You spot a dress on someone you admire, and suddenly it lives rent-free in your head. You start scanning every high-street rack for something close enough. It turns out even members of the British Royal Family do exactly the same thing – and when two of the most-watched women in the monarchy land on nearly identical looks, the rest of us get a masterclass in how to pull off a print that never really goes out of style. The twist? You can actually shop the look right now, and it will cost you far less than you might expect.
When royals dress alike, we all pay attention
During the US State Visit this week, Queen Camilla arrived in New York and attended the star-studded Greater Together Reception held at Christie’s auction house. For the occasion, she reached for a long-sleeve midi dress by Fiona Clare featuring a green animal-print pattern and light ruffled detailing along the neckline. It was a dress she clearly already loved – a favourite piece from her wardrobe, brought out for a high-profile transatlantic moment.
But the silhouette and colour palette immediately called to mind another royal appearance. Back in 2023, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, wore a strikingly similar green leopard print midi dress during an important visit to Colombia. Same family of print, same length, same sleeve coverage – the resemblance was hard to ignore. Could the Queen have drawn a little inspiration from her sister-in-law’s wardrobe?
It is a compelling thought, isn’t it? The women of the Royal Family are known for inspiring the public with their ensembles, but it appears they also inspire each other. When two senior royals independently gravitate toward the same aesthetic – a khaki green animal print rendered in a polished midi shape – it signals something more than coincidence. It signals a trend worth noting.
Why this particular dress works so well
A long-sleeve midi is, quite simply, a timeless staple that suits just about any occasion. It offers enough coverage to feel appropriate at a formal reception, yet it carries an ease that stops it from looking stiff. What makes both the Queen’s and the Duchess’s versions feel especially current is the colour choice. The khaki green shade replaces the standard leopard tones most of us default to, adding a fresh twist on a classic print.
That subtle shift matters. Traditional leopard can sometimes veer into territory that feels overly bold or hard to style for daytime. By dialling the palette toward green, the print becomes something more organic, almost botanical in feel, while retaining the energy and movement that animal prints are known for. It is a lesson in how a single colour adjustment can transform the versatility of a pattern.
And here is where it gets genuinely exciting for anyone who wants to recreate the look. A very similar midi dress has been found at M&S, and at the time of writing it is on sale for half price. The same style is also stocked at Whistles and John Lewis, giving you options depending on your preferred fit and budget. You do not need a royal dresser or a Fiona Clare account to channel this aesthetic – the high street has done the work for you.
The rest of the royal wardrobe moments from this visit
The green midi was far from the only fashion talking point of the trip. Earlier this week, the King and Queen arrived in the US for a historic State Visit alongside the nation’s President and First Lady. While many of the scheduled events called for smart-casual attire, the US State Dinner at the White House demanded something altogether more formal.
For that evening, Queen Camilla chose to forgo a tiara entirely. Instead, she wore a dazzling heirloom jewellery set – a star and shell-shaped diamond necklace studded with enormous amethysts, paired with a corresponding set of earrings. The pieces once belonged to Queen Victoria‘s mother before being passed down through the generations over many decades. They are part of one of the oldest collections in the Royal Family’s possession and are rarely worn in public, making their appearance at the White House all the more significant.
It was a deliberate choice: heritage over pomp, history over spectacle. And it underscored the same quiet confidence the Queen displayed with the Fiona Clare midi – knowing exactly what to reach for and when.
The bottom line
Two senior royals, two remarkably similar green animal-print midi dresses, and one very accessible dupe currently sitting at half price on the M&S website, with availability at Whistles and John Lewis too. You now know that the long-sleeve midi in a khaki green print is the silhouette to watch – versatile enough for a Christie’s reception or a Tuesday morning meeting. If the Royal Family’s most style-conscious women are circling the same look, it is probably worth adding to your own rotation while the sale lasts.
