Kate Middleton news: The former Royal who inspires Kate's style revealed – it's NOT Diana

Kate Middleton’s beautiful wedding dress was the stuff of dreams when she married Prince William  at Westminster Cathedral in 2011. She has continued to be known for her classic style as she has gone on to undertake her royal duties as Duchess of Cambridge. The similarities with Hollywood star Grace Kelly, who became Princess Grace of Monaco when she married Prince Rainier in 1956, are there for all to see.

Amazon Prime documentary “William & Kate: The Journey” takes a look at some of the comparisons.

The “elegant looks and slender builds” of the two royal brides is not the only trait they share.

Royal reporter Ashley Pearson delves into the intricacies of their wedding day styles.

She draws comparisons with the bodices of both royal wedding dresses, and how they used intricate lace to form the elegant long sleeves.

Both dresses had covered buttons on the bodice, too.

Grace’s dress buttoned up the front, while Kate’s Alexander McQueen gown made a feature of them down the spine.

What’s more, Kate used Grace’s perfume on her big day.

Called “Florissimo” by Creed, it was actually made for Princess Grace by her husband Prince Rainier for their wedding day.

Whether “consciously or subconsciously”, Pearson argues: “Kate wanted to remind the world that this has been done before, a commoner marrying a future king.

“She really was channelling the late Princess Grace in more ways than one.”

Princess Grace’s dress was a gift from Hollywood Studio MGM, designed by costumier Helen Rose.

It is now owned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where it is sometimes put on display.

Kate’s dress was displayed at Buckingham Palace in 2011.

Meghan Markle’s Givenchy dress from her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry is due to be displayed next year.