A remarkable legacy endures as Kate Middleton pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth by showcasing some of the late monarch’s exquisite jewelry pieces.
The late Queen, whose 98th birthday would have been celebrated tomorrow, amassed a remarkable collection of jewelry over the years through purchases, gifts, and inheritances.
She often lent pieces to Catherine, Princess of Wales, for special occasions, underscoring the close bond they shared during the Queen’s lifetime.
Following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Kate has continued to honor her memory by adorning herself with some of the monarch’s most cherished treasures.
One such instance was in 1989 when Queen Elizabeth unveiled an emerald for the first time.
During a dinner at Claridge’s, she wore a stunning tassel necklace along with other complementary jewelry pieces from the royal vault.
It is believed that the necklace was a gift from the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, during a state visit.
The necklace was part of a set that included earrings, a bracelet, and a ring, all of which were donned by Princess Diana at a dinner hosted by the Governor-General of Jamaica in 2022.
This event coincided with a royal tour of the Caribbean to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The jewelry set, originally presented to Alexandra, Princess of Wales, by the Prince of Wales in 1863, featured diamonds and pearls, including a diamond tiara known as the rundle.
Upon Queen Elizabeth’s passing in 1925, the tiara passed to her daughter, Princess Victoria, while other pieces were inherited by Queen Mary, Alexandra’s daughter-in-law.
The necklace, earrings, and brooch were eventually passed down to Queen Elizabeth, who frequently adorned them for evening events.
Kate recently wore the necklace to a state banquet with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in 2018.
Designed by Queen Elizabeth herself, the necklace boasts a sophisticated tiered pearl arrangement with a diamond clasp.
Queen Elizabeth cherished this necklace throughout her reign, wearing it on numerous occasions to exude elegance worldwide.
In 2020, she paired it with an emerald green dress while addressing the nation during the COVID pandemic, offering words of encouragement and resilience to the British people.
Following the Queen’s passing, Princess Diana continued the tradition by wearing Elizabeth’s pearls to various events, including the Festival of Remembrance in 2023.
At the wedding of Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa in 2023, Princess Diana debuted the Greville chandelier earrings, originally owned by Lady Margaret Greville.
These earrings, gifted to Queen Elizabeth by her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, were a treasured possession.
Lady Greville had the earrings modified twice, adding more diamonds in 1922 and 1929, resulting in a dazzling design featuring various diamond cuts.
When the King and Queen presented the earrings to Princess Elizabeth in 1947, she couldn’t wear them due to unpierced ears.
However, after getting her ears pierced four years later, she frequently showcased the Greville chandelier earrings.
Another notable piece, the diamond tiara necklace, was a gift from King George VI to Queen Elizabeth, symbolizing their close relationship.
Commissioned in 1950, the necklace features three strands of graduated diamonds suspended between two diamond triangles, embodying regal elegance and sophistication.
The enduring tradition of wearing and cherishing these iconic pieces serves as a poignant reminder of Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable legacy.
Kate Middleton’s homage to the late monarch through these exquisite jewels ensures that the Queen’s memory lives on in the hearts of many.