Kate Middleton looks as graceful as ever in Beulah and Temperley London (So take that, French tabloids!)

Kate Middleton Malaysia Beulah Temperley London
Photography by Chris Jackson/Getty Images and Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Kate Middleton Malaysia Beulah Temperley London
Photography by Chris Jackson/Getty Images and Danny Lawson/PA Wire

See Kate Middleton’s outfits up close! »

Oh, Kate! When news broke last night that a French tabloid had published topless photos of Kate Middleton, we have to say, she couldn’t have been wearing a better outfit. Dressed for a tour of the Asskyakrin mosque in Kuala Lumpur, the Duchess looked almost saintly in a long-sleeved powder-blue dress from Beulah London and matching head scarf. The outfit also eerily recalls those worn by Princess Diana during her various visits to Islamic countries in the ’90s—a comparison that becomes even more significant in the wake of this topless photo debacle. St. James Palace was quick to issue a scathing statement saying that “the incident is reminiscent of the worst excesses of the press and paparazzi during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.” The Palace also condemned the publication of the zoom-lensed shots, which were taken by a paparazzi while Prince William and Kate Middleton were on vacation at the chateau of Viscount Linley (Princess Margaret’s son) in Luberon, France the week before they left for Southeast Asia.

So, back to Kate Middleton’s attire in Southeast Asia we go! Upon entering the mosque Kate Middleton took off her LK Bennett shoes, as is tradition. The Beulah dress is a bespoke creation from the UK brand and a design that Kate has worn before, albeit she wore a different colour for a friend’s wedding in June. Her hair was pulled back in a side-parted chignon and it was clearly a style that Amanda Cook Tucker—the hairstylist who’s part of Will and Kate’s royal entourage—chose for its day-to-night versatility. When Kate Middleton changed for an afternoon Diamond Jubilee tea party hosted by the British High Commissioner and his wife, the updo was upgraded with the addition of a few very Chanel Spring 2012-esque pearls. (A style that’s also common for Malaysian brides.) Powder-blue was still the colour of the day, with the Duchess choosing a Temperley London dress for tea time. Kate Middleton had the Fall 2012 dress customized in blue with a white lace overlay, as its original design was black and gold. And of course, her LK Bennett heels were there for tea as well.

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