To mark the late Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday today—the monarch, who passed away in 2022, would have turned 100 on April 21—a special reception was hosted at Buckingham Palace.
Known for adding symbolic meaning to her style choices, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, wore a meaningful piece of jewelry for the occasion: a three-strand pearl necklace that previously belonged to her royal grandmother-in-law.
Although Queen Elizabeth II owned several three-strand pearl necklaces, this classic design is believed to be the same one featured in her final portrait, taken by Ranald Mackechnie. According to Tatler, Kate Middleton has also worn the necklace previously, including just days after the Queen’s death.
The necklace was not the only meaningful piece of jewelry worn by the Princess of Wales on Tuesday. Kate Middleton also wore Bahrain pearl drop earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth. The earrings were originally a wedding gift from the Hakim of Bahrain in 1947. Queen Elizabeth later wore them on many royal occasions throughout her life.
Middleton paired both family heirloom pieces with a lavender, three-quarter-sleeved dress by Emilia Wickstead, one of her most frequently worn designers, alongside Catherine Walker. She completed the elegant outfit with classic Ralph Lauren pumps.
Other members of the Royal Family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, also attended the 100th birthday commemoration. On the same day, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on social media, posting a series of images of the late monarch along with the message: “Remembering Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the 100th anniversary of her birth. Inspiring generations through a lifetime of duty.
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