Catherine, Princess of Wales is typically celebrated for her sophisticated and polished style, but some of her recent outfits during a trip to Italy sparked criticism online, with several royal watchers even accusing her of taking fashion inspiration from Meghan Markle.
During a solo visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, earlier this month, Kate Middleton spent her second day touring a local preschool and the REMIDA creative resource center. While there, she participated in a nature-based outdoor event, met with community leaders, and joined children in fun activities, including pasta-making.
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Kate Middleton Wears Neutral Outfit In Italy
For the daytime engagements, the mom of three chose a softer, understated look featuring neutral tones and an Italian-made blazer. Her outfit included a gray double-breasted pinstripe jacket by Milan-based brand Blazé Milano paired with an ivory high-waisted pleated skirt by Jenni Kayne. She completed the ensemble with slingback flats and delicate jewelry.
Although many felt the outfit suited the occasion, some royal fashion fans online quickly compared the neutral color palette to Markle’s signature style. The Duchess of Sussex is well known for wearing beige, cream, and muted earth tones, leading some social media users to speculate that Kate may have been channeling a similar aesthetic.
“Copying Meghan was the best Kate's ever looked. Too bad she has no sense of individual adaptation,” one person commented on Reddit. Another wrote, “Because Meghan wears beige.” Others were less impressed with the styling itself, with one user saying, “It’s giving boring schoolteacher.”
Some commenters also pointed out that Jenni Kayne is a California-based brand previously worn by the former actress. “Interesting little tidbits the skirt is by Jenni Kayne. A Californian brand that Meghan has worn a couple of times. Meghan literally has the longer version of this skirt in yellow,” one person noted.
Additional reactions included, “BEIGE. You're in Italy and you're wearing BEIGE?!?!?” while another critic added, “That blazer really doesn’t go well with her skirt, a light jumper or cardigan would’ve looked better.”
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Some royal fans also pointed out that the outfit resembled a look Meghan wore during her first visit as a royal patron back in 2019. For that appearance, the Suits alum opted for a monochromatic pale blush blazer paired with a dress featuring pleated detailing along the hem.
Markle has long been associated with neutral dressing and nude-toned outfits. In 2025, she was often photographed wearing her signature relaxed monochromatic suits, including a baggy tan silk-linen set by Ralph Lauren.
Earlier this month, Middleton also embraced the neutral trend herself, wearing a sophisticated sand-colored pantsuit by Roland Mouret. The ensemble featured a single-breasted blazer with wide-leg trousers and was worn during her visit to the University of East London to launch the “Foundations for Life” initiative.
