Kate Middleton is no stranger to an outfit rerun or a statement heirloom. This particular prowess was on display again this week as the Princess joined her family at Westminster Abbey this Thursday for a commemorative service on the 80th anniversary of VE Day—held to honour the end of World War II in Europe.

For the occasion, she was styled in a familiar polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich, featuring long gathered sleeves, an eighties-style bodice and shoulders, and a high neck detail. The dress was previously seen on her at The Order of the Garter service in 2023, styled with a black and white fascinator and similarly coloured pumps.

This time around, the tea-length dress was paired with a black Juliette Botterill fascinator, a nude bag and matching Ralph Lauren stilettos. Of most significance and the key accessory featured both times were her oft-worn Collingwood drop pearl earrings, once belonging to the late Princess Diana.

The Princess of Wales also wore the pearls often, including at the 1994 Vanity Fair party with her famed ‘revenge dress’.  However, one look of particular note was her ensemble at the Royal Ascot in 1988. The People’s Princess wore a white polka dot dress, with a matching hat and two-toned shoes, much like Middleton’s original look in 2023.

Princess Kate has often paid homage to her late mother-in-law, and does so while shining a light on the British fashion industry and sustainability. Her look this Thursday was no different and was quintessentially reflective of her timeless style ethos of getting the most out of her wardrobe.

Take earlier this week, when the Princess wore a plum Emilia Wickstead coat-dress and Jane Taylor bow hat at the VE Day military procession. An ensemble worn initially in 2022 for the President of South Africa’s state visit to the UK, her outfit also featured the heirloom pearl earrings.