Queen Elizabeth II understood the quiet power of tartan long before it became a fashion talking point. For decades, she relied on it as a visual shorthand for duty, heritage and respect – particularly in Scotland, where Balmoral and Stewart tartans became synonymous with her off-duty and official wardrobe alike. 

So when Princess Catherine stepped out in a new tartan inspired check, it didn’t read as nostalgic styling. It read as continuity.

Last week, the royal, was photographed in Scotland wearing a bespoke Chris Kerr coat alongside Prince William – a look that immediately recalled the late Queen’s most enduring countryside uniforms.

Queen Elizabeth famously wore tartan skirts, coats and wraps on repeat throughout her reign, favouring them for engagements north of the border and private stays at Balmoral.

Catherine’s, 44, choice felt deliberate. It appeared as a clear nod to her place in royal fashion and the legacy she is beginning to shape.

This is far from the first time Princess Catherine has leaned into tartan with purpose. Over the years, she has repeatedly worn red tartan skirts and coats during winter engagements, particularly around the festive season.

The Princesses styling cue deeply rooted in royal tradition, and one Catherine understands instinctively as the future Queen.

The late Queen herself frequently paired bold tartans with structured tailoring, using the pattern not as decoration but as a form of diplomatic dressing.

Catherine’s modern take mirrors that same philosophy, favouring similar silhouettes, contemporary cuts and fabrics that feel current rather than costume-like.

What makes Catherine’s approach so effective is restraint. Her tartan moments are never overworked, they’re grounded in clean lines and neutral pairings that allow the heritage print to speak for itself.

Whether styled with a sharp coat, minimal accessories or classic boots, the result feels modern yet deeply respectful – a balance Queen Elizabeth mastered effortlessly.

In wearing tartan, Princess Catherine isn’t simply referencing the past, she’s sustaining it. By choosing tartan in Scotland, she aligns herself not only with national identity, but with the Queen’s enduring sartorial code.

This is how royal fashion evolves without losing its soul. Catherine isn’t reinventing tradition, she’s preserving it, polishing it, and carrying it forward for a new generation.

In doing so, she ensures that Queen Elizabeth II’s style legacy remains not just remembered, but visibly alive.