The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, alongside Prince Harry and Meghan, made a poignant journey from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace to receive the coffin of Her Majesty.
This marked the second public appearance of the royal couples together since offering condolences to mourners at Windsor Castle earlier.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the family as they solemnly welcomed the coffin at the palace, where it will rest until its transfer to Westminster Hall the following day.
As they arrived at Buckingham Palace, Kate and William appeared visibly moved, joining other members of the royal family in paying respects.
Kate, wearing a somber black dress, adorned herself with pearl earrings and a stunning pearl necklace in a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth, renowned for her affinity for pearls.
The Queen was rarely seen without her signature three strands of pearls, and Kate’s choice of a multi-strand pearl necklace, believed to have belonged to the Queen, resonated deeply on this occasion.
Arsene Budrevich, founder of Budrevich Fine Jewellery Studio, shared insights with Express.co.uk, highlighting the royal family’s enduring fondness for pearls.
He explained how pearls symbolize aristocratic virtues such as liberality and magnificence, embodying purity and chastity.
Dating back to ancient Egypt’s Ptolemaic dynasty, pearls have symbolized elegance and sophistication, a tradition embraced by monarchs across Europe through the ages, including the British Empire.
For the ceremony, Kate opted for a simple makeup look and left her hair flowing loosely, exuding a timeless elegance.
Admirers on social media lauded her choice of jewelry, noting the significance of pearls in royal attire.
Charlotte White, head of design at 77 Diamonds, underlined Kate’s preference for classic pearls, emphasizing their ability to enhance one’s complexion and surroundings with a gentle radiance, akin to diamonds.
The enduring legacy of Princess Diana, beloved both in Britain and worldwide, was palpable during the gathering.
Visitors near the new Diana statue at Kensington Palace reflected on her humanitarian endeavors, compassion for the less fortunate, and unwavering commitment to various causes, including AIDS awareness.
Diana’s tragic passing in 1997 immortalized her as a revered figure, cherished not only for her royal status but also for her deep connection with the people.
Questions surrounding Kate’s ability to measure up to Diana arose even before her marriage to William in 2011, especially given her wearing of Diana’s iconic engagement ring.
Since becoming part of the royal family, Kate has gracefully navigated her role, projecting a positive family image while actively engaging in charitable initiatives.
With a focus on early childhood development, Kate aims to leave a lasting impact through her philanthropic work, nurturing her own children and contributing to societal well-being.
While comparisons between Kate and Diana persist, a palace source emphasized Kate’s unique journey as the new Princess of Wales.
Acknowledging the historical significance of her role, Kate is poised to carve her path forward, balancing tradition with a vision for the future.
Observers outside Kensington Palace echoed sentiments of admiration for Kate’s elegance and representation of the monarchy, urging against direct comparisons with Diana and advocating for allowing Kate to shine in her own right.
