Eagle-eyed royal watchers believe Kate Middleton may have repurposed a rarely-seen item from Queen Elizabeth’s expansive jewelry collection, and the updated piece is further proof of the princess’ eye for fashion.
On Sunday, Kate attended the National Service of Remembrance procession at The Cenotaph alongside Queen Consort Camilla. For the somber occasion, the Princess of Wales donned a fitted black coat with a crisp collar, structured shoulders, and tassel detailing down the bodice. Kate wore her hair in a variation of her signature side chignon, and a wide-brimmed black velvet hat sat atop her head.
It was the princess’ statement earrings that captured the world’s attention, though. Each of the two jewels featured a large pearl surrounded by clusters of diamonds in an ornate setting. Those familiar with the late queen’s treasures recognized the set as a reworked version of her Diamond and Pearl Leaf brooch, which she was last seen wearing in 1999 at an engagement in South Korea.
In its original state, the piece of jewelry featured a cluster of three large pearls surrounded by smaller clusters of pave diamonds taking the shape of a leaf. While Queen Elizabeth never wore the brooch during the 21st century, she did loan it to Kate on a few occasions before her death.
The princess first wore the regal pin in July 2017 during the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Tyne Cot Cemetery engagement in Belgium. A year later, she donned the brooch again at the Festival of Remembrance. The last time she was seen wearing the heirloom was in September 2022 at the queen’s lying-in-state ceremony at Westminster Hall.
If Kate did indeed create this never-before-seen set of earrings from the Diamond and Pearl Leaf brooch — which, given the uncanny resemblance, it seems she did — the reimagination of the treasured heirloom is further proof of the princess being on the pulse of fashion.
Kate has displayed a style metamorphosis since the queen’s passing, elevating her wardrobe in preparation for her own impending crowning. While she’s made tweaks to embody a more regal aesthetic, the Princess of Wales has also embraced a more modern look, and these repurposed earrings are the perfect example of the way she’s taken to expertly blending tradition and modernity within her personal style.
The princess’ fashion choices are a nod to her overall approach to serving as queen one day: honoring tradition while ensuring the royal family continues to thrive in a modern world.
Before you go, click here to see more of Kate Middleton’s best royal fashion moments.
