Karl Lagerfeld once referred to them as ‘the royal sisters’ due to their remarkable likeness.
And since Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Queen Mary of Denmark are both celebrated for their impeccable style and influence on fashion, it’s no surprise that they may draw inspiration from one another.
Both women maintain a polished wardrobe within the boundaries of royal protocol, with a shared appreciation for ethical brands and British designers.
Last week, Mary revived a fashion favourite, rewearing a stunning Jenny Packham gown – also owned by Kate – at a gala dinner.
Here, we take a closer look at their most memorable ‘style sister’ moments over the years.
Dazzling doubles
Earlier this month, Mary rewore her Jenny Packham ‘Georgia’ gown for a gala dinner at Christiansborg Palace.
It came after she debuted the dazzling sequinned dress on her 50th birthday in 2022.
Following in her footsteps, Kate donned the same dress to Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s wedding reception in Jordan the following year, before repeating it for the diplomatic reception.
Kate had previously worn the emerald version of the gown in 2021, possibly making her the first to showcase the design.
Mary and Kate have both dazzled in Jenny Packham’s pink ‘Georgia’ gown
Royal blue
In February 2016, Mary stepped out in a dark blue knee-length dress in Copenhagen – a strikingly similar design to one worn by Kate.
Mary’s frock was by Issa, the same brand behind the dress Kate wore when announcing her engagement to Prince William back in 2010.
While Kate styled hers with classic black court shoes, Mary opted for a matching blue pair, adding her own refined touch to the timeless look.
In 2016, Mary stepped out in a dark blue knee-length dress in Copenhagen – strikingly similar to the design Kate wore to announce her engagement to Prince William in 2010
Fit and flare
Mary opted for a graceful sky blue fit-and-flare frock by Emilia Wickstead during a trip to Japan in March 2015.
Three years later, Kate wore the lilac version of the dress to a mental health summit in London.
While Mary may have been first to wear the dress, Kate has since showcased it in cobalt, olive and teal, prompting Wickstead to rename the design ‘The Kate’ in her honour.
Mary showcased a beautiful fit-and-flare dress by Emilia Wickstead in 2015, followed by Kate in 2018, after whom the dress is now named
Geo chic
Mary led the way in 2019, stepping out in Beulah London’s ‘Shalini’ geo print shirt dress, with Kate following suit in 2020.
However, their styling choices set them apart.
Mary wore her hair down with hoop earrings and nude court shoes, while Kate swept her locks into a ponytail and paired the dress with navy heels.
Mary stepped out in a Beulah London geo print shirt dress in 2019. Kate also wore the look in 2020
Cobalt connection
Kate debuted a vivid Stella McCartney dress at the National Portrait Gallery in 2012, accessorising it with a diamond-studded Cartier necklace.
She later rewore the striking dress for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Just months after Kate’s first outing, Mary sported a near-identical pencil dress in Hong Kong, styling it with a long necklace featuring circular charms – similar to Kate’s.
Kate and Mary have both opted for cobalt blue pencil dresses with similar necklaces
White elegance
Kate slipped back into her Alexander McQueen trouser suit for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, recycling the look from the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Meanwhile, Mary has worn a similar Max Mara three-piece on two occasions – once in Stockholm, in 2017, and again in South Korea, in 2019.
Both royals embraced crisp white tailoring, proving that classic wide-leg trousers and structured blazers are always a winning choice.
Both royals have embraced crisp white tailoring, proving that classic wide-leg trousers and structured blazers are always a winning choice
Teal twins
For the 150th anniversary of the London Underground, Kate surprised fans in a Malene Birger teal A-line coat.
It was a familiar look for fashion followers, as Mary had worn the exact same design in Copenhagen back in 2006.
Both royals embraced the classic look, pairing it with opaque black tights and shoes.
For the 150th anniversary of the London Underground, Kate surprised fans in a Malene Birger teal A-line coat. It was a familiar look, as Mary had worn the exact design in Copenhagen back in 2006
A touch of grace
Mary wore Beulah London’s cream ‘Ahana’ dress a year before Kate wore the blush version.
The ladylike fit-and-flare silhouette, mandarin collar, belted waist and A-line skirt proved effortlessly flattering on both women, who wore their hair down freely.
Both completed the look with neutral court shoes.
Mary wore Beulah London’s ‘Ahana’ dress a year before Kate showcased the blush version
Spot on
In May 2024, Mary stepped aboard the Royal Ship Dannebrog in Copenhagen, wearing the Iris & Ink ‘Alison’ polka dot satin midi dress – similar to Kate’s 2022 Alessandra Rich dress, worn at Prince Philip’s memorial service.
While Kate paired hers with black accessories, Mary opted for a white feathered headband to create a softer finish.
In May 2024, Queen Mary wore the Iris & Ink ‘Alison’ polka dot satin midi dress – similar to Kate’s 2022 Alessandra Rich dress, worn at Prince Philip’s memorial
Monochrome magic
In May 2022, Kate turned heads at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in the ‘Lamble’ gown by Roland Mouret.
The figure-hugging crepe design featured an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and allure.
Four years earlier, Mary made a similarly stunning impression in a monochrome Paul & Joe dress, with a contrasting bandeau neckline, while touring the Nordic Museum in Seattle, Washington.
Both royals kept their accessories understated with classic black accents.
In 2022, Kate turned heads at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in the ‘Lamble’ gown by Roland Mouret. Four years earlier, Mary made a similarly stunning impression in a monochrome Paul & Joe dress