M&S has launched a £40 version of Kate Middleton's sellout polka dot dress

Kate Middleton's polka-dot dresses are a well-documented style statement - from the powder blue polka dot shift dress by Jenny Packham that she wore following the birth of Prince George in 2013, to the black and white number she wore to the Women's singles final of Wimbledon in 2018. 

And who can forget the now sold-out polka-dot dress by Swedish brand &Other Stories during her royal tour 'Down Under'?

But last July saw the debut of a show-stopping Emilia Wickstead polka-dot shirt dress that set the internet on fire. The Duchess donned the dress while promoting her Tiny Happy People venture — aimed at providing parents with free digital resources to help support them through pregnancy up until their child is five.

More from woman&home:

• Best winter coats for women to see you through a cold spell in style
• Best jeans for women that you’ll wear again and again
• Best leggings for style, comfort and exercise – whether you’re WFH or hitting the gym

Upon posting the event on the Kensington Royal official Instagram account, fans from around the world heaped praise on the Duchess' Anatola Pleated Polka-Dot Crepe Shirt dress.

The exact dress originally retailed at £1,565, and was later knocked down to £469 in the sale, meaning it has now (unsurprisingly) sold out in all sizes.

But the good news is M&S has dropped an incredibly similar version for just $69 [£39.50] just in time for the warmer weather.

Complete with the same button up shirt-style front, midi-length and print, the only thing missing is the belted waist detailing, which may not actually be a bad thing after so many months in lockdown.

There's just one caveat: if there's one thing we know about Kate Middleton-backed styles is they sell out fast.