Kate Middleton and her mother love to share their wardrobes

Catherine, Princess of Wales is widely regarded as one of the world's most stylish women, so it's no surprise that her mother, Carole Middleton, occasionally takes inspiration from her daughter's wardrobe. 

The 71-year-old looked effortlessly elegant at the Cheltenham Festival, adding a finishing touch straight from Kate's collection: a feathered fedora by Hicks & Brown. 

But this wasn't the first time Carole has dipped into her daughter's closet. 

Over the years, she has worn several pieces previously seen on Kate - and the Princess has even returned the favour. 

Hicks & Brown Suffolk fedora

Carole delighted royal watchers when she arrived for Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival wearing her daughter's stylish fedora. 

Made from soft navy felt, the hat - which Kate sported at Sandringham in December 2020 - is designed for all-day comfort.

The piece is hand-finished with a cluster of natural feathers fastened behind a branded leather band.

ME+EM silk shirt dress

Attending Royal Ascot in 2022, Carole stepped out in an eye-catching silk shirt dress by ME+EM, featuring a dipped hemline and pleated detailing.

Kate had previously chosen the pink midi design for afternoon tea with five-year-old cancer patient Mila Sneddon at Holyroodhouse in May 2021.

The Princess later wore the dress again to the Chelsea Flower Show in 2022, styling it with her trusty espadrille wedges from Castañer.

Max Mara Villar belted wool coat

At the Together At Christmas carol concert in 2024, Carole exuded elegance in an ivory wool coat by Max Mara.

Featuring concealed buttons and a fit-and-flare silhouette, the coat looked effortlessly regal - perhaps unsurprising given Kate had worn the exact same design nine years earlier.

The Princess debuted the piece during a visit to the headquarters of Ben Ainslie Racing in Portsmouth. 

Unlike Carole, she styled the coat with its matching belt, accentuating the waist.

Jane Corbett fascinator

Carole also borrowed a statement fascinator by Jane Corbett for Royal Ascot in 2010.

Kate had originally worn the floral headpiece the year before, pairing it with a blue brocade coat for a friend's wedding.

Taking inspiration from her daughter's styling, Carole also matched the fascinator with a sophisticated blue dress.

Reiss Trina coat dress 

The tables turned in 2012 when it was Kate who raided her mother's wardrobe.

While delivering her first official speech as a member of the Royal Family at Treehouse Hospice, the Princess wore a coat dress previously seen on Carole in 2010.

The cobalt blue double-breasted design, by Reiss, features a contrasting wide waist belt that creates a flattering silhouette.