At the yearly Festival of Remembrance hosted by the Royal British Legion at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Princess of Wales paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Princess Catherine, Prince William, and other senior members of the royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne, joined together to honour the fallen soldiers after returning from the Earthshot Prize Awards in Singapore.
Photo: Chris Jackson
Catherine wore a respectable black dress and the late monarch’s three-strand pearl necklace as a sombre gesture of her respect for those who lost their lives in battle. Queen Elizabeth’s jewellery choice brought a poignant touch to her ensemble because Catherine had worn it the year before at a lunch at Buckingham Palace that preceded the Queen’s funeral.
Sam Cohen, the Queen’s former assistant private secretary, said that the Palace verified the necklace’s provenance as belonging to the late monarch, who was renowned for her simplicity and daily wear of the same pearl necklace.
Photo: Chris Jackson
In addition to the noteworthy necklace, Catherine seemed to be wearing diamond and pearl earrings, highlighting the timeless beauty of pearls. The association between pearls and sombre occasions can be traced back to Queen Victoria’s reign, during which she wore only black and colourless jewellery, especially pearls, after her husband Prince Albert passed away in 1861.
A poppy pin, a poignant symbol worn by the royal family throughout November to honour fallen troops, completed the ensemble.
Catherine has participated in the Festival of Remembrance seven times since her marriage to Prince William, demonstrating her dedication to this tradition.
The use of pearls and the poppy pin highlights the enduring symbolism associated with these elements in remembrance ceremonies. It also aligns with historical royal practises, reflecting a personal connection to Queen Elizabeth.
