Since becoming Duchess of Cambridge [1] back in 2011, Kate Middleton's style [2] has become legendary. But while millions around the world have taken inspiration from her looks, the duchess has her own style source — her mum, Carole.
Mama Middleton's wardrobe and that of her elder daughter have plenty in common, with plenty of pretty prints and colour block coats forming the basis of their look. In fact, Kate [3] and Carole have so many shared style pointers, some of their outfits are hard to tell apart. Kate's little sister Pippa also takes plenty of wisdom from their mum. Confident and classic, and relying on top labels like Catherine Walker as well as High Street staples, there is a definite Middleton look. It all starts with Carole, so keep reading for a look back at some of her most memorable looks.
July 2019
Just days after Kate wore white for a visit to Wimbledon 2019 [4], Carole did exactly the same, choosing a shift dress by one of her daughter's favourite labels, Goat, not to mention a hat that looked rather similar to Meghan Markle [5]'s favourite fedora.
July 2018
Wimbledon 2018 saw Carole step out in a print shirt dress, another style preference she shares with Kate.
May 2018
When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle [6] at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, Carole was there in pastel mint green. Her Catherine Walker outfit, with dress and matching coat, was topped with the type of fascinator-style hat we've come to associate with Kate.
July 2017
It was double-take time when Carole arrived at Wimbledon 2017 in a dress that looked very similar to a red and white McQueen outfit worn by Kate on a tour of Canada the year before [7]. In fact, Mama Middleton's take on the tiered skirt dress was by Wolf and Badger.
July 2017
This fresh print dress with cap sleeves and flared skirt was another Wimbledon pick for Carole. Like Kate, she went for nude accessories to offset her bold look.
May 2017
Carole's second outing as mother of the bride, at Pippa's wedding to James Matthews in 2018, saw her pretty in pink in another Catherine Walker design [8]. And while the pleats on her coat are a style departure, the collar with its stand-out single-breasted design is rather reminiscent of Kate's pick for Trooping the Colour in 2013 [9].
July 2016
Know any royals who love to mix up their blues? Carole went for a print dress with mottled double breasted blazer for a trip to Wimbledon, echoing one of Kate's favourite colour combos.
June 2017
Carole's ice blue dress by Goat, with its sweetheart neckline and three quarter length sleeves, was the perfect foil for Kate's lace as the two women attended Ascot. And canny Carole rewore the hat she'd used at the Cambridges' royal wedding six years earlier for this style moment.
July 2015
Just like Kate and Pippa, Carole chose cream for the christening of Princess Charlotte [10] in Norfolk. She opted for her go to designer, Catherine Walker, again adding a sweet nod to Charlotte's other grandma, Diana, Princess of Wales, who was a famous fan of the label.
November 2014
Kate and Carole caused quite the stir when they stepped out in almost identical black lace accented evening gowns for the Royal Variety Performance in 2014. While the Duchess of Cambridge went full length for the occasion [11], her mum opted for a cocktail style dress with a lace overskirt that flowed to her knees.
July 2014
Carole's visit to Wimbledon in 2014 gave us a sighting of this coral and white print dress with fitted waist and mid length sleeves.
July 2013
One of Carole's most famous looks came in July 2013 when she visited her newborn grandson, Prince George, in hospital just after his arrival. The new granny chose an Orla Kiely dress with nude heels for this big moment.
November 2012
Kate's made the knee-length boot one of her signature looks in the winter months and Carole loves it, too. Soon after we all found out that Kate was pregnant for the first time, her mum was snapped in this camel wraparound coat and suede boots, not to mention a huge smile.
October 2012
Classic and elegant, this red sheath dress with full-length sleeves was Carole's pick for a night out with her family in London.
June 2012
Carole's first appearance at Royal Ascot as the mother of the future queen saw her pick a red dress with matching coat. Add in those nude heels and a hat with a turned-back brim and this could well be an outfit worn by Kate herself.
April 2011
On the eve of the Royal Wedding in 2011, Carole accompanied her daughter to the Goring Hotel with the two women in almost identical outfits. Carole's version involved a knee-length black dress with a fitted single breasted jacket and suede heels.
April 2011
As the most famous mother of the bride in the world, Carole ticked all the style boxes as she watched Kate wed William at Westminster Abbey. Her ice blue Catherine Walker design [12] included a fitted sheath dress with matching coat and wide-brimmed hat.
November 2010
As Kate and William announced their engagement, Carole kept it simple, appearing in front of the press in jeans and a navy zip-up jacket.
June 2005
Kate and Carole's shared style was obvious in the very early days. They were spotted at Gatcombe in almost identical outfits with Carole adding a padded gilet to her jeans and wellies look.