Kate Middleton is saying “bonjour” to a new name in her royal wardrobe as France’s state visit gets underway.

On July 8, the Princess of Wales, 43, stepped out with Prince William at RAF Northolt to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, at the start of their state visit to the U.K. 

Princess Kate made a striking fashion statement in pale pink Christian Dior, wearing the 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket from the 2024 collection. The piece was envisioned by Maria Grazia Chiuri (the brand’s first female designer), who was inspired by the original, which was first created by Christian Dior himself in 1947. She accessorized with a matching hat by Jess Collett, earrings ​​that belonged to Princess Diana and a pearl necklace from Queen Elizabeth’s collection.

Marking her first-ever Dior appearance, Kate delivered a bold and historic style moment steeped in royal legacy.

Princess Margaret notably wore Dior to her 21st birthday celebration, setting a precedent for royal elegance tied to the French fashion house.

Princess Diana was famously a Dior muse, often wearing the house’s elegant designs and carrying the iconic Lady Dior bag, which became synonymous with her timeless style.

More recently, Meghan Markle has been seen in Dior designs, while Queen Camilla has carried the Lady Dior bag, underscoring the brand’s enduring royal appeal.

By stepping into this lineage, Kate’s Dior debut at France’s state visit echoes a legacy of sartorial diplomacy.

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The Princess of Wales is known to make diplomatic statements through her wardrobe, whether sporting local designers on foreign tours or “flag dressing” by wearing hues from a country’s national flag.