Duchess of Cambridge follows Princess Diana’s sartorial lead for Pakistan arrival outfit

Sabrina Carder
·E-Commerce Editor
Updated ·2-min read
Kate Middleton wore a traditional shalwar kameez as she landed in Pakistan following in her late mother-in-laws footsteps. [Photo: Getty/ PA]
Kate Middleton wore a traditional shalwar kameez as she landed in Pakistan following in her late mother-in-law's footsteps. [Photo: Getty/ PA]

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Pakistan to kickstart a five-day tour of the country.

The couple landed on a Royal Air Force Voyager plane at Nur Khan airbase in Islamabad.

They’ve left their three children - Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, one - at home. Kate and William stay in the country until Friday, when they’ll return home.

READ MORE: William and Kate begin tour as Pakistan bolsters security

For her arrival outfit, the Duchess dressed respectfully in a traditional shalwar kameez ensemble: an icy blue, long-sleeve dress with matching trousers underneath. Catherine Walker, the British brand who designed a huge amount of Princess Diana’s wardrobe, created the look. A pair of nude heels by Rupert Sanderson, clutch bag and statement earrings finished the ensemble.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for their visit to Pakistan. [Photo: Getty]
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for their visit to Pakistan. [Photo: Getty]
Kate channelled Pakistani traditional dress in a bespoke design by Catherine Walker. [Photo: Getty]
Kate channelled Pakistani traditional dress in a bespoke design by Catherine Walker. [Photo: Getty]
The Duchess also accessorised with statement teal earrings. [Photo: Getty]
The Duchess also accessorised with statement teal earrings. [Photo: Getty]

The outfit choice was similar to what Princess Diana wore when she arrived in the country in 1996.

That visit was Diana’s second visit to Pakistan; she had been invited by Imran Khan to help raise funds for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital. Diana arrived diplomatically dressed in a powder pink dress and matching trousers, which channeled traditional Pakistani dress.

William and Kate’s tour marks the first time in 13 years that a member of the British Royal Family has visited the country and the trip is at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were the last royals to pay a visit back in 2006.

Previously, Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1961 and 1997 while Princess Diana travelled there on a solo trip in 1991, as well as in 1996.

Diana, The Princess of Wales, wore a tradional shalwar kameez when she arrived in Lahore, Pakistan in April 1996. [Photo: Getty]
Diana, Princess of Wales, wore a traditional shalwar kameez when she arrived in Lahore, Pakistan in April 1996. [Photo: Getty]

The Cambridges haven’t been on an official royal tour for over a year. They last visited Sweden and Norway in January 2018.

Kensington Palace said the tour is the couple’s “most complex” to date, because of political tensions and security concerns in the region. According to the Telegraph, more than 1,000 Pakistani police officers have been deployed to ensure the Duke and Duchess are safe during their visit.

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