One glance at Harriet Sperling arriving at Church on the Sandringham Estate and it was clear she’s playing the royal fashion game with confidence. Polished, purposeful and quietly powerful, her look struck exactly the right note. Rather than opting for something overly showy, the soon-to-be royal chose a tailored country check ensemble that immediately called to mind the refined elegance long associated with Princess Catherine.

She turned to a label long associated with Catherine, 43, renowned for delivering some of the royal’s most memorable looks. Harriet’s Beulah London ensemble – the ‘Vesta’ jacket paired with the coordinating ‘Rosa’ skirt, delivered a unified silhouette that felt rooted in tradition.

The heritage check referenced classic British tailoring, while the streamlined cut and confident styling kept it modern and relevant.

What stood out most to me was how assured the look felt. Harriet wasn’t trying to fade into the background, nor was she dressing to dominate the moment. 

Instead, she struck that enviable middle ground royal women so often master: visible yet quietly confident, without overpowering the occasion itself.

Her choice of accessories reinforced that message. The Anya Hindmarch Neeson crossbody in orchid purple added a subtle pop of colour, injecting personality into the neutral palette without distracting from the tailoring. 

Meanwhile, the Penelope Chilvers black suede Sinatra boots grounded the outfit, bringing practicality and quiet luxury in equal measure.

There was something distinctly “Kate-coded” about the overall effect – not in imitation, but in philosophy. 

Like the Princess of Wales, Harriet appears to understand that consistency and restraint are what build a lasting style identity. The look felt wearable, repeatable and real, rather than designed for a single headline moment.

In a setting as symbol-heavy as Sandringham’s church service, clothing choices are rarely accidental. Harriet’s outfit spoke of respect for tradition, but also a clear awareness of the modern royal aesthetic. It was classic, yes – but not boring.

What I found most compelling was how naturally she wore it. There was no sense of-consciousness, just ease and confidence. That, more than any designer label, is what elevates a look from good to memorable.

If this appearance is any indication, Harriet Sperling is taking notes from royal women before her – and translating them into something distinctly her own, which so few have mastered.

It’s not about replicating Princess Catherine’s wardrobe, but about embracing the same understated authority. And in the world of royal fashion, that may be the boldest statement of all.