When Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, arrived at the 2026 Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, her outfit was more than just a fashion moment. It was a carefully curated blend of style and symbolism.
Princess Kate wore a custom-made royal blue Catherine Walker coat dress with sharp shoulders and a pleated panel skirt. She paired it with a matching wide-brimmed hat, a croc-embossed leather wallet, and a classic suede pumps.
Most striking of all were her jewels. Princess Kate was wearing late Queen Elizabeth II's Bahrain pearl drop earrings and a five-strand vintage pearl necklace by Susan Caplan. These matched her engagement ring with sapphires and diamonds that used to belong to Princess Diana. It's a choice that beautifully combined heritage with contemporary royal identity.
Pearls have been a quiet, consistent star in the British royal family's wardrobe for generations. Here, we explore why these remain a royal favourite—from their deep historical roots to how modern royals like Princess Kate are keeping the legacy alive.
Pearls in Royal Tradition
Pearls hold a unique place in the history of jewellery. Unlike diamonds or coloured gemstones, which are mined, pearls are grown organically inside molluscs. Their rare, luminous quality — pristine, soft, and iridescent — has fascinated people for millennia.
In royal circles, pearls came to symbolise purity, poise, and dignity. They became especially meaningful in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, when monarchs adorned themselves with string after string of pearls. Queens and princesses wore them not just for personal adornment, but as visible signs of their status and refinement.
By the 20th century, pearls had become deeply intertwined with the image of British royalty. This wasn't accidental. The most enduring advocates of this aesthetic were Queen Elizabeth II and, more recently, Princess Kate.
How Queen Elizabeth II Popularised Pearls
For more than seven decades, the late Queen Elizabeth II cultivated a style that was instantly recognisable. She favoured impeccable tailoring, corgis followed at her heels, and she wore pearls almost without fail around her neck.
Classic Three-Strand Necklaces
One of the Queen's signature looks was the three-strand pearl necklace. Often seen in official portraits and state events, this simple yet elegant piece gave off an air of classic sophistication. Its layered design balanced her outfits without overshadowing her attire or presence, from formal gowns to day dresses.
These necklaces were practical for a monarch whose life was spent meeting world leaders, attending diplomatic functions, and representing her country. Pearls could be royal without being showy, which was a perfect reflection of her own approach to public duty.
Pearls as Diplomatic Gifts
Over the years, the Queen also received pearl jewellery from foreign dignitaries and heads of state. Such gifts reinforced the gemstone's association with respect and prestige. Pearls became a subtle part of diplomatic currency. They were worn at state banquets and diplomatic receptions, where they added beauty to the political weight.
Pearls in Mourning
The Queen also wore pearls on occasions of national mourning. Historically, pearls have been linked with tears and remembrance. In Victorian England and earlier, they were considered appropriate for mourning attire, indicating the solemnity of loss with their subdued glow. Queen Elizabeth II, mindful of tradition and symbolism, chose pearls during times of collective grief.
How Princess Kate Continues the Tradition
While the late Queen was synonymous with pearls, Princess Kate has carried the tradition forward in her own style. She incorporates them thoughtfully, choosing pieces that honour royal history while feeling utterly contemporary.
The Bahrain Pearl Earrings
One of the most talked-about pieces in the Princess of Wales' jewellery rotation is the Bahrain pearl earrings. These striking drop earrings were crafted using pearls gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by the royal family of Bahrain for her 1947 wedding. The design pairs lustrous pearls with sparkling diamonds, blending timeless elegance with understated sophistication.
Princess Kate has worn these earrings at important events like Commonwealth events, diplomatic dinners, and state visits. Each time, they serve as both a nod to her role as future queen and an embodiment of the Commonwealth's cultural breadth.
Multi-Strand Necklaces
Like her grandmother-in-law, Princess Kate favours multi-strand pearl necklaces for formal occasions. These pieces often accompany dresses in bold colours, creating a striking contrast that draws the eye to her face and enhances her regal posture.
During commemorative services and national celebrations, the necklaces connect her to Queen Elizabeth II's legacy of service and grace, both visually and symbolically.
Pearls for Everyday Royal Engagements
Princess Kate also wears pearls in less formal settings, such as school visits or charity engagements. Simple pearl studs or a single-strand necklace adds polish without overwhelming the occasion.
Pearls remain a go-to choice as they are versatile, timeless, and appropriate across contexts.
What Pearls Symbolise
Aside from being a classic accessory, pearls carry centuries of meaning that have made them a staple in royal wardrobes.
Organic Rarity
Unlike gemstones that are cut and faceted from rough stone, pearls form naturally inside oysters and other molluscs. This organic process means that each pearl is unique. The best pearls have a deep, mirror-like shine known as orient, a quality that distinguishes the finest pearls from ordinary ones.
Royal jewels are often chosen for their rarity and craftsmanship. Pearls fit this description perfectly since they aren't engineered, but cultivated by nature and refined by expert jewellers.
Elegance Without Flashiness
In contrast to sparkly statement diamonds, pearls offer a subtler kind of luxury. Their soft sheen complements rather than competes with an outfit.
For royals, who must balance personal expression with public duty, this understated elegance is ideal. Pearls project refinement without arrogance, which is an important quality for institution-figures under constant public scrutiny.
Symbolic Associations
Historically, pearls have been associated with:
- Purity and Virtue: Especially in bridal and ceremonial contexts, pearls symbolise integrity and sincerity.
- Mourning and Reflection: Their tear-like shape and subdued glow made pearls appropriate in somber moments.
- Continuity and Tradition: Wearing pearls links the wearer to past generations.
The Enduring Allure of Pearls
Pearls are still a big part of royal jewellery, from Queen Elizabeth II's classic strands to Princess Kate's modern takes on them. They are more than just accessories. They stand for continuity, dignity, and quiet elegance.
Whether worn at a Commonwealth service, a state banquet, or an everyday engagement, pearls send a message that says sophistication doesn't need to scream. It simply needs to shine.
For readers looking to understand royal style beyond surface glamour, pearls offer a perfect lens. They reflect both history and contemporary grace.
