Britain's Duchess of Cambridge is preparing to travel to Denmark this week for a solo overseas visit to the European country.
As well as keeping an eye on Kate Middleton's style during her two-day visit, royal watchers will be looking out for twinning opportunities with Denmark's Crown Princess Mary.
The two are notably similar — they both married into their respective royal families and are in line to be queen consort, and have slim frames, athletic interests and long brown hair.
Not only do the pair look similar, aesthetically, they have been known to twin sartorially in the past, having worn identical dresses by the likes of Beulah London, Jenny Packham and Emilia Wickstead.
Scroll through the gallery above to see the Duchess of Cambridge and Denmark's Crown Princess Mary's twinning style.
Whether its exact replicas, or the same pieces in different colourways, the two royals have complimentary fashion sense, which means the Duchess of Cambridge's trip to Copenhagen looks set to be a style sensation when she steps out with her Australian-born Danish counterpart, Princess Mary.
Whether its for informal engagements, or black tie events that call for formal eveningwear, the two royals have stepped out in very similar outfits.
They are so similar, in fact, that late Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld once described them as “royal sisters”.

For a photoshoot to accompany a Financial Times profile released earlier this month, Princess Mary wore a champagne-coloured Jenny Packham gown. The Duchess of Cambridge has worn the emerald green version of the same dress on two notable occasions — once during an official visit to Pakistan in 2019 and the second time for a Royal Variety Performance on November 18, 2021.

They have also been known to wear the exact same dresses, styled a little differently, of course. They have each worn blue floral-print shirt dresses by ethical brand, Beulah London. Princess Mary first wore the piece during a visit to Indonesia in December 2019, while the duchess wore the informal piece to visit Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn as part of the NHS birthday celebrations on July 5, 2020.
Why do the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Mary dress so similarly?
There is, of course, no exact answer when it comes to analysing the style crossover between the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Mary.
The duo don't share a stylist, but they do, in a sense, share a job. While a working royal doesn't have a uniform, there certainly is a dress code that should be adhered to for official engagements, which will explain why the royals, and their stylists, are drawn to conservative but colourful pieces, which are cut below their knees, with shoulders covered, long sleeves and higher necklines.
Look back at the Duchess of Cambridge's most stylish moments here:
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Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in 1960s-style Gucci, visits the Victoria and Albert Museum on June 29, 2017, in London. Getty Images -

The Duchess of Cambridge wears red Alexander McQueen in a new portrait by Paolo Roversi released on January 8, 2022, to celebrate her 40th birthday on January 9. Paolo Roversi / Kensington Palace via AP -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who wears lavender Alexander McQueen, arrive at the 2011 Bafta Brits To Watch Event at the Belasco Theatre in July 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears The Vampire's Wife to attend a reception at the Guinness Storehouse's Gravity Bar in Dublin, Ireland, in March 3, 2020. EPA -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in gold Jenny Packham, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, arrive for the world premiere of the James Bond film 'No Time to Die' at the Royal Albert Hall in London on September 28, 2021. EPA -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears a pink Marks & Spencer suit to work from home at Kensington Palace in March 2020. Kensington Palace / Instagram -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears a red Miu Miu cashmere jumper, in the 'Royal Carols – Together At Christmas trailer', filmed at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2021. ITV -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in pink Me+Em, during a meeting with Mila Sneddon and her family at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, on May 27, 2021. Getty Images -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who wears a red Catherine Walker coatdress, at Westminster Abbey for the 'Royal Carols – Together At Christmas' carol concert on December 8, 2021. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in a red Alexander McQueen coat, arrives for the launch of the Hold Still campaign at Waterloo Station, London, in October 20, 2020. Getty Images -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wearing Alexander McQueen, on their wedding day, April 29, 2011. AP -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears Erdem to a reception at the Fotografiska Gallery in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 31, 2018. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears a Needle & Thread dress at a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on January 20, 2020. Reuters -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who wears a yellow Roksanda Ilincic dress, at the Sydney Opera House on April 16, 2014. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears a purple Gucci blouse to work from home at Kensington Palace in November 2020. Instagram / Kensington Royal -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who wears green Jenny Packham, at a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner at the Pakistan National Monument in Islamabad, on October 15, 2019. Getty Images -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who wears Alexander McQueen, at the 73rd Annual British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 2, 2020. She first wore the McQueen dress in 2012. EPA -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears blue Roland Mouret to SportsAid's 40th anniversary dinner on June 9, 2016 in London. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears Alexander McQueen to the 72nd Annual British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 10, 2019. EPA -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in teal Jenny Packham, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, arrive at 'Our Greatest Team Rises – BOA Olympic Concert' at the Royal Albert Hall on May 11, 2012. Getty Images -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in black velvet Alexander McQueen, and Prince Harry attend The Sun Military Awards at Imperial War Museum on December 19, 2011 in London. Getty Images -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton, who wears a blue Issa dress, in St James Palace, London, after announcing their engagement on November 16, 2010. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing Alexander McQueen, arrives for the 70th Annual British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 12, 2017. EPA -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in gold Jenny Packham, attends a gala dinner in support of East Anglia's Children's Hospices' Nook appeal at Houghton Hall in King's Lynn, Norfolk, on June 22, 2016. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears a pale pink Jenny Packham dress to attend the Ark 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Perk's Field in London on June 9, 2011. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in a Zara leopard print skirt and Massimo Dutti turtleneck, arrives at Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre in Cardiff, Wales, on January 22, 2020. Getty Images -

