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Kate Middleton didn’t have the best year ever, but the fresh perspective her cancer battle gave her might show signs of a strong future for the royal family. Both she and Prince William are refocusing their vision for their time on the throne, and the Princess of Wales is hinting that she’s ready to be queen through her accessories.
Royal fans should be on the lookout for tiny details like a piece of jewelry from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection on Christmas Day. “Christmas is a big deal as they will all be appearing together after this year of turmoil,” fashion director at the UK Daily Telegraph Bethan Holt told Page Six. Whether it is a pair of earrings or a necklace, the jewelry will always tell a story to the public if they are paying attention.
“We’re starting to see the nods to the family line,” royal historian Hugo Vickers added. “It’s a dynasty moment and shows she’s conscious at some point of really stepping into the most senior role of queen.” In the past, Kate has been criticized for not wearing more of the royal family’s collection of jewels.
“The Princess of Wales is a bit of a disappointment about jewelry. She gives the impression that she only puts it on when she absolutely has to,” former Vogue International editor Suzy Menkes said on her Creative Conversations podcast in July 2023. “I imagine her looking beautiful in one of those gowns behind the scenes and then pulling a face as if to say, ‘Do I have to wear this?’ She doesn’t give any sense of adoring jewelry and being pleased to put it on.”
But the Princess of Wales is a thoughtful dresser, and each detail has a meaning. There’s alway a reason she will choose a specific piece like Queen Elizabeth’s New Zealand Fern Brooch or the beloved three-strand pearl necklace over something else in her personal collection. The best example is Kate’s decision to don the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings at the funeral of Prince Philip, they were a gift to Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day in 1947 from the Hakim of Bahrain, per The Court Jeweller. It was a tribute to the love Elizabeth and Philip shared.
As William and Kate step closer to the throne, eagle-eyed fans should keep watch for the message she is sending through her fashion. The Princess of Wales is stepping into her regal queen era.
Before you go, click here to see more looks Kate Middleton has worn before.
