The Duchess of Cambridge made a serious style statement when she stepped out a houndstooth coat for her second day of engagements in Stockholm this morning.
The red-and-white coat, custom-made by royal favourite Catherine Walker, is another bold choice for Kate, 36, who has so-far eschewed her typically safer styles in favour of standout looks for the high-profile Scandinavian tour.
It is also a subtle nod to William’s mother, Princess Diana, who wore a strikingly similar look to Sandringham nearly three decades ago.
The Duchess of Cambridge made a statement in a bold Catherine Walker coat in Stockholm today. The 36-year-old was joined by husband Prince William on a school visit, pictured
The bold red and white look is strikingly like one worn by Princess Diana, pictured with a young Prince William, when she attended Princess Eugenie’s Christening at Sandringham in 1990
Diana, then 29, turned heads in her houndstooth jacket by luxury fashion house Moschino as she joined senior royals for Princess Eugenie’s Christening in December 1990.
One style expert notes that why the looks are very alike, Princess Diana’s styling of the print is more daring than the Duchess’.
Hannah Eichler, Senior Brand Stylist at Oasis, explained: ‘From polkadots to red coats and floaty pastel gowns, Kate Middleton’s wardrobe choices have long drawn inspiration from Princess Diana.
‘Her latest outing in Norway has proved The Duchess Of Cambridge’s looks continue to be synced with her late mother in law in the sartorial department.
‘Choosing a punchy red houndstooth coat which she teamed with matchy matchy burgundy accessories, it appears The Duchess isn’t the only one who was a fan of the iconic print – Princess Diana sported a similar look back in 1990.
‘Whilst Princess Diana might have opted for more fashion forward styling by mixing colours instead of going tonal like Kate, it certainly proves that real style never goes out of fashion. From 1990 to 2018, houndstooth prints are a fashion mainstay.’
Kate kept her outfit tonal, teaming the red and white coat with a burgundy Chanel bag and matching shoes by Tod’s. Pictured, Kate and William with Prince Daniel and Princess Victoria
Diana added more punch to her look by boldly pairing the coat with a black and white houndstooth skirt. She finished the ensemble with black and red shoes and hat
Like Diana, Kate wore her houndstooth with a pair of semi-sheer tights, although the rest of her look was far more conservative.
Diana layered her jacket over a high-neck black blouse and paired it with a black and white skirt in the same houndstooth pattern.
She completed the look with low black and red pumps and a red wide-brimmed hat with a black satin ribbon. The bold accessories complimented the high-fashion look.
Meanwhile the Duchess of Cambridge, 36, teamed her coat with a quilted maroon bag and fringed leather pumps from Italian label Tod’s.
Royal reception: After this morning’s visit to the Karolinska Institutet, the two couples travelled on to Matteusskolan, a comprehensive school in the heart of the city centre (pictured), ahead of a scheduled visit to a Swedish department store
Earlier on Wednesday, kicking off the second day of their high-profile visit to Sweden, William and Kate joined forces with Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel (pictured) to meet with experts and discuss the country’s approach to mental health
The beaming Duchess poses for a photo with William and Victoria (left), whose stylish blouse with a pie crust collar could be seen peeking out from beneath her belted suit. She wore her hair in a sleek ponytail and wore a pearl bracelet
On the second day of their high-profile visit to Sweden, William and Kate, who is six months pregnant with the couple’s third child, were given a riotous reception at Matteusskolan school.
While dozens of pupils waved hand-drawn flags and bunches of flowers, one lucky youngster managed to get a high-five from the Duchess as she greeted the crowds.
Outside the couple spent about ten minutes shaking hands with the schoolchildren, with William repeatedly telling them ‘you’ve got cold hands’ and complimenting them on the flags they were waving.
The youngsters looked delighted to catch a glimpse of the royals as many waved their hand-drawn notes and pictures. One pupil had brought a colourful bouquet of yellow and purple blooms to present to the royals (centre)
A right royal welcome! The youngsters looked ecstatic to meet the Duchess on Wednesday morning, with many reaching out to shake her hand and high-five her (right) while others passed her flowers (left)