Six times Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle took outfit inspiration from Diana

Although it’s been more than two decades since she died, Diana, Princess of Wales, continues to be a fashion icon all over the world. With shows like Netflix’s The Crown and the 2021 film Spencer, her fashion sense has also become a hit among the younger generations, proving just how timeless her style was.

So it’s no surprise that her daughters-in-law, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex, often look to her for notes on how to dress. Over the years, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have worn looks that can be traced back to some of Diana’s most iconic outfits - even though neither of them had ever met her, as she died long before her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, met their respective significant others.

But, according to a new book by royal expert and author Omid Scobie, the pressure for both Kate and Meghan to emulate Diana’s style went further than inspiration - it came from above. In Endgame, Scobie’s latest book about the royal family, he claims that both women felt “gentle pushes” from members of The Firm to dress like their late mother-in-law.

According to an excerpt of the book published in Page Six, Scobie claimed that he spoke to a royal insider who “worked” with William and Harry, and who reportedly said that the decision to dress Kate and Meghan in outfits similar to Diana’s was “always discussed” with the princes.

“It had been known for someone to go back and pull images of Diana at a certain place or time for ideas,” Scobie wrote. “At the right moment, this can be a sweet gesture, but there is also a slightly queasy feeling when you realise it’s often orchestrated within the same system that contributed to her living misery, and an institution that still wants some of Diana’s shine to rub off on them.”

However, other royal experts don’t believe it goes that deep. Bethan Holt, author of The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Royal Style and The Queen: 70 Years of Majestic Style, told Yahoo UK previously: “I'm sure it would be something both women would discuss with their husbands when it's intentional but it's a fitting way to pay tribute to Diana, given that fashion was something she was so well known for. It's a nice way to keep her memory alive in a very non-controversial way.”

Whatever the reason behind Kate and Meghan’s Diana-esque looks, all three women are known for having a classic sense of style that transcends time and generations. We take a look at some of the best outfits that Kate and Meghan have worn, inspired by Diana.

Diana and Kate in emerald green and statement hats

Diana and Meghan honouring war veterans in all-black outfits

Diana and Kate in white tea dresses with polka dots

Diana and Meghan in all-white suits

Diana and Kate don military-wear during engagements

Diana and Meghan in green and black coats while pregnant

Read more about the royal family:

• Everything William and Harry have said about Princess Diana's death as The Crown portrays her final moments (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)

• ‘The Crown’ Star Jared Harris Says Royal Family Would Be “Delighted” With Netflix Show (Deadline, 2-min read)

• Endgame: The 10 most shocking revelations from royal ‘insider’ Omid Scobie’s new book (Evening Standard, 11-min read)