Kate matched the necklace with a pair of earrings, which also once belonged to Queen Elizabeth. The monarch was first seen wearing the small, pear-shaped pearl drops, each suspended from a diamond stud, in 1977, while celebrating her Silver Jubilee. They’re clearly a favourite piece for the Princess, who first borrowed them from the Queen for a tour of Canada, before sporting them during her first solo overseas visit to the Netherlands in October 2016.
Notably, Kate wore the earrings for a series of occasions following the Queen’s passing in 2022. They were first spotted on her at Sandringham, when she and Prince William toured the thousands of bouquets, notes and other tributes left by well-wishers, and were also part of Kate’s attire when she joined the royals to receive the Queen’s coffin at Buckingham Palace. She also wore them to greet Commonwealth troops, who had arrived in the UK to take part in the Queen’s state funeral.
The King and the Princess were among the many royal mourners at the Duchess’ funeral
Samir Hussein
Wearing pearls to a funeral is traditional, particularly for the royal family. During Queen Victoria’s reign, pearl jewellery first became linked with mourning: after her husband Prince Albert died in 1861, the Queen famously only wore black and colourless jewellery, especially pearls. Meanwhile, many people choose to wear pearls on sombre occasions as they are said to represents tears and sorrow, as well as purity and mourning. ‘It’s very much a tradition,’ author and jewellery historian Vivienne Becker once told British Vogue. ‘By choosing them, you are being low-key and respectful.’