Kate Middleton paid a subtle tribute to two of the most influential women in royal history during her latest public appearance alongside Prince William. The Princess of Wales attended her first garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace on May 8, wearing a collection of heirloom jewelry once closely associated with both the late Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II.
Kate Middleton donned late Princess Diana and Queen’s pearl jewelry at garden party, claims report
The Princess of Wales hosted the event with Prince William on behalf of King Charles III. They welcomed guests gathered at the palace for the annual royal event honoring community service and charity work. For the occasion, Kate wore an elegant cream outfit by Self-Portrait and completed the look with historic royal jewelry that holds special family meaning. She completed her look with Queen Elizabeth II’s Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings.
The 44-year-old also wore Diana, Princess of Wales’s famous three-strand pearl bracelet designed by jeweler Nigel Milne. The elegant pearl jewelry added a polished finishing touch to Kate’s garden party outfit.
Catherine has worn both jewelry pieces many times over the years, and royal watchers often praise how carefully she chooses jewelry for important public events. She has frequently paid tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, through her fashion and jewellery choices since joining the royal family.
Prince William famously proposed to Kate with Diana’s sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring, one of the most recognisable pieces associated with the late princess. Kate has also regularly worn Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, another iconic piece closely linked to Diana during her years as Princess of Wales. Earlier this spring, Kate appeared at palace celebrations marking the centenary of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, wearing one of the monarch’s signature pearl necklaces.
Fashion experts have long argued that Kate intentionally references the style of the late Princess Diana, rather than doing so by coincidence. “I think we have seen lots of examples where the reference is very intentional, and I think that Kate uses fashion to pay tribute to Diana in a very positive way,” fashion director Bethan Holt previously told PEOPLE, adding that Prince William remains deeply aware of his mother’s enduring influence as a style icon.
