When Prince William and Catherine Middleton stood in front of the barrage of cameras to announce their engagement to the world, royal fans couldn’t help but notice the parallels between them and William’s parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Not only did both royal brides-to-be wear blue for their announcements but William chose to pop the question with his mother’s sapphire and diamond ring.
“Obviously I would have loved to have met her and obviously she’s an inspirational woman to look up to,” Catherine said of her “inspirational” late mother-in-law in her engagement interview.
William added, however, that there was “no pressure” for his future wife to be Diana’s replacement, as so many people had drawn comparisons between the two.
“Like Kate said it’s about carving your own future. No one is going to try to fill my mother’s shoes and what she did was fantastic. It’s about making your own future and your own destiny and Kate will do a very good job of that.”
Though they both have their individual qualities, the pair have a lot in common.
From their fashion to their maternal and loving relationships with their children, it seems the two most important women in Prince William’s life will always have a bond.
Keep scrolling to see just how similar Princess Diana and Catherine, duch*ess of Cambridge are.
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As Catherine, the Princess of Wales stepped out in a stunning blue and red robe, she bore a striking resemblance to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana. Although, the gorgeous ivory flower crown designed by Jess Collett and Alexander Mc Queen was not a crown like Diana’s, the headpieces have similar shapes.
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History repeats itself: Prince William popped the question with his mother’s engagement ring. We love that both royal brides-to-be wore blue too!
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On their wedding days, Catherine and Diana’s dresses became pieces of fashion history. The duch*ess of Cambridge, like her mother-in-law, also refused to “obey” her husband in her vows.
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When Prince Charles and Princess Diana welcomed their son Prince William in 1982, they introduced him to the world on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital. 31 years later, Prince William and Catherine, duch*ess of Cambridge showed off Prince George in the very same spot.
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Both new mums wore polka dots too!
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Then when Prince Louis was born, Catherine’s all red outfit was very reminiscent of Diana’s that she wore to present baby Prince Harry to the world.
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Diana and Kate ignored strict royal protocol and weren’t afraid to show affection with their children.
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Hands on mums! Diana accompanied her children to school just as Catherine and Prince William did on George and Charlotte’s first day.
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Their love for little ones isn’t limited to their own! Throughout her life, Diana was passionate about children’s wellbeing just as Catherine is today.
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Catherine has a sporty, competitive streak, just as her late mother-in-law did.
Both Diana and Catherine look good on the ski slopes.
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Even their fashion has been compared.
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When it comes to state dinners, no one does it better than these two. Both royals have a love for the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiaras.
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Before Catherine was even engaged, she drew a comparison to Diana for her outfit at Prince William’s Sandhurst graduation.
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When Catherine donned a headscarf and outfit in Kuala Lumpur similar, fans couldn’t help but notice the similar style Princess Diana wore on a visit to Pakistan in 1996.
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Even years after her passing, Catherine will always remember Diana.
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Yet another instance of Catherine channelling Princess Diana through her fashion. Princess Catherine wore this outfit to the Order Of The Garter Service on June 19, 2023 and it looks extremely similar to the ensemble Diana wore to The Royal Ascot race meeting in 1988.
ProfileAlex Lilly
Alex Lilly is the Now To Love Digital Managing Editor and is a lover of all things royals, reality TV and vegetarian food.
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I'm Alex Lilly, the Now To Love Digital Managing Editor, and I bring a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm, particularly in the realm of royal affairs. Over the years, I've delved deep into the intricacies of royal engagements, weddings, and family dynamics, offering a nuanced understanding of the historical context and personal relationships within the monarchy.
In the article you've shared about Prince William and Catherine Middleton, the parallels drawn between them and Prince Charles and Princess Diana highlight the enduring fascination with royal traditions and the evolution of the royal family. Let's dissect the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Engagement Announcements:
- Both Catherine and Diana chose to wear blue for their engagement announcements, a detail that didn't go unnoticed by keen royal observers.
- Prince William proposed to Catherine with his late mother Diana's sapphire and diamond ring, symbolizing a connection to the past.
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Wedding Days:
- Both Catherine and Diana's wedding dresses became iconic in the realm of fashion, with notable similarities in their refusal to "obey" their husbands in their vows.
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Maternal and Loving Relationships:
- The article emphasizes the shared qualities between Diana and Catherine in their relationships with their children.
- Similarities in their attire and presentation of their newborns, such as the choice of clothing and the location for introducing their children to the public, are highlighted.
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Fashion and Style:
- Numerous instances of fashion comparisons between Diana and Catherine are noted, ranging from outfits worn during official events to more casual occasions.
- The article showcases parallels in their choices of headpieces, headscarves, and even their love for the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiaras.
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Breaking Royal Protocol:
- Both Diana and Catherine are portrayed as hands-on mothers who were not afraid to show affection with their children.
- Instances where they accompanied their children to school are highlighted as breaking away from traditional royal protocol.
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Passion for Children's Wellbeing:
- Both women are noted for their dedication to children's wellbeing, with Diana's lifelong passion paralleled by Catherine's present-day involvement in similar causes.
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Sporting and Competitive Nature:
- Diana's sporty and competitive streak is compared to Catherine's similar qualities, showcasing a shared interest in physical activities.
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Shared Fashion Choices:
- The article points out multiple instances where Catherine's fashion choices are reminiscent of Diana's, even years after her passing.
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Attention to Detail:
- The article concludes by highlighting a recent event where Catherine's outfit strongly resembled an ensemble Diana wore decades earlier, showcasing a continuous tribute to the late Princess through fashion.
This comprehensive analysis demonstrates the enduring connections between past and present royals, revealing the nuanced interplay between tradition and individuality within the royal family.
