Carole Middleton wore Queen Camilla’s velvet gown – 14 years earlier

As interest in the Princess of Wales peaked amid her early romance with Prince William, so did interest in her private life with her family, including her mother, Carole Middleton.

The Party Pieces founder quickly became a source of media interest, with photographers tracking her every move. One unearthed photo shows the mother-of-three, who shares Kate, Pippa and James with her husband Michael Middleton, chatting with entrepreneur Guy Pelly at the book launch party of ‘Time To Reflect’ by photographer Alistair Morrison in November 2007.

Striking the perfect balance between warmth and glamour, Carole donned a jewel-toned velvet coat dress that fell just below her knees, which she teamed with black tights, heels and a matching shoulder bag. 

Despite the fact that her daughter Kate didn’t marry into the British royal family until four years later, the look had a regal air to it. Queen Camilla must have thought the same, since she stepped out in an almost identical look in 2022 to meet Team GB Tokyo Olympic medalists at Buckingham Palace.

She was pictured alongside Princess Anne in a midnight blue velvet dress with the same long sleeves and structured silhouette, styled with tights and pumps – just like Carole. It was one of Queen Camilla’s go-to formal outfits, having featured in her royal wardrobe for a children’s charity event in London during Christmas 2020 and 2024.

© Getty Images

© Getty Images

Carole’s fashion confessions

Despite hitting the headlines for her elegant mother of the bride dress at the royal wedding in 2011, where she wore a pale blue Catherine Walker coat dress, Carole hinted that fashion does not concern her. 

© Getty

On the subject, she asked The Telegraph during an interview in 2018: “Do you think it’s important?” and after they replied that first impressions are clearly important and that style is worth cultivating, she conceded: “Now you put it like that, I see what you mean.”

© Getty Images

Meanwhile, she has shared some of her top tips for event dressing with Sheerluxe in the past, confessing that she leans towards “timeless” style. “I would say work out what suits you, and then go with that. I like timeless style, and add interest with simple accessories. 

“Always make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing for big events. Looking good is no good unless you feel good, too.”