Karl Lagerfeld once dubbed them ‘the royal sisters’ in recognition of their striking resemblance – and their fashion kinship has only strengthened that comparison over the years.
With the Princess of Wales and Queen Mary of Denmark both renowned for their impeccable style and influence on fashion, it’s hardly surprising that they appear to 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.
The similarities were on full display during Queen Mary‘s recent State Visit to Lithuania, where she stepped out in a floral Erdem skirt suit that felt instantly familiar.
The look echoed an ensemble worn by Kate in 2023, reinforcing their status as sartorial kindred spirits.
To celebrate Mary’s 54th birthday, we explore some of their most memorable ‘style sister’ moments through the years.
Falling for florals
Queen Mary demonstrated her fashion credentials in Lithuania with a look that immediately brought the Princess of Wales to mind.
She opted for a black floral skirt suit by Erdem, styled with Gianvito Rossi knee-high boots and a headband by Jane Taylor – all brands long favoured by Kate.
The resemblance was unmistakable. Kate wore a strikingly similar Erdem ensemble to the 2023 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey.
In both cases, the look centred on a sculpted single-breasted blazer paired with a skimming mid-length skirt, offering a modern take on formal occasionwear.
White elegance
Queen Mary concluded her visit to Lithuania with the opening of an exhibition at the National Library, stepping out in a look that perfectly embodied royal polish.
For the occasion, she rewore her crisp white Andiata trouser suit, debuted at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The tailored ensemble is one of two white suits on rotation in the Danish monarch’s wardrobe, alongside a much-loved Max Mara three-piece that has been worn on multiple occasions.
The approach mirrors that of the Princess of Wales, who is equally committed to rewearing statement tailoring.
Kate has stepped out in her Alexander McQueen suit several times, most recently at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, proving that wide-leg trousers and a structured blazer is always a winning choice.
Tailored tweed
During her State Visit to Estonia in January, Mary embraced classic British-inspired tailoring in a bespoke tweed dress by Lasse Spangenberg Copenhagen.
Featuring a traditional collar, cinched waist and an A-line skirt, the design immediately called to mind a similar silhouette worn by Kate in 2022.
On that occasion, Kate joined Prince Charles and Camilla at The Prince’s Foundation arts and culture training site at Trinity Buoy Wharf, stepping out in an elegant Catherine Walker creation.
Both royals wore their hair in a half-up, half-down style and completed their looks with structured top-handle bags – Mary choosing Anya Hindmarch and Kate opting for Mulberry.
Dazzling doubles
Last year, Mary rewore her Jenny Packham ‘Georgia’ gown for a glittering gala dinner at Christiansborg Palace.
The moment marked a return to the dazzling sequin design she debuted for her 50th birthday celebrations in 2022.
Following in her footsteps, Kate wore the same show-stopping gown to Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Rajwa Al Saif’s wedding reception, before repeating the look for a formal diplomatic engagement.
Kate had, however, showcased the design even earlier, wearing the emerald version of the gown in 2021 – potentially making her the first royal to step out in the now-iconic silhouette.
Royal blue
In February 2016, Mary stepped out in Copenhagen wearing a dark blue, knee-length dress that bore a resemblance to one worn by Kate.
Mary’s design came courtesy of Issa – the same label behind Kate’s famous sapphire-blue engagement dress, worn when she announced her engagement to Prince William in 2010.
While Kate styled her look with classic black court shoes, Mary opted for coordinating blue heels, adding her own refined twist to the timeless ensemble.
Fit and flare
Mary chose a sky blue fit-and-flare frock by Emilia Wickstead for a trip to Japan in March 2015.
Three years later, Kate wore the same design in lilac to a mental health summit in London.
Although Mary was first to debut the silhouette, Kate has since worn the dress in cobalt, olive and teal – prompting Wickstead to later rename the design ‘The Kate’ in her honour.
Geo chic
Mary led the way in 2019, stepping out in Beulah London’s ‘Shalini’ geometric print shirt dress, with Kate following suit a year later.
Despite wearing the same design, the pair’s styling choices created two distinct looks.
Mary wore her hair loose, accessorising with hoop earrings and nude court shoes, while Kate swept her hair into a ponytail and paired the dress with navy heels for a sharper finish.
Cobalt connection
Kate wore a cobalt blue Stella McCartney pencil dress at the National Portrait Gallery in 2012, accessorising with a diamond-studded Cartier necklace.
She recycled the ensemble for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Just months after Kate’s first outing, Mary made an appearance in Hong Kong wearing a near-identical dress, accessorised with a long necklace featuring circular charms – a subtle nod to Kate’s original styling.
A touch of grace
Mary wore Beulah London’s cream ‘Ahana’ dress a full year before Kate appeared in the blush-toned version.
The ladylike design – complete with a mandarin collar, belted waist and softly flared skirt – proved effortlessly flattering on both women.
Each opted for loose hair and neutral court shoes, allowing the elegant silhouette to take centre stage.
Spot on
In May 2024, Mary boarded the Royal Ship Dannebrog in Copenhagen wearing the Iris & Ink ‘Alison’ polka dot satin midi dress – a clear echo of the Alessandra Rich design Kate wore to Prince Philip’s memorial service in 2022.
While Kate finished her look with black accessories, Mary softened hers with a white feathered headband, putting her own stamp on the monochrome motif.
Monochrome magic
Kate made a dramatic appearance at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in May 2022, wearing Roland Mouret’s ‘Lamble’ gown.
The figure-hugging crepe design featured an off-the-shoulder neckline, striking the perfect balance between sophistication and allure.
Four years earlier, Mary had made a similarly stunning impression while touring the Nordic Museum in Seattle, opting for a monochrome Paul & Joe dress with a contrasting bandeau neckline.
On both occasions, the royals kept accessories understated, relying on classic black accents to complete their outfits.