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who wears black lace Temperley London, attend the UK premiere of 'War Horse' on January 8, 2012 in London. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears a floral Faithfull midi dress to visit to The Nook in Framlingham Earl, Norfolk, one of three East Anglia's Children's Hospices, on June 25, 2020. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears pale blue Mulberry for an engagement in Ballymena, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, on February 28, 2019. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing a Warehouse sweater and green Jigsaw culottes, visits The Angela Marmont Centre For UK Biodiversity at the Natural History Museum in London on October 9, 2019. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in nautical stripes and LK Bennett trousers, attends the King's Cup Regatta at Greenwich on May 7, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in silver Amanda Wakeley, attends the In Kind Direct charity at Clarence House, London, on October 26, 2011. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wearing her second Alexander McQueen wedding dress, leaves Clarence House to travel to Buckingham Palace for the evening celebrations following her wedding to Prince William on April 29, 2011 in London. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in a paisley Ralph Lauren blouse, visits the Faberge in 'London: Romance to Revolution' exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum on December 2, 2021. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in yellow Emilia Wickstead, attends a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace on May 22, 2013. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in a red Catherine Walker coat attends the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in gold and green Erdem, with British ambassador to Sweden David Cairns during a visit to Sweden on January 30, 2018. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in red houndstooth Alessandra Rich, walks with museum director Tristram Hunt during her visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum on May 19, 2021 in London. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in a red Christopher Kane skirt and Polo Ralph Lauren turtleneck sweater, arrives to launch the Taking Action on Addiction campaign at Bafta on October 19, 2021 in London. Getty Images -

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in blue lace Temperley London, attends a World Mental Health Day reception at Buckingham Palace in London on October 10, 2017. Getty Images
RESULT
Australia 3 (0) Honduras 1 (0)
Australia: Jedinak (53', 72' pen, 85' pen)
Honduras: Elis (90 4)
Plastic tipping points
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
On Women's Day
Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?
Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'
QUALIFYING RESULTS
1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1 minute, 35.246 seconds.
2. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes, 1:35.271.
3. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes, 1:35.332.
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.497.
5. Alexander Albon, Thailand, Red Bull Racing Honda, 1:35.571.
6. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, McLaren Renault, 1:35.815.
7. Daniil Kvyat, Russia, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:35.963.
8. Lance Stroll, Canada, Racing Point BWT Mercedes, 1:36.046.
9. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari, 1:36.065.
10. Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 1:36.242.
Eliminated after second session
11. Esteban Ocon, France, Renault, 1:36.359.
12. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Renault, 1:36.406.
13. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 1:36.631.
14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:38.248.
Eliminated after first session
15. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.075.
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari, 1:37.555.
17. Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas Ferrari, 1:37.863.
18. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.045.
19. Pietro Fittipaldi, Brazil, Haas Ferrari, 1:38.173.
20. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams Mercedes, 1:38.443.
Moonfall
Director: Rolan Emmerich
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry
Rating: 3/5
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
THE SPECS
BMW X7 xDrive 50i
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic transmission
Power: 462hp
Torque: 650Nm
Price: Dh600,000
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
While you're here
Damien McElroy: Lockdowns will further widen the political divisions in the West
Daniel Bardsley: The ancient origins of vaccines, and the anti-vaxxer movement
Justin Thomas: We're en route to a vaccine. Now we just need people to take it
EXPATS
While you're here
Three tips from La Perle's performers
1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.
2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.
3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative
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How Apple's credit card works
The Apple Card looks different from a traditional credit card — there's no number on the front and the users' name is etched in metal. The card expands the company's digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. Its attributes include quick sign-up, elimination of most fees, strong security protections and cash back.
What does it cost?
Apple says there are no fees associated with the card. That means no late fee, no annual fee, no international fee and no over-the-limit fees. It also said it aims to have among the lowest interest rates in the industry. Users must have an iPhone to use the card, which comes at a cost. But they will earn cash back on their purchases — 3 per cent on Apple purchases, 2 per cent on those with the virtual card and 1 per cent with the physical card. Apple says it is the only card to provide those rewards in real time, so that cash earned can be used immediately.
What will the interest rate be?
The card doesn't come out until summer but Apple has said that as of March, the variable annual percentage rate on the card could be anywhere from 13.24 per cent to 24.24 per cent based on creditworthiness. That's in line with the rest of the market, according to analysts
What about security?
The physical card has no numbers so purchases are made with the embedded chip and the digital version lives in your Apple Wallet on your phone, where it's protected by fingerprints or facial recognition. That means that even if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use the card to buy things.
Is it easy to use?
Apple says users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app on their iPhone and begin using it almost immediately. It also tracks spending on the phone in a more user-friendly format, eliminating some of the gibberish that fills a traditional credit card statement. Plus it includes some budgeting tools, such as tracking spending and providing estimates of how much interest could be charged on a purchase to help people make an informed decision.
* Associated Press
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Brief scores:
Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first
Pakhtoons 137-6 (10 ov)
Fletcher 68 not out; Cutting 2-14
Sindhis 129-8 (10 ov)
Perera 47; Sohail 2-18
Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt
Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure
Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers
Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels
THE DETAILS
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Dir: Ron Howard
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson
3/5
Teams in the EHL
White Bears, Al Ain Theebs, Dubai Mighty Camels, Abu Dhabi Storms, Abu Dhabi Scorpions and Vipers
The Gentlemen
Director: Guy Ritchie
Stars: Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant
Three out of five stars
HWJN
More on Quran memorisation:
The line up
Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego
Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh
Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com
Jurassic%20Park
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Up in the air
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Match info
Huddersfield Town 0
Chelsea 3
Kante (34'), Jorginho (45' pen), Pedro (80')
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The%20Sandman
Indika
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now





