London, November 19 – The elegance of Kate Middleton was on full display at the Shaping Us National Symposium at The Design Museum, where she adorned herself with a touch of history from Princess Diana’s jewelry collection.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 41, delivered a keynote speech, radiating in a pair of sapphire and diamond drop earrings that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. This poignant fashion choice isn’t new for Kate, who has previously showcased these heirloom earrings at various high-profile events this year, including Trooping the Colour in June and the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in March.
The earrings, a larger set than the ones Kate has worn in recent years, were initially debuted by the Duchess at Trooping the Colour in 2022, effectively dispelling a longstanding rumor. Speculations had circulated for a decade that Kate’s smaller sapphire and diamond earrings were fashioned from the same pair Diana wore for Queen Elizabeth’s birthday parade. However, the recent appearances of the larger earrings have debunked this claim, as noted by Lauren Kiehna of The Court Jeweller blog, who emphasized the distinct differences in the sapphire cuts.
As Kate incorporates the larger sapphire and diamond drop earrings into her royal wardrobe, she follows in Princess Diana’s fashion footsteps. The late Princess of Wales frequently adorned herself with this striking set during the 1990s, from international visits to magazine covers and even the Met Gala in New York City in 1996.
The Duchess of Cambridge not only pays homage to Princess Diana but also to her late grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. Kate’s sartorial choices often include Queen Elizabeth’s jewels, notably seen during the late monarch’s funeral events. From pearl and diamond drop earrings to a three-strand diamond necklace, Kate delicately incorporates these regal pieces into her ensembles.
On the poignant occasion of Remembrance Day, Kate adorned herself with Queen Elizabeth’s jewelry, including a three-strand diamond necklace and diamond and pearl earrings for the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance. The following day, she wore statement pearl earrings, once worn by Queen Elizabeth in Nigeria in 2003, at The Cenotaph war memorial ceremony.
The choice of pearls holds special significance, being affiliated with Queen Elizabeth’s everyday style and serving as a symbol of mourning for a monarch, grandmother, or great-grandmother.
Kate Middleton, known for her thoughtful fashion choices, continues to weave a narrative of respect and remembrance through her selection of timeless and meaningful jewelry.
