Advertisement

The Story Behind Kate Middleton's Taj Mahal Dress

Kate Middleton and Prince William sit on
Kate Middleton and Prince William sit on

When designer Naeem Khan received a call asking him to send over designs for the Duchess of Cambridge to wear on her royal tour of India, little did he know how significant that call would be.

Fast-forward a few weeks and Kate Middleton is sitting on a bench at the Taj Mahal in India, wearing a blue and white oriental-print dress by the designer himself.

However this isn't an ordinary bench - this is the seat that has been nicknamed "Lady Di's Chair" after Prince William's mother Lady Diana, who famously sat alone on the bench in 1992 before the collapse of her marriage to Prince Charles.

RELATED: What Kate Wore Abroad: The Duchess Of Cambridge’s Royal Tour Style File
RELATED: Kate Middleton's Most Surprising Fashion Moments

"It is so important because that’s where Princess Di sat, right?" the designer told Fashionista, after his spring 2017 bridal runway show.

"And her son is there — sitting on that same chair with his bride. That is a historical moment."

57-year-old Khan, who hails from India, explained that he had no idea Kate would wear the dress on such an iconic day but was honoured she chose one of his designs.

"[Kate's stylists] called us," explained Khan, who has dressed some of the most famous women in the world.

Princess Diana (left) sits at the Taj Mahal in 1992 and Kate and William (right) in the same spot in 2016.
Princess Diana (left) sits at the Taj Mahal in 1992 and Kate and William (right) in the same spot in 2016.

"She was going to India — and she makes it a point to honor the designer[s] from that part of the world — and I was lucky enough to be chosen for her to wear something from me.

"[Her stylists] asked for certain styles and we sent it over.

"We were not sure she was going to wear it and there she was."