Royal fans spot Kate Middleton's touching nod to Princess Diana at Trooping the Colour

Royal fans spot Kate Middleton's touching nod to Princess Diana at Trooping the Colour Princess Catherine of Wales – also known as Kate Middleton – looked stunning in a powder blue outfit at Trooping the Colour. But did you know the hidden meaning behind the clothing choice? Kate Middleton looked beautiful as she took in the atmosphere at Trooping the Colour today. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, smiled widely as she enjoyed all of the pomp and ceremony of King Charles' official birthday. The 44-year-old royal wore a powder-blue dress by Catherine Walker, which she paired with an oversized Philip Treacy hat and her favourite statement pearl earrings. Her outfit oozed sophistication – and members of the British public were quick to point out that it looked familiar. In fact, Kate seemed to pay homage to Princess Diana with the sophisticated look. On X, one commentator pointed out: "A nod from Kate to her late mother-in-law at today's Trooping the Colour. The Princess of Wales is wearing a pale blue outfit designed by Catherine Walker, a designer often worn by Princess Diana. Today also marks 45 years since Diana attended her first Trooping the Colour." Meanwhile, another viewer gushed: "Fashion goes full circle to 1987. Two Princesses of Wales, one classic Catherine Walker coat dress. #troopingofthecolour." As you can see from the comparison picture, both princesses wore a similar shade of blue with distinctive white piping. Princess Diana was very fond of this style, debuting it as she attended an Easter service with her son, Prince William, and nephew, Peter Phillips, in 1987. Then, in 1992, she also paired a pale blue outfit with a matching Philip Somerville hat. Powder blue has long been a popular choice for female members of the Royal Family. In the past, blue pigments derived from lapis lazuli were a rare luxury, reserved exclusively for royalty and prominent figures in religious art. Today, the specific shade of blue worn continues to carry distinct meaning. While deep tones like navy exude strict, business-like authority, powder blue offers a subtle "soft power." It enables royal women to command respect and maintain a dignified presence while simultaneously appearing warm, vibrant, and highly approachable to the public. Trooping the Colour, also known as the Sovereign's Birthday Parade, takes place in June every year to mark the monarch’s birthday. The very first Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed during the reign of King Charles II, who was Monarch from 1660 to 1685. But it was King Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910 and was born in November, that began the tradition of holding Trooping the Colour in June. Even though King Charles was actually born in November, his birthday is celebrated in June, as is the case with many monarchs before him. This is due to centuries of tradition and the weather. The event commenced in London at Horse Guards Parade today, with thousands of royal fans flooding the Mall to celebrate the event. The King’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, took the spotlight, trooping their colour in front of His Majesty. Following the procession, the Royal Family took to the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the Royal Air Force flypast.