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The Princess of Wales and her mother, Carole Middleton, are well known for taking style inspiration from one another – and on occasion, even wearing the same outfits.
Both share a fondness for tartan, rich burgundy tones and that now-famous pink shirt dress, and they’re regularly seen championing the same brands, including ME+EM, Cefinn and Beulah.
More often than not, it’s Kate who debuts a look, with Carole following suit soon after. However, as I explore below, that’s not always the case.
To mark Carole’s 71st birthday, I take a closer look at her most stylish outfits, complete with exact product matches and high street alternatives to recreate her look at any budget.
ME+EM shirt dress
The Princess of Wales is described as one of the world’s most stylish women so it’s no wonder Carole took inspiration from her daughter’s wardrobe for Royal Ascot.
Attending the horse racing event in 2022, Carole wore an eye-catching ME+EM silk shirt dress, featuring a dipped hemline and breezy pleats.
Kate previously chose the same mid-length design for afternoon tea with five-year-old cancer patient, Mila Sneddon, at Holyroodhouse in May 2021.
The Princess later wore the dress to the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2023, completing the look with trusty Castaner espadrille wedges.
Worn by both Carole and her daughter Kate
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House of Bruar tartan coat
Carole and Kate share a fondness for tartan, as evidenced by their latest public outings.
During a recent visit to the Ever After Garden at The Royal Marsden Hospital, Kate wrapped up against the chill in her trusted Holland Cooper double-breasted coat in Black Watch tartan.
Instantly recognisable thanks to its embossed gold buttons, the longline wool design marked the fourth time the Princess has worn the piece.
Just a week earlier, Carole Middleton debuted a striking tartan coat from House of Bruar at the Together at Christmas carol service held at Westminster Abbey.
Featuring the same classic Scottish check, the coat also boasts luxe gold buttons, though with a single-breasted silhouette.
ME+EM lace dress
Carole is no stranger to Royal Ascot, and she was all smiles as she attended day two of the 2025 event alongside her daughter-in-law, Alizee Thévenet.
Although Kate was also expected to appear at the racecourse, she pulled out at the last minute as she continues to ‘find the right balance’ following her battle with cancer.
Carole opted for a striking yellow two-tone lace dress by ME+EM, which she paired with a blush-coloured Emmy London clutch and classic court shoes.
Her elegant dress combined opaque and sheer textures, crafted from lace with a peach sorbet base and vibrant yellow cord-embroidered detailing. A peach underlayer provided tasteful coverage beneath the intricate design.
Cefinn floral dress
Carole made a sartorial statement during the 2024 Wimbledon Championships as she arrived on Centre Court wearing a floral print frock by Cefinn – the label founded by Samantha Cameron and another favourite of Kate’s.
Unfortunately, it was recently announced that the fashion brand will be wound down this year. Despite the praise it received and the loyal following it built, the label has struggled to compete with large-scale retailers.
The Irina dress was cut on the bias for a flattering fit and featured a vibrant tropical print in summer-ready hues, while the high tie neck and short ruffled sleeves added an elegant finishing touch.
She completed the look with further royal-approved brands, layering a ME+EM cropped blazer over the dress and finishing with Emmy London low block heels.
Burgundy coat
Carole and Kate have strikingly similar burgundy coats, both of which they have worn to the annual royal carol services.
In 2021, Carole arrived in a long wool design, featuring classic lapels and a double-breasted front.
Typically, it is Kate who sets the fashion agenda, with her mother often taking inspiration in the years that follow. On this occasion, however, it was Carole who led the way, stepping out in burgundy a year before Kate followed suit.
For the 2022 service, Kate chose a bespoke burgundy coat dress by Epinone, accessorising with tonal gloves and a matching clutch.
Her sister Pippa Middleton and Zara Tindall also opted for rich merlot hues, creating a coordinated show of support for Kate as she hosted the Together at Christmas carol service.
Beulah shirt dress
In July, Kate visited the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital wearing a taupe and white striped shirt by Ralph Lauren.
Just five days later, Carole appeared to take inspiration from her daughter, attending Wimbledon in a striped dress by Beulah London, rendered in near-identical hues.
Kate is also a longtime supporter of the ethical brand, with several Beulah dresses in her wardrobe, including the iconic Ahana style in blush pink.
Carole’s Helena frock forms part of the Beulah x VCH limited-edition summer capsule. Crafted from hand-woven cotton poplin, it offers effortless versatility, easily dressed up or down throughout the summer months.
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