Royal Fans Say ‘Blonde Version’ of Kate Middleton Just Stole the Show at Royal Ascot in Her Absence
Kate Middleton is one of the most beloved royals out there, but a new addition to the family who has drawn parallels with her made a starry appearance at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
When the gates of Royal Ascot opened and the horse-drawn carriages rolled into the racecourse on Tuesday, royal fans watched with bated breath to catch a glimpse of their beloved princess, Kate Middleton. Sadly, that was not meant to be, as she and Prince William skipped the opening day. However, another royal unwittingly stepped into the Princess of Wales’ rather tall heels, with much ease, and instantly stole the show. It was none other than the latest addition to the royal family - Harriet Phillips.
The new royal bride marked her first public appearance since her wedding at Royal Ascot on Tuesday, arriving in the carriage procession with her husband, Peter Phillips, and mother-in-law, Princess Anne. Harriet had become a crowd favorite even before she tied the knot with Peter ten days back, and her popularity has only increased since then. Many royal fans have drawn parallels between her and Middleton, and those positive comparisons further multiplied after Harriet emerged as the star of the day at Royal Ascot in the latter’s absence.
During the opening day, the Phillipses were spotted mingling and chatting with attendees at the racecourse, and the image reminded royal fans of Middleton and William, with one social media user even claiming that Harriet was the Princess of Wales’ “blonde version”. The X user wrote, “They both resemble the Prince and Princess of Wales so much! She is a blonde version of our beloved Princess!” Another chimed in, “She’s a wonderful addition to the family!” Harriet's taste in fashion has also received appreciation from fans, just like Middleton's does. "It will be fun watching her fashion too. I’m always up for more royal fashion," a third user mentioned, while the fourth added, "She's certainly going to be one to watch in the style stakes going forward!"
Incidentally, Harriet was twinning with Queen Camilla, as both of them had opted for baby-blue dresses with matching headgears. The moment quickly reminded fans of the 2019 Royal Ascot, when Middleton and the late Queen Elizabeth wore powder-blue dresses on the same day. The then-Duchess of Cambridge was returning to the event after Prince Louis’ birth, and had chosen a chic lace dress. Meanwhile, the late monarch, who had embraced bright colors in the final few decades of her reign, had donned a coatdress.
Although in Middleton’s case, the moment might have been considered a fashion faux pas as royals were reportedly not allowed to wear the same color as the late queen or other senior female royals, that might not have been Harriet’s experience this year. After King Charles and Camilla took the throne in 2023, the latter had seemingly relaxed this protocol, especially when it came to blue, since Middleton and Duchess Sophie were also fond of the color.
Harriet certainly couldn’t have asked for a better post-wedding royal debut. She maintained the poise and elegance of an experienced royal until, of course, the races began. And then, like most experienced royals, she too lost her composure, cheering passionately from the gallery. She proved just how perfectly she fit into the royal fold.
