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 'You' Season 5 Cast Features People From Joe's Past, a New Love Interest, Madcap Twins, and More
Here's what to know about the star-studded final installment of the Netflix hit.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
These J.Crew Sale Finds Basically Packed My Suitcase for Me
I'm ready for my next vacation.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Summer's Sportiest Shoe Trend Is Worth Shopping More Than Once
17 pairs from Nordstrom, Mango, and Zara I'm shopping now.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
How Princess Kate and Prince William are Following in The King and Queen's Footsteps With Surprise Anniversary Celebration
The Prince and Princess of Wales will mark their 14th anniversary on April 29.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Secretly Spent Easter With Princess Kate's Parents
The little royals were spotted in Sandringham, and hot cross buns were allegedly involved.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince William Has "No Time For" Uncle Prince Andrew, Per Royal Source
The Prince of Wales is said to be "one of the driving forces " behind keeping Andrew out of royal life.
By Kristin Contino
-
The "Nerve-Racking" Meeting King Charles's Cousin Had With Princess Diana
"I could have been a complete idiot."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Kate Middleton "Lets Louis Run Wild," But Not Prince George and Princess Charlotte
"Louis has won the hearts of many people with his antics."
By Amy Mackelden
-
An Unexpected Senior Royal Is Set to Attend Pope Francis's Funeral at the Vatican
King Charles—who paid tribute to the pontiff on social media—is unlikely to attend.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William's Easter Absence Made Prince Andrew's Return a "Lot Easier"
"There is, I'm told, quite a lot of friction between them."
By Amy Mackelden
-
The "Frightening" Easter Prank Prince William Once Played on Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice
"Prince William has just stood on a chair and bitten the mouse's head off."
By Amy Mackelden