Kate Middleton paid tribute to the late Katharine, Duchess of Kent, in a very special way at her funeral on September 16. The Princess of Wales, 43, chose to wear Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic four-strand pearl choker, a historic piece of jewelry that has been part of many royal moments.
The funeral service took place at Westminster Cathedral and was attended by senior members of the royal family, including King Charles. Queen Camilla was unable to attend due to health reasons. The service was historic because it was the first Catholic royal funeral in modern history and the first to take place at Westminster Cathedral since 1903.
Kate’s decision to wear pearls was not only a fashion statement but also a gesture of respect and symbolism. For centuries, pearls have been closely linked with mourning traditions in the British royal family. They are considered to be dignified, understated, and appropriate for solemn occasions.
The necklace Kate wore was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. The late monarch first wore the choker during a state banquet in Bangladesh in 1983. Since then, the piece has been worn on several key occasions, especially funerals. Kate herself has previously worn the same choker during Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021 and again at Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in 2022.
Experts have often highlighted how pearls are tied to Queen Elizabeth’s personal jewelry legacy. Author Bethan Holt once explained that pearls are “a symbol of mourning a monarch but also a grandmother or great-grandmother,” making Kate’s choice especially meaningful.
The royal family’s connection to pearls goes even deeper. Queen Elizabeth II received her first pearls from her father, King George VI, who would add two pearls to a platinum chain for her birthday every year. This tradition shaped her lifelong love of pearls.
The royal practice of wearing pearls in mourning dates back to the time of Queen Victoria. After her husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861, Queen Victoria wore black clothing for the rest of her life. To match her mourning wardrobe, she chose simple jewelry, often pearls, because their soft shine was considered more modest than colorful gemstones. This tradition became firmly linked with royal mourning attire and has continued ever since.
By wearing Queen Elizabeth’s pearls, Kate was not only honoring the late monarch but also respecting a tradition that has lasted for more than 150 years. Her decision reflected both continuity and personal tribute.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, who passed away at the age of 92 on September 4 at her Kensington Palace residence, was the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. She was known for her quiet presence within the royal family and for her strong faith.
Her funeral rites were significant for many reasons. As a Catholic royal, her funeral was the first of its kind in living history. The service held at Westminster Cathedral also marked the first royal funeral at the cathedral since its opening in 1903, giving the event a historic dimension.
Senior members of the royal family attended to pay their final respects. Kate’s choice of attire and jewelry stood out as a thoughtful gesture that balanced royal tradition with personal meaning. It symbolized respect for both Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of Kent, while also representing the continuing role of the royal family in preserving long-held customs.
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Pearls have always been more than just jewelry for the royals. They represent continuity, dignity, and subtlety in times of grief. By choosing pearls, members of the royal family show that mourning is not only a private matter but also a public tradition that connects them to the past.
For Kate Middleton, pearls have become a signature choice for such occasions. She has carefully repeated this style in moments of national mourning, reinforcing her role as someone who honors both history and family ties.
The Duchess of Kent’s funeral was a solemn moment, but it also reminded the world of the royal family’s traditions and how they continue to evolve. With Kate wearing jewelry that connects three generations of royal women—Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and herself—it became clear that pearls remain a timeless symbol of remembrance and respect.
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