Princess Kate marked the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death with a subtle fashion tribute.
The Princess of Wales, 43, joined Prince William for an engagement in Sunningdale on Monday, September 8, visiting the National Federation of Women’s Institute to honour the late monarch, who was a lifelong member.
Kate wore a past-season tartan midi dress by Alessandra Rich, worth roughly £2,000, which many saw as a poignant nod to the Queen.
The look drew comparisons to the tartan skirt worn by Elizabeth II at her final royal engagement, when she welcomed former Prime Minister Liz Truss to Balmoral on September 6, 2022 – just two days before her death.
Princess Kate honours Queen Elizabeth with £2,000 tribute
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On social media, admirers suggested Kate had chosen the pattern deliberately. One wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Is it just me or does anyone else think our future Queen Princess Catherine wore that dress as a mark of respect and love for our late Queen?”
During the visit, William and Kate met members who had encountered the late Queen over the years.
A post on the couple’s official Instagram account said: “Cake and conversation to mark three years since the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“It was very special to hear from those who had met Her Late Majesty, and reflect on the impact she had within the @womensinstitute, as a longstanding member. Thank you to the ladies of the Sunningdale WI for having us.”
Princess Kate wore a £2,000 tartan dress from Alessandra Rich
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Meanwhile, Prince Harry also returned to Britain on Monday to mark the anniversary. After landing at Heathrow, he travelled directly to Windsor to privately pay respects at St George’s Chapel, where the late Queen was laid to rest in 2022.
The Duke of Sussex laid a wreath of flowers at her burial site before heading to the WellChild Awards in London, his first official engagement during this UK visit.
It is his first trip back in five months, but he is not expected to see his brother.
William and Harry are both carrying out separate schedules, with the Prince of Wales in London and Cardiff, while Harry is due in Nottingham and at charity meetings.
Queen Elizabeth meeting Liz Truss two days before her death
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Kate and William marked the third anniversary of the late Queen's death
| GETTYKing Charles has spent the past month at Balmoral, where he attended church with Queen Camilla at Crathie Kirk on Monday. However, he is due to return to London this week.
Reports suggest no meeting between father and son has been arranged, although sources say Charles remains open to reconciliation.
Harry himself has spoken candidly about the family rift. “I don’t know how much longer my father has. He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff… but it would be nice to reconcile,” he told the BBC.
He also admitted he “misses” the UK since moving to the United States with Meghan Markle in 2020. The couple, now based in California, are raising their two children – Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.