Kate Middleton Makes a Statement in All White for Another Surprise Appearance
The Princess of Wales recycled a dress that she last wore in 2022.
- Kate Middleton made a second surprise appearance for VE Day celebrations in the U.K.
- She rewore a Self-Portrait dress just hours after recycling a Princess Diana-inspired look of hers.
- Diana famously wore Victor Edelstein polka dots in the '80s.
Kate Middleton opted for a rewear yet again on Thursday as VE Day celebrations concluded in the U.K. Also known as Victory in Europe Day, May 8 celebrates the end of WWII.
After attending a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey earlier in the day, both the Prince and Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance at a celebratory concert at Horse Guards Parade.
Kate recycled a Self-Portrait blazer dress she was last spotted wearing at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Featuring a belted boucle bodice and a pleated skirt with lace trim, the Princess paired it with a four-strand pearl necklace and matching cluster earrings. She topped off her look with a black velvet bow.
For church, Kate selected a custom polka dot frock by Alessandra Rich. She initially sported the Princess Diana-inspired dress in 2023, but this time around, she accessorized with a Juliette Millinery fascinator, nude Ralph Lauren pumps, and a matching DeMellier nano bag. A pair of Diana's pearl and diamond earrings completed her ensemble.
Diana famously wore a similar polka dot dress by Victor Edelstein at the 1986 Epsom Derby and at the Royal Ascot in 1988.
“I think we have seen lots of examples where the reference is very intentional, and I think that Kate uses fashion to pay tribute to Diana in a very positive way,” Bethan Holt, fashion news and features director at The Daily Telegraph, told People.
“I think that William and Kate between them might have decided that, actually on some occasions, it’s a really nice thing for Kate to reference the fact that Diana is still a fashion muse today and to do that through her own clothes,” Holt continued, adding that “What’s really key about these times when Kate references Diana, it’s not like a costume. She brings it right up to date so she makes it look relevant for now.”
