Kate Middleton dressed just like Princess Diana for her Royal Ascot 2022 debut

The Duchess wore a polka dot dress for the occasion.

kate middleton royal ascot
(Image credit: Getty)

The Duchess wore a polka dot dress for the occasion.

People up and down the country have been reaching for their best summer dresses this week in preparation for Royal Ascot.

Princess Beatrice was spotted at the races on Tuesday in a stunning floral dress by Zimmerman, while Kate Middleton's mum, Carole Middleton, chose a bright pink ME + EM number for the occasion.

However, it was the Duchess of Cambridge herself that made headlines on Friday, as she made her way to Royal Ascot wearing a white and brown polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich.

Kate paired the polka dot number with a brown hat decorated with white flowers, and added a pair of pearl earrings for an extra touch of glamour.

kate middleton royal ascot

Getty
(Image credit: Getty)

In terms of hair and makeup, the Duchess wore her brown locks in a sophisticated bun, and sported a brown smokey eye and a pretty pink lip, which perfectly complemented the colour of her outfit.

We can't help but think that Kate's outfit was inspired by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who wore a super similar dress to attend Royal Ascot back in 1988.

princess diana royal ascot

Getty
(Image credit: Getty)

If you were hoping to recreate Kate's look this summer, we've rounded up our favourite alternatives for you to shop. Just keep on scrolling...

Get the look: Kate Middleton's Royal Ascot dress:

Hobbs Polka Dot Midi Dress, £159 | Marks and Spencer

Hobbs Polka Dot Midi Dress, <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=1402&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marksandspencer.com%2Fpolka-dot-midi-waisted-dress%2Fp%2Fclp22540584" data-link-merchant="marksandspencer.com"">£159 | Marks and Spencer
This versatile dress from Hobbs will quickly become a firm favourite in your wardrobe. The midi-length skirt is pleated for extra movement, while the buttoned placket and collared neck provide smart touches.

Self-Portrait Polka Dot Long Sleeve Midi Dress, £350 | Farfetch

Self-Portrait Polka Dot Long Sleeve Midi Dress, <a href="https://www.prf.hn/click/camref:1011l46SD/pubref:hawk-custom-tracking/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farfetch.com%2Fuk%2Fshopping%2Fwomen%2Fself-portrait-polka-dot-long-sleeve-midi-dress-item-18233651.aspx" data-link-merchant="farfetch.com"">£350 | Farfetch
Crafted in a floaty chiffon fabrication and decorated with a delicate polka dot print, this Self-Portrait dress features long semi-sheer sleeves and cut-out detailing at the bodice for a contemporary touch. Plus, Kate Middleton loves this brand.

Flavia Icing Sugar Polka Dot Midi Dress, £275 | Rixo

Flavia Icing Sugar Polka Dot Midi Dress, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Frixo.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fflavia-icing-sugar-polka-dot&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - rixo.co.uk"">£275 | Rixo
The 'Flavia' dress features a rounded neckline, blouson sleeves, a blousy bodice and a natural waistline with ruching. Simply stunning.

Reformation Meadow Polka Dot Midi Dress, £250 | Browns

Reformation Meadow Polka Dot Midi Dress, <a href="https://www.prf.hn/click/camref:1101lfB9S/pubref:hawk-custom-tracking/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brownsfashion.com%2Fuk%2Fshopping%2Fmeadow-polka-dot-midi-dress-17696411" data-link-merchant="brownsfashion.com"">£250 | Browns
If a brown polka dot dress is what you're after, Reformation has got you covered. This dress is cut from a lightweight crêpe with an all-over pattern, a square neckline, short puff sleeves and smocked panelling. It's finished with a flared skirt.

Which one will you go for?

Grace Lindsay

Grace Lindsay is currently Junior Beauty Editor at Who What Wear UK and previously was Marie Claire UK's E-Commerce Writer.  With over three years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, she covers everything from the best make-up and skincare deals to how to shop the stand out trends of the season. When she's not typing away at her laptop, Grace can be found shopping her favourite vintage markets IRL, or catching up on her never-ending list of books to read.