Prince William marked Mothering Sunday in the UK on 15 March by sharing a never-before-seen photograph of himself as a child with his late mother, Princess Diana. The intimate snapshot, taken at Highgrove in 1984, shows a two-year-old William holding hands with Diana in a sunlit field, a tender moment captured from the royal family's private collection.
'Remembering my mother, today and every day. Thinking of all those who are remembering someone they love today. Happy Mother's Day. W', the Prince of Wales, 43, captioned the image.
While the tribute honours Diana's role as a devoted mother, it also provides a reminder of her enduring influence on fashion. Known for her impeccable style and fearless approach to dressing, Diana remains a lasting inspiration for designers and fashion enthusiasts around the world. Below, we celebrate 10 of Princess Diana's most iconic fashion moments that continue to captivate audiences today.
1. The "Revenge Dress"
One of Diana's most famous ensembles, the off-the-shoulder black silk evening gown by Christina Stambolian, was worn on 29 June 1994, the same night a television documentary aired featuring Prince Charles' admission of infidelity. The figure-hugging dress, paired with elegant jewellery, combined glamour with defiance and remains one of the most talked-about red carpet looks of all time.
2. The Wedding Dress
For her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles, Diana wore a voluminous ivory silk taffeta gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The dress featured intricate lace detailing and a 25-foot train, creating an iconic silhouette that has influenced bridal fashion for decades.
3. Black Tie Elegance
Diana's evening gowns, often created by Catherine Walker or Bruce Oldfield, exemplified sophisticated black-tie dressing. The tailored designs, paired with pearls or tiaras, became synonymous with royal glamour and remain a benchmark for elegant eveningwear.
4. Casual Chic
Even in her off-duty moments, Diana set trends with her casual style. Polo shirts, cardigans, and flared trousers in the 1980s made her approachable and fashionable, showing that relaxed dressing could still be polished and sophisticated.
5. Pastel Suits
Tailored pastel-coloured suits became a signature look for Diana during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Often worn to public engagements and charity events, the soft hues softened the formal royal image and reflected her playful, feminine style.
6. Red Carpet Statements
Diana was unafraid to wear bold colours and geometric patterns on the red carpet. From vibrant evening gowns to striking daywear, her choices often dominated fashion coverage and inspired trends around the globe.
7. Sequined Glamour
Sequins and satin featured prominently in Diana's eveningwear. Simple accessories paired with sparkling fabrics allowed her to make dramatic statements without appearing ostentatious, ensuring her red carpet appearances were both memorable and elegant.
8. Hats and Fascinators
No royal wardrobe was complete without headwear, and Diana's selection of hats and fascinators influenced women's formal dress codes internationally. From wide-brimmed statements to delicate fascinators, her style elevated headpieces to fashion essentials.
9. Charity-Focused Outfits
Diana's wardrobe often reflected her philanthropic work. She chose modest, elegant dresses for charity engagements, balancing style with approachability. This careful attention to presentation helped her connect with the public while supporting her causes.
10. Off-Duty Denim
Even casual denim ensembles were elevated by Diana's eye for style. Paired with tailored jackets or crisp blouses, her off-duty looks helped popularise a relaxed yet chic aesthetic that remains influential today.
Honouring Maternal Figures
Mothering Sunday 2026 also saw other members of the royal family sharing tributes. King Charles and Queen Camilla posted messages on Instagram alongside photographs of Queen Elizabeth II and a snapshot of Camilla with her late mother, Rosalind Shand. 'Wishing Mothers everywhere, and those who might be missing their Mums today, a restful Mothering Sunday', the couple wrote.
Princess Kate, who shares Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis with William, did not post a public message on the couple's shared Instagram account. However, she has often emphasised the importance of motherhood in her life and maintaining a sense of family normalcy. In 2025, she reflected on the healing power of nature, writing: 'Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary...This Mother's Day, let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognise how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life.'
Fashion Legacy and Enduring Influence
Princess Diana's style continues to resonate decades after her passing. Her influence extends from formal eveningwear to casual day-to-day outfits, showing a versatility that few public figures achieve. The combination of elegance, boldness, and relatability is why her wardrobe is still celebrated in exhibitions, fashion retrospectives, and popular culture today.
Prince William's Mothering Sunday tribute not only honours Diana as a mother but also highlights her lasting impact on fashion. Fans and style enthusiasts continue to admire her balance of sophistication, approachability, and fearless choices, making her a timeless style icon.
