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Royal Shoe Flashback: Michelle Obama And Kate Middleton In 2011

Before they gather at Kensington Palace tomorrow, we look back at Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton's first meeting.
Kate Middleton Michelle Obama
The leading ladies during their first meeting in 2011.
Rex Shutterstock

They’re two of the world’s most closely watched style influencers. As Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton prepare for another royal meeting at Kensington Palace Friday evening in London, fans are remembering the first time the leading ladies got together in 2011.

That 20-minute event, also at Kensington Palace, occurred just after the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, then newlyweds, returned from their honeymoon. For the occasion, Middleton — accompanied by Prince William — donned a dress by Reiss, one of her favorite high-street designers and paired it with simple black L.K. Bennett pumps.

Kate Middleton Michelle Obama
The first couple with the young royals in May 2011Rex Shutterstock

The first lady, who was there with President Obama, wore a shiny floral blue frock with a pink jacket and pointy-toe metallic Manolo Blahnik pumps. Earlier this year, Obama wore Blahnik again to host the Canadian first couple at a White House state dinner.

Michelle Obama White House State Dinner Manolo Blahnik Sandals
A closer look at Michelle Obama’s Manolo Blahnik Chaos metallic sandals.AP Images.

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On Friday, Prince Harry will join the young royals and Obamas for dinner. Last year, the first lady met the younger prince at Kensington Palace wearing Jimmy Choo’s “Mei” pump. During the same trip, Obama wore Choo to a “Let Girls Learn” event and finally during a visit with Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street.

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Michelle Obama wore classic Jimmy Choo Mei pumps for a meeting in London with Prime Minister David Cameron.Getty Images.

This time around, the Obamas will also visit the queen and celebrate her 90th birthday during lunch at Windsor Palace before heading back into London. We’re betting that the queen will wear her signature loafers again for the meal — and it’s likely that Obama will choose Choo throughout her London trip. Stay tuned.

Queen Elizabeth 90th Birthday
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