The Princess of Wales once again showcased her impeccable taste, attending the Royal Variety Charity Gala at the Royal Albert Hall. She chose an elegant off-the-shoulder gown in deep emerald velvet. However, all eyes were on her jewelry—historic diamond earrings closely linked to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II. These jewels were not just an accessory, but a true statement: a tribute to royal tradition and family heritage.
This isn’t the first time Kate Middleton has borrowed these earrings from the Crown Jewels, and each appearance becomes a headline. She first wore them at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan in June 2023, and later at a formal banquet at Windsor Castle during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron. By choosing these pieces for such significant events, the Princess underscores continuity and her role in the future of the British monarchy.
The Greville Legacy
These stunning Art Deco earrings are part of what’s known as the ‘Greville legacy’—an extensive and fabulously valuable collection of jewels featuring tiaras, necklaces, brooches, and earrings. It originally belonged to Dame Margaret Greville, a renowned early 20th-century aristocrat, socialite, and philanthropist. A close friend of the royal family, with no direct heirs, she bequeathed most of her collection to the Queen Mother in the early 1940s.
In turn, the Queen Mother gave these earrings to her daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth II, as a wedding gift in 1947. Elizabeth II was very fond of this jewelry and often wore it in public throughout her long reign. She last wore them during a visit to Toronto in 2010. Now, these historic jewels have found new life thanks to the Princess of Wales, who continues the royal tradition with great dignity.
The Diamond Dictionary
The earrings were commissioned from Cartier in 1929 and are true works of art. What makes them unique is the combination of 16 diamonds of various cuts, making them resemble a visual dictionary of modern jewelry craftsmanship. The piece unites baguette, baton, emerald, pear, crescent, and square cut stones, all set in platinum.
This variety of shapes creates an incredible play of light and gives the earrings a sense of dynamism and volume. Experts estimate that today their auction value could exceed one and a half million euros. However, their historical significance is beyond measure. Kate Middleton has not only managed to ‘rejuvenate’ this nearly century-old piece but has also seamlessly incorporated it into her own style, adding to her already remarkable collection of diamond and pearl earrings she has worn since her marriage in 2011.
A tribute to Diana
The Princess of Wales’s jewelry box holds other iconic pieces as well. For her wedding to Prince William, she commissioned diamond earrings from Robinson Pelham, whose design echoed the Cartier Halo tiara lent to her by the Queen. These earrings, shaped like oak leaves with an acorn, symbolized the Middleton family’s coat of arms.
A special place in her collection is reserved for jewels that once belonged to Princess Diana. Kate frequently wears sapphire and diamond pendants, perfectly complementing her famous engagement ring, which also once belonged to her husband’s mother. Another notable pair are her South Sea pearl and diamond earrings, longtime favorites of Diana. By wearing these pieces, Kate not only pays tribute to her late mother-in-law but also creates an invisible bond across generations of the royal family, solidifying her status as a style icon and future Queen Consort.
For reference, Catherine, Princess of Wales—born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton—is the wife of William, Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne. She was born on January 9, 1982, in Reading, Berkshire. She met her future husband while studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After their wedding on April 29, 2011, she was granted the title of Duchess of Cambridge, and following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of Charles III, she became the Princess of Wales. She is a patron of more than 20 charitable and military organizations, with a focus on early childhood development, mental health, and the arts.
