The Princess of Wales is known as an expert in soft diplomacy, using her outfits to send subtle put powerful messages – especially on overseas visits.
But on her 2016 royal tour of India, the royal’s attempt at diplomatic dressing was a ‘holy mess’, according to one designer.
Royal experts weighed in on the blunder in an upcoming Channel 5 documentary, Kate: A Life in 10 Dresses.
The programme looks at the six-day royal tour of India in 2016, where the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rubbed shoulders with Bollywood stars, visited the Taj Mahal, and ventured on a safari at the Kaziranga National Park.
Also on the itinerary was a visit to one of India’s leading fashion houses, Anita Dongre in Mumbai, and though she later wore one design made at the factory, it was one of the few local Indian designers she supported with her choice of outfits.
Instead, in a decision considered by some as disrespectful, the royal wore clothing with Indian patterns from British labels – both high street and designer, including Topshop, Anna Sui, Temperley London and Jenny Packham.
South Asian designer Onita Prasada, director of O’nitaa London, recalled: ‘It was a holy mess.
‘I cannot put my finger on one garment that she wore over her visit to India that spoke volumes for the wealth of fashion that is available. Someone got it really wrong, I was disappointed.’
Speaking on the show, royal commentator Daisy McAndrew said: ‘Soft diplomacy means dressing to the nines, on a mission of flattery to the government and people of that country, and fundamentally trying to improve the standing of the British Government, people and Royal Family in that country that they’re visiting.’
As such, attire is of prime importance, and in the past, royals have chosen to show respect in a variety of ways, from sporting the colours on the country’s flag to wearing designs made by local talent.
Three years later, however, during a 2019 tour of Pakistan, Kate and her stylist at the time, Natasha Archer, set out to prove that it was a lesson learnt.
Baroness Ayesha Hazarika said: ‘They would have had to think really carefully about not crossing the line and looking like they’re going to a fancy dress party because that is beyond cringe.
To get every detail right, Kate’s stylist at the time, Natasha Archer, visited a shop owned by Onita Prasada, a specialist in Asian couture, and asked for her help.’
Together, in a bid to create the perfect wardrobe, the designer and Archer selected over 300 outfits for Kate to try on.
‘There was a lot of interaction and communication between Natasha and myself,’ Onita said, adding that the pair discussed cuts, lengths, and traditions in the country.
Onita set out the rules for how Kate should dress for the tour and pushed for her to wear a scarf, called a dupata, around her ensemble as a sign of respect.
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The designer pulled it off; Kate’s outfits were a huge hit at home in the UK and in Pakistan.
The royal sported a range of designs, including one made by esteemed Pakistani designer Maheem Khan.
Baroness Ayesha Hazarika said: ‘I remember this look really well because she completely nailed it.’
‘The outfit was made by famous Pakistani designer Maheem Khan, and was hailed as a masterclass in diplomatic dressing.
‘She looked naturally enthusiastic about respecting the culture and embracing fashion. It was a smart move for her, and she pulled it off.’
At the end of the tour, during a reception in Islamabad, William and Kate pulled off another impressive feat in diplomatic dressing.
Recalling the moment, the Daily Mail’s Royal Editor Rebecca English said: ‘It was very special for a number of reasons because before they arrived we were told they were going to arrive in a beautifully coloured tuk tuk.’
But another surprise materialised when the couple arrived.
The then-Duke wore an eye-catching black Sherwani – a long coat-like jacket that is knee-length and usually worn for formal occasions or weddings – with matching trousers at the National Monument of Pakistan.
The couple drove up in a rickshaw decorated to mark the royal visit and fitted with lights ahead of the event hosted by British High Commissioner Thomas Drew.
The decision was considered a perfect show of traditional Pakistani style and inspired people around the world to see this way of dressing in a new light.
Kate: A life in 10 dresses airs on Channel 5 on Sunday at 9.30pm.
