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Kate Middleton Takes Center Stage at Event—But I Can’t Get Over What She's Wearing (and Its Connection to Diana)

Taking notes from the people's princess

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Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Since before she officially joined the royal family, all eyes have been on Kate Middleton—and that hasn’t changed one bit.

Lately, though, royal watchers have been focused on how the Princess of Wales, 42, is getting back into the swing of things after finishing her chemo treatments. It’s only been a few months since Middleton got back to work, and she’s already back to her signature looks and moves, including the ones where her outfits give a little nod to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

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Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The latest moment came during Middleton’s visit to Southport, England, on Thursday, October 10. While chatting with members of the Emergency Services at the city’s Community Centre, she looked as graceful as ever—but her outfit truly caught my eye.

Underneath her chic brown peacoat, the mom of three rocked a maroon polka dot dress. And guess what? Polka dots were one of Princess Diana’s go-to styles.

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Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

This isn’t the first time Middleton has channeled her husband Prince William’s mom. Back in June 2023, she stunned in a polka dot number that felt like serious déjà vu.

She wore a black-and-white polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich at Garter Day, which reminded everyone of the polka dot number Diana wore at the Royal Ascot in June 1988.

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Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Images

Middleton paired her look with a black-brimmed hat featuring a matching polka dot ribbon, while Diana sported a similar white-and-black polka dot hat.

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Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

But don’t just take my word for it—Princess Diana was very obviously a fan of polka dots. Remember that green and black spotted suit she wore to the Royal Ascot in June 1986?

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Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

Or how about the white-and-red polka dot Catherine Walker dress during her visit to the Royal College of Art in London on July 21, 1989?

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Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Oh, and we can’t forget the blue and white polka dot dress with a white collar designed by Catherine Walker when she met the Emir of Kuwait on March 13, 1989.

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Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

The list goes on for both Middleton and Princess Diana. And, honestly, I totally get it—both of them looked absolutely fabulous in polka dots in these photos.

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