Kate Middleton arrived at the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall in London this evening in meaningful jewelry. The Princess of Wales chose a pair of earrings from Queen Elizabeth’s collection, the late monarch’s diamond “Orbital” pendant earrings (also called her “Frame” earrings).
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The Waleses arriving at the event. Kate is in Queen Elizabeth’s earrings, which feature a pendant surrounded by an orbit of diamonds.
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The Waleses inside the event.
Queen Elizabeth wore the earrings just a handful of times during her lifetime, including to the State Opening of Parliament in 2012. Their provenance has never been publicly shared. Kate wore the jewels for the first time in 2016, and has chosen them on a few significant occasions since, including her 40th birthday portraits.
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Queen Elizabeth in 2012.
This evening, the Princess of Wales completed her outfit with a crimson poppy pin, as all royals wear during the month of November, and a brooch next to the poppy. In past years, she has worn a three poppy pin—which could represent the fact that her great-grandmother had three brothers who died in action during World War I—but this year, she chose to wear just one.
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Kate chose a polka dot dress for the occasion.
According to Buckingham Palace, “At the heart of this year’s Festival is the theme of Places of Remembrance, exploring how the places we associate with those we have lost can hold profound personal meaning. From national memorials and familiar landmarks to gardens, football pitches and quiet corners of everyday life, people from across the UK will share the places where they remember and feel close to loved ones who are no longer with them.”
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Another look at the Princess this evening.
Kate has attended the Festival of Remembrance event every year since 2015; last year, Prince George was by her side instead of Prince William (the Prince of Wales had just returned from his Earthshot Prize in Brazil). This evening marks Kate’s first public appearance in November. She last stepped out in late October to visit Treehouse Children’s Hospice. Earlier in the week, Prince William took Prince George to a soccer game in Barcelona.
Tomorrow, the Waleses and the rest of royal family will step out again for Remembrance Sunday, the national memorial service at The Cenotaph in London; Kate has never missed a Remembrance Sunday.
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Emily Burack (she/her) is the Deputy Digital Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms.