchley in 2019, and to celebrate Prince Charles’s 70th birthday in September the same year, where her spotted midi dress bared a striking resemblance to one worn by Princess Diana in 1985.
Kate’s choice of hat – a wide brimmed style with shallow crown – is also one that Diana took to wearing over the years, opting for the style as she attended Royal Ascot in 1981, when she was just 19.
Read More: 5 affordable versions of the Duchess of Cambridge's polka dot dress
The duchess’ version is a custom Lock & Co. style with woven straw braid brim and a satin and feather trim that has been adapted in cream to match the polka dots on her Alessandra Rich dress.
Kate accessorised her look for the celebratory, yet sombre, occasion with suede court shoes, drop pearl earrings, and a satin cream clutch bag that she carried with a pair of black gloves. Her hair was swept in a low bun to allow her angular hat and pearl earrings to shine through.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have just returned from their Royal Tour of the Caribbean, where Kate provided a masterclass in diplomatic dressing in Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas.
Read More: Was the Duchess of Cambridge's Caribbean tour wardrobe her best yet?
The service, held at Westminster Abbey, celebrated the late Prince Philip’s "dedication to family, Nation, and Commonwealth and recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting environmental stewardship and conservation, and supporting the Armed Forces".
The Queen's attendance at the ceremony was her first public appearance in five months, after many health scares, but Buckingham Palace said the Queen was 'actively involved' in the plans for the service and fully intended to be present on the day.
Read More: George and Charlotte join parents at Prince Philip's thanksgiving service
The Queen was joined by members of the Royal Family, including seven of her 12 great-grandchildren and Prince Andrew in his first public appearance since settling his lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, and representatives from more than 500 charities.
Watch: Royals arrive at Thanksgiving service for His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh
