The hat in question was a statement accessory – a black and white houndstooth straw boater hat made by Juliette Botterill. The royal looked meticulously dressed alongside her husband, Prince William, for the installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, on Wednesday afternoon.

Catherine also wore a grey coat dress and black stiletto heels for the special occasion; however, the hat gave the royal some trouble as she and William battled the windy weather upon arrival outside the cathedral.

Catherine’s hat wide-brimmed straw boater hat featured an eye-catching swirling pattern around the sides with a single quill on the front for decoration.

One fan wrote: “The Princess of Wales is like this generation’s Audrey Hepburn! This look reminds me of ‘My Fair Lady’.”

Another added: “She’s practically Audrey Hepburn with that look.”

One wrote: “A very Audrey Hepburn vibe from Catherine today.”

One wrote: “The Princess of Wales always has the best hairstyles! Reminds me of Audrey Hepburn.”

The Princess of Wales finished off her formal ensemble with her pearl cluster earrings and soft makeup.

Before her enthronement, on Sunday, the new Archbishop arrived at Canterbury Cathedral following a 87-mile pilgrimage ahead of her installation. As well as being the first woman to hold the role, Dame Sarah is the first Archbishop of Canterbury in modern history to undertake the pilgrimage.