The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has once again captured public attention with her exquisite taste in jewellery. During the London premiere of the film *Digger* on September 23, 2023, she dazzled attendees not only with her elegant plum Jenny Packham gown but also with the stunning Amethyst Sautoir Necklace, a rare piece that belonged to the late Queen Mother. This striking necklace, adorned with pearls, diamonds, and amethysts, showcased Middleton’s affinity for royal heritage pieces.
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The recent event is just one among many instances in which the Princess has showcased priceless items from the royal collection. Her ability to access an array of magnificent jewels serves to highlight her deep connection to the royal traditions and history. Some of the most remarkable moments in her jewellery choices reflect a blend of personal taste and royal legacy. Here, we look back at six notable occasions when Kate brought historical royal jewels into the limelight.
Among her most memorable appearances is her wedding day in April 2011, when the Princess wore the elegant Cartier Halo Tiara, borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II. While this tiara had been worn by various royal women—including the Queen Mother and Princess Anne—it was never donned publicly by the Queen herself during her reign. This connection to royal history epitomised Middleton’s role within the royal family as she took her first steps into a lifetime of royal duty.
In 2014, the Princess added to her collection of rare jewels by donning the Cartier Nizam of Hyderabad Diamond Necklace, a gift to Queen Elizabeth II from the Nizam of Hyderabad upon her marriage. This stunning piece was a favourite of the late monarch during the 1940s and 1950s, and Middleton became the only other member of the royal family to wear it publicly. She first showcased it at the Portrait Gala in 2014 and later at the Diplomatic Corps Reception in 2019.
More recently, in early 2023, Kate made a striking impression wearing the Strathmore Rose Tiara, a piece that had been hidden away for nearly 90 years. This beautiful tiara originally belonged to the Queen Mother and had been untouched for decades, making Middleton’s choice to wear it during a state banquet commemorating South Korea’s state visit all the more special.
Another notable occasion came in 2025 during a state banquet at Windsor Castle, where Kate wore the spectacular Oriental Circlet Tiara. Designed for Queen Victoria in 1853, this tiara features approximately 2,600 diamonds and has a rich history within the royal collection. Prior to Middleton’s appearance, it had last been worn by Queen Elizabeth in 2005, marking another moment of profound historical significance for the Princess of Wales.
In a more personal connection to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, Kate has opted to wear Diana’s original Sapphire Earrings for special occasions as well. These earrings had often been speculated to have been modified in the pair Middleton had initially worn; however, in 2022, she debunked the rumours by showcasing the larger, iconic pair during Trooping the Colour. Since then, these earrings have come to represent a meaningful connection to her family’s past and her role within the royal family.
The Amethyst Sautoir Necklace that Kate wore during the *Digger* premiere is steeped in its own royal history. Originally given to the Queen Mother as a wedding gift by Queen Alexandra in 1923, it reflects the timeless elegance often associated with the royal family. The last notable outing for this necklace was in 2012, when Queen Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, wore it during the premiere of *Skyfall*.
Kate Middleton’s keen ability to blend contemporary style with the grandeur of royal history continues to endear her to the public. Her choice of jewellery not only highlights her personal aesthetic but also serves as a conversation starter about the legacy she and her family are a part of. As she continues to engage with her royal duties, it will be intriguing to see what treasures she may unveil next from the royal vaults.