The Royal Family were out in force today (Monday 9 March) to mark Commonwealth Day and attended a special service at Westminster Abbey. They were joined by royals from other nations, celebrities, representatives from other Commonwealth countries and athletes who have competed in the Commonwealth Games.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived side by side at the Abbey for the event, which happens to fall the month before the couple celebrate their crystal wedding anniversary (15 years). We couldn’t help but notice the jewellery Kate chose for the occasion, which included a pair of pearl droplet earrings. The earrings have a sentimental connection of their own to a very special wedding – that of Prince William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Kate wore the late Queen’s Bahrain pearl earrings, which provide a subtle nod to her personal love story. Royal Commentator Victoria Howard explains that, ‘the earrings are a firm favourite, coming from pearls Elizabeth was gifted for her wedding.’ The Princess paired the earrings with an all-navy ensemble, wearing a Catherine Walker midi-length coat-dress and a wide hat set at an angle. ‘The earrings are a perfect classical addition to a church outfit for such a service, as the length helps balance out her wide-brimmed hat,’ adds Victoria.
Kate also wore a multi-strand pearl necklace, which is similar to Queen Elizabeth II’s most-worn Triple-Strand Pearl necklace. However, Victoria explains that the necklace is ‘believed to be costume jewellery from Susan Caplan rather than a family heirloom.’
Queen Camilla was also in attendance at the service and wore all red, accessorising with a striking diamond piece by Cartier. The Palm Leaf Brooch, explains expert Victoria, once belonged to The Queen Mother (The King’s grandmother) and is ‘inspired by the Indian sarpech (a turban ornament)’. It has been worn on a number of occasions and demonstrates how ‘now, as Queen consort, Camilla has access to a wide range of jewellery. Her track record shows she’s happy to get use out of a range of pieces, unlike Queen Elizabeth II, who tended to have a small amount of key pieces in rotation.’
Today’s annual church service is ‘the highlight of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the Commonwealth, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events,’ according to The Mirror, featuring a congregation of 1,800 guests. Those absent from today’s event included The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Their parents, Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were also not in attendance.
