Kate Middleton wore tartan skirt and black jumper 10 years before this week's outing

Publish date: 2024-06-21

The Duchess of Cambridge won praise for the tartan skirt and black top she donned for a Kensington Palace Christmas party this week - but it is not the first time the royal has worn the festive combination. 

Eagle-eyed fans noted Kate, 36, previously stepped out in a strikingly similar ensemble of a red tartan skirt, black boots and fitted black jumper for a day out in London 10 years ago.

The throwback snap of fresh-faced Kate, then 26 years old and dating Prince William, emerged on social media this week, with many fans praising her 'timeless' style. 

2008: This snap of fresh-faced Kate, then 26 and dating William, emerged on social media this week after she wore a similar outfit on Tuesday. Many fans praised her 'timeless' style

2008: This snap of fresh-faced Kate, then 26 and dating William, emerged on social media this week after she wore a similar outfit on Tuesday. Many fans praised her 'timeless' style

2018: The Duchess of Cambridge won praise when she wore this polished yet festive combination of a £208 cashmere jumper and £1,500 Emilia Wickstead skirt on Tuesday

2018: The Duchess of Cambridge won praise when she wore this polished yet festive combination of a £208 cashmere jumper and £1,500 Emilia Wickstead skirt on Tuesday

One tweeted: 'Ten years later the taste of the girl has not changed much (maybe only the cost) but she is the same shy, happy and relaxed girl of always.' 

University graduate Kate donned the outfit the day after her 26th birthday in January 2008.

RELATED ARTICLES

Share this article

Share 1.7k shares

The brunette beauty, who had then recently rekindled her romance with Prince William, was spotted heading out from her London flat after spending the night celebrating with family.  

Displaying a similar fashion sensibility, Kate wore a sharp black blazer over a fitted black turtleneck jumper. 

Festive cheer: The Duchess wore the ensemble as she joined William in hosting a Christmas party for RAF families at Kensington Palace on Tuesday

Festive cheer: The Duchess wore the ensemble as she joined William in hosting a Christmas party for RAF families at Kensington Palace on Tuesday

Flattering: The midi was longer than the mini she wore in 2008 - but the outfit was largely the same

Flattering: The midi was longer than the mini she wore in 2008 - but the outfit was largely the same

She accessorised with a pair of trendy slouched black suede boots and a brown leather handbag. 

The noticeable difference between the 2008 and the 2018 outfits is the length of the skirt - with Kate choosing a mini skirt ten years ago and a midi this week. 

At the time Kate wore her brunette locks loose around her shoulders but opted for a straighter style than her now signature curls. 

Let it snow! William and Kate strolled through fake snow as they strolled to the palace

Let it snow! William and Kate strolled through fake snow as they strolled to the palace

The 2008 outfit is also likely to have been far more affordable than the £1,500 Emilia Wickstead skirt and £209 black button down cardigan from Scottish cashmere company Brora that Kate wore on Tuesday. 

The mother-of-three donned the stylish look as she joined Prince William, 36, to host a Christmas party for RAF families at Kensington Palace.

The event was supported by The Royal British Legion in recognition of the unique contribution and sacrifices serving personnel and their families make year round, and especially when they are separated during the festive period. 

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pa3IpbCmmZmhe6S7ja6iaJ6Voq6quI6aqa2hk6GyboKTb25wbGlkmKLAxGaEopyUobK1u81mrqiqlWLBor7TmqVmq5uev7V5waWYnKNdn8KuvMSrZGpoXa6yor7SZq6enZuoerDB06KloGaYqbqt