Princess Charlotte recently made an appearance at Buckingham Palace wearing a charming navy dress with white piping, perfectly coordinated with her Mary-Jane flats. The event was attended by her parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and her brothers. It masterfully illustrated her newly distinctive aesthetic and made a case for how family legacy can play a powerful hand in royal fashion.
Above, Kate Middleton, Princess Diana’s daughter-in-law, wore the brooch to the late royal’s funeral in September 2022. Her grandmother’s approach sets the tone for the royal family to this day. Later in 2024, Charlotte will make notable appearances as she develops her new canonical look — including at the Trooping the Colour ceremony. In her presentation, she’ll focus on the deep family ties that shape their fashion decisions.
A Nod to Princess Diana’s Style
Princess Charlotte’s wardrobe is a return to a style clearly influenced by the late Princess Diana’s legendary sartorial style. Interestingly enough, here is the late Diana, Princess of Wales wearing a similar statement rectangular collar at Trooping the Colour in 1984. Fashion & nature Cradle By Patricia M. O’Connor This link emphasizes the very real impact Diana’s clothing continues to have on today’s younger royal generation.
Additionally, Princess Charlotte wore a collared dress as Kate Middleton hosted her annual ‘Together at Christmas’ service at Westminster Abbey. Artist and fashion designer Suzannah London’s design features a bold white outline around the neck and side pockets. It featured a very noticeable white stripe running through the centre, archetypal of the looks that Diana herself was drawn to.
Sian Clarke, a fashion stylist, commented on the significance of these stylistic choices:
“Each of the women has chosen a different silhouette, yet all are united by a navy base with white piping. While the shapes vary, they reflect each woman’s individual style, the era she represents, and her role within the royal family.” – Styled by Sian
Kate Middleton’s Nautical Inspiration
Princess Charlotte’s mom, Kate Middleton, took a page from her late mother-in-law’s style guide, too. At that same forum, Kate has wore a dark blue with white fit-and-flare dress with a clear nautical theme. This sartorial decision serves the dual purpose of honoring Diana’s legacy and highlights Kate’s love for quirky big collars.
After countless royal events, Kate’s connection to royal fashion is undeniable. At the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall, she rocked an eye-catching getup by Alessandra Rich, showcasing her family’s effect on her eye-popping aesthetic. Her fashion choices embody her personal mantra of balancing contemporary style with vintage sophistication, captivating audiences of all ages.
The Future of Royal Fashion
Princess Charlotte is starting to make her own mark—quite literally—with her first royal engagements. Her aesthetic decisions are very much in keeping with the nextgen royal ladies, rooted in her family’s sartorial legacy. This clean navy and white aesthetic is not only classic and classy, but timeless and ageless to capture their distinct personal style, while paying homage to royal heritage.
The evolution of the royal family’s fashion story is ongoing. It nods to the heritage that continues to influence their aesthetic sensibilities. As Princess Charlotte prepares for future public engagements, her outfits will likely continue to reflect both her individuality and her family’s rich history.
