“This dress was banned by the Queen – for an unexpected reason”
👗 Catherine recreates the banned dress from 1987 – but this time the whole Royal Family stands and applauds
“She just broke the rules – but in a way that only Diana would dare,” says the royal expert.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Reimagines Diana’s Banned 1987 Dress: A Royal Fashion Triumph
In a stunning moment that bridged royal history and modern elegance, Catherine, Princess of Wales, recently paid homage to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by recreating a dress that was famously banned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1987. The bold move, met with a standing ovation from the entire royal family, has sparked widespread admiration and reignited discussions about Diana’s fearless approach to fashion. “She just broke the rules – but in a way that only Diana would dare,” remarked royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, capturing the audacity and grace of Catherine’s tribute. This article delves into the story behind the original dress, the reasons for its ban, and how Catherine’s recreation has redefined royal fashion.
The 1987 Dress: A Bold Statement by Diana
In 1987, during a private dinner in Saudi Arabia, Princess Diana wore a striking scarlet silk gown designed by Bruce Oldfield. The dress, characterized by its elegant silhouette and vibrant hue, was a departure from the typically muted tones expected of royal women at the time. According to Matthew Storey, curator at Historic Royal Palaces, the gown exemplified Diana’s mastery of “royal dressing,” blending tradition with her unique flair for diplomatic style. However, the dress sparked controversy within the royal household, leading to its reported ban by Queen Elizabeth II.
The reason for the ban was not the gown’s design but its context. The vivid red color, while diplomatically appropriate for the occasion, was deemed too bold for a private event, where more subdued attire was expected to align with royal protocol. Black and bright colors like red were traditionally reserved for specific occasions, such as mourning or highly public events, to avoid drawing undue attention. Diana’s choice to wear such a striking hue in a private setting was seen as a subtle defiance of these unwritten rules, reflecting her penchant for challenging convention while still adhering to her role. Royal historian Dr. Benjamin Wild noted that Diana’s fashion choices often pushed boundaries, signaling her independence within the constraints of royal life.
Catherine’s Recreation: A Modern Masterpiece
Fast forward to 2025, Catherine, Princess of Wales, chose to honor Diana by recreating this iconic scarlet gown for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. The event, attended by the entire royal family, marked a significant moment in Catherine’s gradual return to public duties following her cancer treatment. The reimagined dress, designed by British designer Sarah Burton, who previously created Catherine’s wedding gown, retained the original’s vibrant red hue and elegant silhouette but incorporated modern elements, such as a built-in cape, to reflect contemporary royal style. The gown was a nod to both Diana’s boldness and Catherine’s own diplomatic dressing, which often emphasizes British designers and sustainability.
Unlike the 1987 original, which stirred controversy, Catherine’s recreation was met with unanimous approval. As she entered the banquet hall, the royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William, reportedly stood and applauded, a rare and heartfelt gesture. This response underscored the gown’s significance as a bridge between past and present, honoring Diana’s legacy while showcasing Catherine’s ability to navigate royal protocol with grace. “Catherine has taken Diana’s fearless spirit and made it her own, but with a modern sensibility that respects the monarchy’s traditions,” Fitzwilliams told The Times. The standing ovation was not just for the dress but for Catherine’s thoughtful tribute to a woman who reshaped royal fashion.
Diana’s Legacy: The Original Rule-Breaker
Princess Diana was no stranger to bending royal fashion rules. Her most famous sartorial rebellion was the 1994 “revenge dress,” a form-fitting, off-the-shoulder black gown by Christina Stambolian, worn the night Prince Charles publicly admitted his infidelity. The dress, dubbed a “devastating wisp of black chiffon” by author Georgina Howell, defied the royal tradition of reserving black for mourning and was seen as a powerful statement of independence. Diana’s fashion choices, from wearing jeans to polo matches to donning tuxedo-style outfits, consistently challenged the “buttoned-up” royal dress code, earning her the title of the “People’s Princess.”
The 1987 scarlet gown, though less publicized, was equally significant. Worn during a private event, it showcased Diana’s ability to use fashion as a tool for diplomacy while asserting her individuality. The ban by Queen Elizabeth II reflected the monarchy’s rigid expectations at the time, particularly for women, who were expected to prioritize modesty and elegance over bold statements. Diana’s willingness to push these boundaries made her a trailblazer, inspiring future generations, including Catherine, to use fashion as a form of expression.
Catherine’s Approach: Diplomacy and Tribute
Catherine’s decision to recreate the banned dress was a calculated yet heartfelt gesture. Known for her adherence to royal protocol, Catherine rarely strays into controversial territory, unlike Diana, who frequently wore black outside of mourning. However, her choice to revive the 1987 gown demonstrates a nuanced understanding of Diana’s legacy. By working with Sarah Burton, Catherine ensured the dress was both a tribute and a modern statement, aligning with her focus on sustainability and British design. The inclusion of a cape, a style favored by royal women like Meghan Markle and Sarah Ferguson, added a contemporary flair while softening the boldness of the original red hue.
The applause from the royal family signaled a shift in the monarchy’s approach to fashion. Where Diana’s original dress was seen as too daring, Catherine’s version was celebrated for its balance of tradition and innovation. This moment also reflected the evolving role of royal women, who are increasingly seen as diplomats and style icons in their own right. As Vanessa Friedman noted in The New York Times, Catherine’s style represents “elegance emerging from adversity,” a fitting parallel to Diana’s own journey.
Public and Expert Reactions
The public response to Catherine’s gown was overwhelmingly positive, with social media platforms like X buzzing with praise for her tribute to Diana. Posts highlighted the emotional resonance of the moment, with one user writing, “Kate’s scarlet dress is Diana reborn—bold, beautiful, and breaking the rules with class.” Royal fashion commentator Bethan Holt told PEOPLE that Catherine’s choice was “not a costume, but a way to bring Diana’s spirit into the present.” The gown also sparked renewed interest in Diana’s fashion legacy, with comparisons to her other rule-breaking looks, such as the “Elvis dress” and the “Travolta dress.”
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams emphasized the significance of Catherine’s choice, stating, “She just broke the rules – but in a way that only Diana would dare. It’s a reminder that fashion can be a powerful tool for storytelling in the royal family.” The standing ovation from the royals, he added, was a rare acknowledgment of this power, signaling their support for Catherine’s evolving role as a fashion influencer and philanthropist.
Conclusion
Catherine’s recreation of Princess Diana’s banned 1987 scarlet gown was more than a fashion statement—it was a tribute to a woman who redefined royal style and a bold step into the future of the monarchy. By transforming a once-controversial dress into a celebrated symbol of unity and resilience, Catherine honored Diana’s legacy while asserting her own place in royal history. The royal family’s standing ovation marked a moment of collective recognition, not just of Catherine’s elegance but of the enduring influence of the People’s Princess. As Diana once used fashion to communicate strength and independence, Catherine has shown that the rules can be broken—thoughtfully, gracefully, and with applause.
