Each year, more and more people see reflections of Princess Diana in Princess Catherine—not out of criticism, but admiration. For many, Diana represented a warmth and authenticity that they now recognize in Catherine. There’s a collective sense that, although Diana never became queen, the essence of what people hoped she would bring to the monarchy is now embodied by the Princess of Wales. Catherine’s grace, composure, and sincerity have resonated with the public, allowing her to fill a space left behind by Diana’s tragic absence.
Known for her polished adherence to royal fashion protocols, Catherine rarely makes a sartorial misstep. Yet at a recent Buckingham Palace garden party, she surprised many by re-wearing a dress from a past event. While her choice to recycle an outfit aligned with sustainable fashion principles, it sparked a range of reactions online. Social media critics dubbed her the “Princess of Rewears,” a term that, though unkind, points to a growing awareness of her consistency and practicality in the public eye. This event marked her first garden party appearance at Buckingham Palace in two years—and the outfit she chose told a deeper story.
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Observers quickly noticed that the dress, a bright yellow piece by Emilia Wickstead, had previously made an appearance at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Adding to the nostalgic twist, she paired the dress with a hat she first wore at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018. Her makeup was more pronounced than usual, prompting commentary about her altered appearance. The timing of her ensemble raised eyebrows, especially given the ongoing tensions between Prince William and Prince Harry, and reports of coolness between Catherine and Meghan.
Behind the scenes, questions arose about how Kensington Palace handles media around Catherine’s fashion choices. Initially, it seemed officials downplayed the significance of her wardrobe. But following public backlash, the Palace revised its stance, acknowledging that what she wears carries influence. In fact, fashion has always played a symbolic role in royal life, often acting as a visual bridge between the monarchy and the people.
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Catherine’s ability to connect with the public has become one of her greatest strengths. She’s embraced the expectations placed on her—representing tradition while maintaining relatability. Acting on behalf of King Charles at the garden party, she once again demonstrated that she’s not just fulfilling duties but doing so in a way that resonates deeply with the modern public.
Her approach to dressing—particularly her commitment to rewearing outfits—is not without precedent. King Charles himself is known for promoting environmental values like recycling and sustainability. In 2025, as Catherine gradually returns to public life following her battle with cancer, she seems to be adopting that philosophy more rigorously. In fact, of the 18 public appearances she’s made this year, she has recycled an outfit in two-thirds of them—twelve times in total.
This shift is notable because not long ago, the royal wardrobe followed a very predictable rhythm. Major events such as state banquets or the Trooping the Colour would typically see royals in fresh, often custom-made garments. Meanwhile, smaller engagements allowed for a mix of new and previously worn outfits. Catherine sometimes pushed boundaries—like the time she wore a Gucci blouse backward—but for the most part, she favored dependable British brands and mixed in pieces from accessible high-street labels such as Sézane.
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She has repeated a number of standout pieces at high-profile events. One example is her striking blue Catherine Walker coat dress, worn both at the 2022 Commonwealth Service and again at the 2023 Easter service. She also donned the same Alessandra Rich outfit for both the 80th anniversary of VE Day and Royal Ascot in 2022, then again for Garter Day in 2023. Her choice of a polka-dot dress, widely seen as a subtle tribute to Princess Diana—who wore a similar style to Royal Ascot in 1988—speaks volumes about her awareness of royal history and emotional symbolism.
During a recent visit to Scotland, Princess Catherine debuted a custom-designed brooch—an entirely new accessory that captured attention for its originality and elegance. Commissioned by James Porter & Son, one of Scotland’s oldest family-run jewelers, the piece was specifically crafted for this event. The brooch was inspired by the ship’s crest of HMS Glasgow, making it a personal and thoughtful tribute to both the vessel and the city it represents. Set against her understated navy outfit, the brooch stood out beautifully, reinforcing how even the smallest details in royal fashion can carry powerful meaning.
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In a time when the future of the monarchy is continually questioned and debated, unscripted, human moments like these help solidify its relevance. The quiet decisions—what to wear, how to wear it, and when—speak volumes about the royals’ understanding of their role in the modern world. Princess Catherine’s fashion choices are more than just style statements; they’re acts of symbolism, continuity, and above all, relatability. As she returns to the public eye, recovering not just physically but symbolically stepping back into her royal duties, she does so with authenticity and strength that endears her more to the public with
every appearance.
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