What bride-to-be wants to compete with her mother-in-law?
In the case of Kate Middleton, comparisons with the late Princess Diana are inevitable and sometimes completely uncanny.
The former Lady Diana Spencer was perceived as a bit frumpy when the19-year-old got engaged to heir to the throne Prince Charles in 1981. Once in the royal spotlight, she emerged as the style icon of her time.
Middleton, who just turned 29, has had more time to hone her independence and casually elegant personal style, which includes her habit of shopping her own wardrobe (rather than designer showrooms) for special occasions.
Yet remarkably, the two women seem to have more in common than their mutual affection for Prince William and a poignantly shared diamond and sapphire engagement ring.
Click through this slide show and let us know which princess bride has better fashion sense.
Kate Middleton vs Princess Diana: Who is more stylish?
Princess Diana and Kate Middleton snuggle with their grooms-to-be and show off their diamond-and-sapphire rings in their official engagement photos. Middleton wore her own cream-coloured Whistles blouse, while Diana went for a more fussy, Victorian inspired blouse.
Kate Middleton vs Princess Diana: Who is more stylish?
Princess Diana and Kate Middleton each chose something royal blue for their engagement reveal. Diana's patterned bow-blouse was '80s fashion staple, while Middleton's much-copied fitted blue Issa dress caused a retail sensation.
Kate Middleton vs Princess Diana: Who is more stylish?
Even a princess can have a casual day. Here, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton display their take on kicking back in denim. Middleton wears her go-to black suede boots and a top under her blazer. Princess Diana wears (gasp!) a logo sweatshirt under her wool blazer, while rocking fun cutout details on her leather boots.
Kate Middleton vs Princess Diana: Who is more stylish?
The royals love their hats, controversial fur toppers included, and Princess Diana and Kate Middleton are no exception. Here, the two women show a remarkably similar style sense with trimmed topcoats and statement-making dramatic hats.
Kate Middleton vs Princess Diana: Who is more stylish?
Lady Diana Spencer and Kate Middleton touched off minor fashion scandals when they stepped out in black, considered a funerals-only hue in royal circles. The future Princess Diana's dress, by her wedding dress designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel, was deemed risqué by the press when she wore it to a fund-raiser shortly after her engagement. Middleton's Libelula velvet topcoat, worn over a sheer Issa dress, also had pundits questioning her royal propriety.
Kate Middleton vs Princess Diana: Who is more stylish?
Two ladies in red. Princess Diana and Kate Middleton rock queen of hearts looks in hats and red topcoats. The late princess is wearing a familiar bow blouse and Middleton, a lacy camisole and her ever-present black suede boots.
Kate Middleton vs Princess Diana: Who is more stylish?
Princess Diana proves that one trendy accessory (her twisty '80s-style hair band) can put an otherwise winning look in a style time warp. Middleton's hit-the-slopes look is more pared down.
Kate Middleton vs Princess Diana: Who is more stylish?
Princess Diana and Kate Middleton both go mad for tartan. The length of their skirts and overall styling reflects two divergent fashion eras and our nod, naturally, goes to Middleton's clean, updated look. The late princess, however, gets kudos for the terrific beret and winsome sideways glance.