Princess Catherine often flys the flag for British fashion at Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
Since Harriet Sperling entered royal circles through her relationship with Peter Phillips in 2024, her wardrobe has been under increasing scrutiny. Now, her recent Royal Ascot appearances have ignited a fresh debate among royal fans, with some convinced the new Mrs Phillips is borrowing style inspiration from Princess Catherine.
The conversation gathered pace after the Princess of Wales, 44, made a triumphant return to Royal Ascot last week, prompting fans to compare some of Harriet’s recent outfits with several of Catherine’s most memorable looks. And according to some royal watchers, the similarities are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Harriet, who married Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips earlier this month, has quickly established herself as one of the most talked-about new faces within royal circles. Her elegant approach to occasion dressing has already drawn praise from fashion fans, with many noting her preference for timeless silhouettes, soft colour palettes and statement millinery.
However, social media users have now begun drawing comparisons between Harriet’s wardrobe and that of the Princess of Wales.
The discussion erupted after a royal fashion account took to X, and shared a side-by-side collage comparing several of Harriet’s recent outfits with looks previously worn by Catherine.
One image appeared to show similarities between Harriet’s pale blue Royal Ascot ensemble and the Princess of Wales’s powder-blue look at a previous royal event. Another comparison highlighted two lace dresses featuring high necklines and feminine detailing.
Fans were quick to weigh in on the resemblance, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts.
On the first day of Royal Ascot last week Harriet was snapped in a look inspired by Princess Kate (Image: Getty)
One user wrote: “Copy Kates! They all copy Princess Catherine.”
Another said: “Women who copy another ar usually envious. Her makeup has already changed.” While a third felt it was a form of “flattery”, writing: “And how is that a problem? Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Catherine and Harriet are both lovely English ladies.”
However, Harriet is far from the first royal figure to find herself at the centre of such comparisons.
Meghan Markle has repeatedly faced similar claims throughout the years, with social media users often drawing parallels between outfits worn by the Duchess of Sussex and previous looks worn by Catherine. While supporters of both women have frequently debated whether the similarities are intentional, the comparisons have become a recurring feature of online royal fashion discussions.
Harriet’s second looked featured a lace detail similar to a past Ascot look of Kate’s (Image: Getty)
Of course, similarities in royal wardrobes are hardly unusual. Many members of the Royal Family rely on classic tailoring, elegant dresses, neutral accessories and traditional millinery for public engagements and major events.
As a result, overlapping styles are often inevitable, particularly during occasions such as Royal Ascot, where dress codes naturally encourage a more formal aesthetic.
Harriet’s recent Ascot appearances have only intensified the conversation because of their timing.
With Catherine returning to the Berkshire race meeting last week after missing last year’s event, royal fashion fans were already analysing every detail of the Princess’s outfit choices. That renewed focus has inevitably led to closer scrutiny of Harriet’s wardrobe, too.
Whether the similarities are simply a coincidence or a reflection of shared royal style preferences remains open to interpretation.