Kate refuses to follow late Princess Diana's major fashion rule of a little black dress (Image: (Image: Getty))
Kate Middleton often pays tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana through the jewellery she wears, but there is one fashion rule that she has refused to follow
Kate Middleton is known for her aversion to wearing black unless she’s in full mourning attire or attending memorial events. Kate, 42, frequently honours her late mother-in-law Princess Diana through her choice of jewellery, but has chosen not to follow Diana’s lead when it comes to the little black dress rule.
Diana, who tragically passed away at just 36, was renowned for her unique fashion sense that often turned heads and broke traditional etiquette. As a royal, one must adhere to rules and protocols that have been handed down through generations.
Kate and Prince William are under constant public scrutiny and will eventually ascend to the throne as King and Queen. At official engagements, royal women are expected to wear modest, respectful outfits that reach at least knee-length, cover their busts and arms, and are paired with tights rather than bare legs.
Hats are a must at all royal weddings, along with subtle accessories, including nail polish. The late Queen Elizabeth II always sported a nude nail colour, a tradition that Kate – who has recently undergone cancer treatment – has continued, having been advised against wearing red.
Over her two decades in the royal spotlight, Kate has only been seen wearing the sombre colour black on a few occasions, reports the Express.
Last year, on Remembrance Sunday, Kate dazzled in a Catherine Walker ensemble paired with a Philip Treacy hat. The previous year, she graced the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on September 19, 2022, clad in a sombre black Alexander McQueen coat dress, complemented by a saucer-shaped hat and veil.
Meanwhile, Princess Diana famously broke the no-black rule in 1981. Shortly after her engagement to King Charles, she made waves in a striking floor-length ballgown.
The off-the-shoulder taffeta number caused quite a stir, particularly with her future spouse. It was a daring move for her first public appearance since being announced as the future king’s bride.
The show-stopping gown, crafted by David Emanuel who also designed her iconic wedding dress, boasted a lustrous satin finish. A decade later, during an interview for her biography, Diana reportedly reminisced about the fundraiser, claiming Charles was incensed by her choice of the dark hue, allegedly saying: “Only people in mourning wear black! ” Despite any controversy, Diana, a fashion icon in her own right, continued to don black attire for both high-profile and casual events.
In a memorable instance, while William, 42, and Prince Harry were young, she sported a Chanel sailor-style dress during a visit to see their father in hospital post-surgery.
