How Experts Expect Kate Middleton to Channel Princess Diana During Her Royal Tour of Pakistan
Kate Middleton and Prince William's tour of Pakistan is October 14-18. Experts expect Kate to channel Princess Diana's style from her solo trip there in 1991.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are just days away from embarking on their royal tour of Pakistan, which is scheduled for October 14-18.
The tour, which Kensington Palace announced in June, was requested by the U.K.’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and will mark the first official visit to the country by a member of the British royal family since Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles visited in 2006.
Royal experts are looking back on previous royal tours of the country to predict how Will and Kate's visit will go. Those other royal visits to Pakistan include two by the Queen (in 1961 and again in 1997) and one by Princess Diana, who traveled there on a solo trip in 1991.
Now, let's pause for some photos of Diana's visit to Pakistan:
Kate will likely look to Diana's trip for wardrobe inspiration, according to Susan Kelley, editor and founder of fashion blog WhatKateWore.com.
"I think we will probably see at least one traditional shalwar kameez—the top and loose trousers look — from Kate on this trip," Kelley told People. "Diana wore that look multiple times in Pakistan and I think she has on occasion looked to Diana for inspiration, while being careful not to copy her."
Another nod Kate will like give to Diana's Pakistan visit looks? Green.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"I think we’ll see the color green incorporated [to represent the green flag of Pakistan], and I think we may see jasmine, the national flower, used somehow in her clothing choices," Kelley said.
Kelley says there's also a good chance that Kate will wear pieces by Pakistani designers during the trip. This is a good guess, since Kate has made a point of wearing fashion by local designers during previous tours, such as the red maple leaf hat by Lock & Co. she wore during her tour of Canada in 2011 and the silver fern-leaf embroidered Jenny Packham dress she wore during her trip to New Zealand in 2014.
"There are some really tremendous designers either in Pakistan or with Pakistani roots. There’s one called Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (known as HSY) Asim Jofa, Osman, who is British-based but also has Pakistani roots and there’s a tremendous history of Pakistan fabrics with vibrant colors and patterns," she said.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
The Ubiquitous Celebrity Bob Has Even Shorter Competition
It girls can't stop making the chop.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Sofia Vergara Combines a Cherry Mocha Outfit with Winter's Buzziest Manicure Trend
Minimal nail fans, rise.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Princess Lilibet Resembles Another One of Prince Harry's Relatives in Adorable Throwback Photo
The Royal Family genes are exceedingly strong.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Suddenly Cancels Royal Engagement, Says He Would Have Been "Significantly Restricted"
"The Prince of Wales sends his sincere apologies to those who he had been due to meet."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William "Didn't Want" Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte to Share This Passion He Has in Common With Prince George
Future kings club.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince George Might Inherit This Special Family Title When Prince William Becomes King
"I'd be stunned if it disappeared, only because the monarchy is built on tradition."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Is Dealing With "Huge Generational Pressure" as He Prepares for the Throne With Kate Middleton
"Disastrous members of the family" are reportedly "wary of his wrath."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Norwegian Royal Family Releases Serious Update Regarding Queen Sonja's Health After Skiing Incident
The Queen Consort was previously hospitalized for her condition and is set to undergo surgery.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Has "Big Plans" for Two Young Royals Who Live Relatively Normal Lives
The Prince of Wales is allegedly "seizing more power" from King Charles, and wants to give "some lesser-known royals more of a spotlight."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Could Princess Charlotte Inherit One of Princess Diana's Most Iconic Fashion Pieces?
We set the rumors straight.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Announces She's in Remission, Touches on How Prince William and Her Kids Were Impacted by Her Cancer
"Loved ones need support just as much."
By Kristin Contino Published