Princess Diana and Meghan Markle may have independently established themselves as fashion
icons, but it's clear the Duchess of Sussex has both inadvertently and purposefully paid
tribute to her late mother-in-law through her flawless style.
She didn't know Prince Harry yet, but the
Diane Von Furstenberg outfit Meghan Markle chose for a 2012 USA Network even almost eerily
foreshadowed her royal associations. Princess Diana wore an extremely similar (albeit sequined)
version for a performance of "La Boheme" in 1996.
The Princess of Wales's outerwear seen in
London in 1996 came from Versace, while Meghan Markle repped a Canadian brand for her engagement
announcement. The $750 style from Line the Label sold out within minutes of the photocall,
and the designer has since renamed the wrap coat in her honor.
The new Duchess of Sussex picked out a loose-fitting
gown from Oscar de la Renta's 2018 resort collection for a family wedding in England,
but the blue-and-white print brought to mind a Catherine Walker-designed tunic worn by
Princess Diana in 1986.
Diana kept her outfits simple for a 1997 trip
to Bosnia Herzegovina to raise awareness about landmines. Meghan opted for a similar combination
(including Misha Nonoo's husband shirt) when attending the Invictus Games — a sporting
competition for veterans — with her then-boyfriend Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle didn't break royal protocol
by baring her shoulders in Carolina Herrera at Trooping the Colour this year. Princess
Diana have worn strapless outfits before, like this Catherine Walker ballgown seen at
the Berlin Opera House in 1987. Both Bardot necklines featured button detailing too!
A well-tailored tux looks great on just about
everyone. Diana paired her Jasper Conran trouser suit with a white ruffled blouse for a 1986
gala, while Meghan went for a pussy-bow bodysuit (!) by Tuxe to go with her Alexander McQueen
ensemble at the Endeavor Fund Awards in February.
The former actress exited a 2016 Today Show
taping wearing a camera-ready dress as crimson as Diana's iconic gown. The princess loved
this Victor Edelstein stunner so much, she wore it more than five times over the years.
Both royals have had everyone seeing stripes.
Meghan's Altuzarra dress for the Commonwealth Youth Forum looked just as tailored as her
mother-in-law's sleek suit on 1991 walkabout in Sheffield and Rotherham.
Princess Diana wore all-black and a poppy
pin per tradition on Remembrance Sunday in 1984. Meghan Markle went for similarly somber
accessories on Anzac Day; both annual occasions honor Commonwealth servicemen and women.
Meghan definitely likes to stick to neutrals,
but ventured into more colorful territory with a Self-Portrait midi dress for an Invictus
Games event in April. The fitted bodice shares some similarities with a Catherine Walker
look seen on Diana in Saudi Arabia in 1986.
This time Meghan paid a very purposeful sartorial
tribute to her mother-in-law. The newlywed wore Diana's aquamarine cocktail ring to her
wedding reception on May 19th as her something blue.