Kate Middleton Honours Queen Elizabeth with Meaningful Jewellery Choice
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Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, recently paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth during a public appearance in London. On May 13, the 43-year-old royal attended an event hosted by the British Fashion Council where she presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. During the engagement, Kate’s choice of jewellery resonated with a thoughtful nod to her late grandmother-in-law.
The Princess wore the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings, a cherished piece from Queen Elizabeth’s collection that she inherited from her husband, Prince William’s grandmother. These earrings hold historical significance as they were created using pearls gifted to Princess Elizabeth by the Hakim of Bahrain before her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947. The earrings, adorned with round and baguette diamonds dangling down to the pearls, have been a staple in Kate’s rotation since 2016.
This isn’t the first time Kate has showcased the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings in honour of Queen Elizabeth. In a touching gesture, she also wore the earrings to the late Queen’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey in September 2022, highlighting the sentimental value she attaches to these pieces.
The event at London’s 180 Studios celebrated young British creatives and the country’s thriving fashion industry, with Kate presenting the prestigious award to emerging designer Patrick McDowell. The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, first presented in February 2018 during London Fashion Week, recognises the role of fashion throughout Queen Elizabeth’s reign and its continued influence on diplomacy, culture, and communications.
McDowell, known for his sustainable label, expressed his delight at receiving the award from Princess Kate, who is revered as a style icon. During the event, McDowell had the opportunity to showcase his work to the Princess, who showed genuine interest in the craftsmanship and dedication of the fashion industry professionals.
Kate Middleton’s genuine enthusiasm and support for British fashion shone through as she interacted with McDowell and his team, illustrating her commitment to promoting local talent on the global stage. McDowell, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, praised Kate’s kindness, fascination with fashion, and genuine interest in the people behind the clothes.
The Princess’s choice to wear the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth underscores her deep respect for the late monarch and her enduring legacy in the fashion world. Through her meaningful jewellery selection and engagement with emerging designers, Kate Middleton continues to uphold the values and traditions of the British monarchy while championing sustainability and creativity in the fashion industry.