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Kate Middleton's subtle maternity nod to Diana

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posed for a history-making photocall on the steps of the now-famous Lindo Wing to present their newborn son to the world.

Kate wore a red Jenny Packham frock with a Peter-Pan collar for her departure from hospital. Source: Getty
Kate wore a red Jenny Packham frock with a Peter-Pan collar for her departure from hospital. Source: Getty

The royal couple – who are already parents to four-year-old Prince George and two-year-old Princess Charlotte – welcomed their third child at St Mary’s Hospital in London at 11.01am, Kensington Palace confirmed the news via Twitter.

For the momentous occasion, the 36-year-old – who is famed for her seriously covetable maternity wardrobe – looked to one of her favourite labels, Jenny Packham, for the third time.

The Duchess wore a red shift dress by the designer which featured a white, lace Peter Pan collar.

Kate opted for a simple red shift with a Peter Pan collar. Source: Getty
Kate opted for a simple red shift with a Peter Pan collar. Source: Getty

But while 'the Kate effect' has typically seen any garment she wears in public sell out within minutes, this dress was custom made and isn't available for purchase.

The frock had visual echoes of Kate's late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who wore a dress in the same red hue when she left hospital after Prince Harry's birth in 1984.

Princess Diana wore the same shade of red after she had Prince Harry in 1984. Source: Getty
Princess Diana wore the same shade of red after she had Prince Harry in 1984. Source: Getty

It’s the third time the royal has looked to Packham for her first appearances with her children.

For her debut appearance on the hospital steps on 22 July 2013, the 36-year-old seemingly paid sartorial tribute to Princess Diana in a custom-made polka dot dress by Jenny Packham.

Kate paid tribute to Diana's style when she left the hospital in polka dots after Prince George's birth in 2013. Source: Getty
Kate paid tribute to Diana's style when she left the hospital in polka dots after Prince George's birth in 2013. Source: Getty

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She also looked to the go-to label following the birth of Princess Charlotte on 2 May 2015, as she chose a sunny yellow shift dress adorned with daffodils.

Kate has made a tradition of wearing Jenny Packham to leave the maternity hospital. Source: Getty
Kate has made a tradition of wearing Jenny Packham to leave the maternity hospital. Source: Getty

Like his older siblings, the couple’s newborn son followed the royal family’s 70-year tradition of sleeping tight in a bespoke blanket by GH Hurt & Son.

And the blanket is sure to sell out within a matter of hours. When Prince George was debuted to the world swaddled in a white shawl by the Nottingham-based label, the shawl became a hit with parents across the globe. But it’s hardly surprising, as the historic label also handcrafted Prince William’s blanket 31 years prior.

Kate has brought home all her babies in beautiful, handknitted shawls. Source: Getty
Kate has brought home all her babies in beautiful, handknitted shawls. Source: Getty

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