Princess Diana and Fergie dazzled with their Christmas Day fashion in the 80s, but one emerged as the style icon
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The Royal Family's annual gathering at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham is always a highly anticipated event. It gives family members a chance to dress in their best attire and greet the public, who gather eagerly outside. And two royals have left a lasting impression: Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah, Duchess of York.
![[In 1991, Diana brightened the misty landscape with a distinctive two-tone suit by Catherine Walker, complete with matching accessories]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/05/15/91697653-14043953-image-m-126_1730819043628.jpg)
Together, they turned the walk to the church into a stylish showcase - displaying a variety of seasonal outfits. In December 1988, the duo made their first joint appearance at Sandringham, radiating joy as they arrived side-by-side. Diana exuded elegance in a striking Catherine Walker coat-dress, while Sarah complemented her in a peplum skirt suit and fur-trimmed cossack hat.
![[Sarah jubilantly followed, wearing a winter-ready ensemble, incorporating a houndstooth jacket and beret]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/12/91697669-14043953-Sarah_jubilantly_followed_wearing_a_winter_ready_ensemble_incorp-a-14_1734438988276.jpg)
Their triumphant appearance would set the tone for the years that followed. In December 1988, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah, Duchess of York, made their first joint appearance at Sandringham, radiating joy as they arrived side-by-side. The relationship between Diana and Sarah, known as Fergie, began long before their marriages into the Royal Family, as they were fourth cousins.
![[Diana set the tone for royal fashion, once turning heads in a chocolate-brown ensemble, featuring a fur-lined coat layered over a dress with a thigh-high slit]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/06/18/91697741-14043953-Diana_set_the_tone_for_royal_fashion_once_turning_heads_in_a_cho-a-90_1733508491524.jpg)
Their mothers attended school together and the two women had known each other since their teenage years. However, their friendship blossomed when they reconnected in 1980, when Diana was 19 and Sarah was 21. After Diana married Prince Charles in 1981, she introduced Sarah to her brother-in-law, Prince Andrew. The Duke and Duchess of York said 'I do' in 1986.
![[In 1990, Diana donned a daring purple tweed coat dress, featuring striped lapels, buttons and cuffs, paired with a Philip Somerville hat for a glamorous aesthetic. Sarah, meanwhile, embraced the festive spirit in a vibrant red coat and cosy fur hat]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/12/91697661-14043953-In_1990_Diana_donned_a_daring_purple_tweed_coat_dress_featuring_-a-15_1734438988326.jpg)
