9Honey: Kate Middleton Learned from Diana but Didn't Dive into Fashion as Her Late Mother-in-Law

Over the past decade, since Kate Middleton became Prince William's fiancée, many comparisons have been made between her and her late mother-in-law Princess Diana.

Albeit Kate Middleton finds inspiration from Princess Diana at important moments in her life, author Bethan Holt told 9Honey that the pair have very different approaches in their styles.

"I think Kate was really careful not to dive into the fashion in the way that Diana did," said Holt, the author of "The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Modern Royal Style."

In the author's opinion, Princess Diana immediately became a fashion icon. As for Middleton, she said the duchess was timider because she realized she didn't want it just to be about her clothes.

Holt noted that Middleton's comfort level in the public eye has grown along with her fashion sense. Her clothing choices are more daring, and she has also picked up some tricks from Princess Diana.

Holt said Middleton has understood that people can put hidden messages to their clothing just like Princess Diana, and usually, she has bowed to her when she feels it extra special to do that.

Several decades later, Middleton also followed her late mother-in-law's lead in Pakistan.

In a meeting with Ukraine's President and First Lady, the Duchess of Cambridge paired her Gabriela Hearst dress with the reworked pieces she was presented by Prince William in 2010.

Those earrings were originally a wedding gift from Crown Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia to Princess Diana on her wedding day in 1981, and the People's Princess wore them repeatedly since.

In 2020, Middleton referenced Princess Diana once more at the BAFTA awards. She wore an Alexander McQueen dress that referenced Princess Diana's dress at the German Embassy in 1986.

Several decades later, Middleton also followed her late mother-in-law's lead in Pakistan. They both wore traditional shalwar kameez dresses in bright colors and embroidered with beautiful patterns.

Meanwhile, while streetwear soared alongside the pandemic that has left everyone in sweatpants for days, a new fashion appreciation for Princess Diana emerged: for her casual pullovers.

The hit television series "The Crown" makes Princess Diana's outrageous sweaters a hit with pop culture. The late princess was once photographed in her grandma-style Fair Isle sweater.