Kate Middleton and Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh are friends in fashion: 10 times they dressed in matching outfits

The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh are said to share a strong friendship, a connection that is even reflected in their fashion choices.

The similarities in their attire – from corresponding trouser suits to synchronized dresses – represent a remarkable bond that goes beyond personal style.

Since marrying into the Royal Family, Sophie, 59, much like Kate, 42, has cemented her position at the heart of the Monarchy, having been adored by both the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Sophie not only served as a pillar of support to the Queen following the death of her husband, but she also spent time with Kate during the early stages of her relationship with William, offering guidance as she began her royal journey.

Despite their 17-year age gap, Sophie has forged a close alliance with Kate and mirrored her sartorial choices on several occasions, including state occasions and more informal appearances. 

The duo’s unbreakable bond was evident at the 2023 Buckingham Palace Garden Party, when they stepped out wearing carefully coordinating ensembles, adorned with ruffles and bows.

Inspired by the Lebanese label’s resort 2019 collection, Kate’s bespoke Elie Saab two-piece comprised an elegant pussy-bow blouse and dobby tulle skirt, created in an exquisite powder blue hue.

She debuted the ensemble at Royal Ascot in 2019 with identical accessories: a Philip Treacy hat, Gianvito Rossi heels and Kiki McDonough earrings (although the last-mentioned were a different version this time).

Sophie perfectly complemented Kate in the Suzannah Isla dress, crafted from Guipure lace and featuring a fit-and-flare silhouette, decorated with a frilled bib.

The royals’ coordinating aesthetic was also evident when they stepped out wearing glittering Erdem dresses in 2017 and 2023 respectively.

Kate, who was attending the launch of the UK-India Year of Culture 2017 in London, selected a shin-length metallic lace dress by the British fashion designer.

Meanwhile, Sophie dazzled in the floor-length version, which also incorporated semi-sheer sleeves and a pleated skirt, for the 2022 Royal Variety Performance, some five years later.

The Duchess later rewore this dress during her visit to Canada in 2023 as Colonel-in-Chief of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, and Patron of Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals.

In September of last year, Kate paid a visit to the leading Yorkshire textile mill, AW Hainsworth, in Leeds. 

She recycled a forest green trouser suit by Burberry, adding a crisp white Holland Cooper bodysuit and Emmy London block heels. 

The Princess first wore the tailored two-piece when she welcomed Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway to the UK earlier in the year.

Following in the Princess’s fashionable footsteps, Sophie stepped out wearing a comparable trouser suit by Victoria Beckham in January.

Both immaculate ensembles incorporated a longline single-breasted blazer and high-waisted wide-leg trousers.  

The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh seem to appreciate tailored separates, as evidenced by both individuals wearing refined double-breasted jackets, paired with Breton tops and cigarette trousers.

Attending the 2024 British Cycling National Track Championships at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, Sophie turned to one of Kate’s favourite brands, Alexander McQueen, for her navy blazer. 

Sophie added a Frame striped cashmere sweater, her trusty Prada boots and an Isabel Marant embellished shoulder bag. 

Two years earlier, Kate wore an almost identical double-breasted design by Holland Cooper, with an Erdem cashmere sweater, during a visit to Scotland with Prince William. 

Kate and Sophie share a unique bond, having both come from relatively modest backgrounds before they married into the Royal Family. 

The duo’s closeness clearly extends to their fashion choices as depicted in two magnificent cornflower blue looks.

Kate debuted an Alexander McQueen coat dress during her and William’s first public walkabout in New Zealand in 2014. She later chose to rewear the same outfit for an engagement in Arromanches, a poignant tribute to the fallen on D-Day. 

Debuted during her and William’s first public walkabout in New Zealand, in 2014, Kate rewore an Alexander McQueen coat dress for an engagement in Arromanches, paying tribute to the fallen on D-Day.

Later in 2018, Sophie selected a Suzannah dress, custom-made in the same vibrant hue, to attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate.

Sophie has reached for this coat several times since, including the Princess of Wales’ Together at Christmas carol concert, held at Westminster Abbey, last December.

More recently, the royals donned strikingly similar festive ensembles. Kate sported an olive green military coat on Christmas Day in 2022 and Sophie emulated her outfit in 2023. 

The Princess’ coat, designed by Alexander McQueen, featured a stand-up collar, patch pockets and a pleated skirt.

She expertly accessorised with dark brown Stuart Weitzman boots, Dents leather gloves and a Philip Treacy hat. 

Equally elegant, Sophie’s Claire Mischevani coat boasted a funnel neck, bow detailing and a A-line silhouette that mirrored Kate’s.

However, she opted for contrasting accessories: Jimmy Choo croc-embossed pumps and a Jane Taylor boater hat.

Earlier this month, Sophie replicated a tonal ensemble that Kate wore back in 2022. 

Visiting the Right Stuff Amateur Boxing Club, in Staffordshire, the Duchess kept the chill at bay in a camel-coloured coat, which looked incredibly similar to one worn by the Princess during an official visit to Scarborough.

Kate’s luxurious outerwear, hailing from Max&Co, teamed beautifully with her Gabriela Hearst dress, Ralph Lauren pumps and DeMellier bag. 

Also opting for complementary hues, Sophie chose a Reiss knitted dress, Gianvito Rossi suede boots and an Isabel Marant studded bag.

Seemingly drawing style inspiration from Kate, Sophie frequently replicates the Princess’s looks at royal engagements.

The royals have both worn Roksanda’s coveted Luna dress – Kate choosing a buttercup yellow version for the 2022 Wimbledon Women’s Singles Final and Sophie opting for classic navy during her visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2023.

Cut to a calf-skimming length, the skirt is adorned in pleats for fluid movement, while the bodice features a bow-like fold at one shoulder.

The ladies heightened their outfits with neutral accessories: Kate choosing white Gianvito Rossi pumps, while Sophie complemented her look with pale pink Penelope Chilvers wedges.

Additionally, at last year’s Not Forgotten Association Garden Party, Sophie replicated the outfit Kate wore to the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012.

The Duchess exuded elegance for the Buckingham Palace soirée in a Suzannah coat dress, teamed with a corresponding Jane Taylor hat, Strathberry mini bag and Moda in Pelle pumps.

Eleven years prior, Kate showcased an ice blue silk coat dress by Christopher Kane at the pre-Olympic reception and Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics. She repeated it at the Order Of The Garter Service in 2014.

The Princess’s demure coat featured a lapel collar, decorative darts and front closure with a belted waist.

Earlier in March, Sophie championed Kate’s newfound love for tailoring, choosing a navy two-piece by one of Princess’s most-loved labels, Max Mara. 

The modish set combined a double-breasted jacket and wide-leg trousers, much like Kate’s Holland Cooper suit.

Kate showcased her classic pinstripe look twice in October 2023, pairing it alternatively with a cosy roll neck and a slinky bodysuit. 

The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh have much common, in terms of background and outlook, sharing a pragmatic and stoic nature.

Their outfit choices add another layer to the duo’s cherished friendship.