Kate Middleton stepped out for a somber solo outing today (April 25), attending the annual Anzac Day commemorations. Catherine, Princess of Wales observed and took part in the memorial service on behalf of King Charles III, laying a wreath at the Cenotaph and joining the congregation at the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. Having previously attended twice before, this was Kate’s first time going alone.
The royal kept to her usual sartorial rhythm in a classic all-navy ensemble. Kate wore a custom Givenchy by Sarah Burton navy coat, with strong shoulders, white arrow-like lapels, and a nipped in waist—a commemorative poppy was pinned to her chest. She also debuted a new hat, a bespoke Jane Taylor London teardrop-shaped chapeau with an oversized bow affixed to the back. On her feet, matching dark blue Gianvito Rossi pointed pumps, and she toted a DeMellier Nano Montreal bag. (The princess is devoted to the London bag brand’s various structured silhouettes.)
It was her choice of jewelry that was particularly pertinent, today. Her G. Collins & Sons tanzanite pendant necklace is believed to have been a gift from her husband, Prince William, which she first debuted all the way back in March 2015 at a National Service of Commemoration that marked 13 years of military operations in Afghanistan. It features a pear-shaped tanzanite stone, encircled by diamonds, and set in platinum. Over the years, she’s worn the gem necklace and matching earrings on a few occasions, including meeting then-President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama when they visited the UK in 2016.
This time, though, Catherine paired the necklace with Saudi Sapphire drop earrings that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. The diamond drop earrings feature two large, bright sapphire stones. They are believed to have been a wedding present for the then-Princess of Wales, who wore them on the cover of British Vogue in 1994 as she celebrated her 33rd birthday. Diana also wore them on tour in Melbourne, and when she famously danced with John Travolta at a gala dinner at the White House in November 1985, as well as to the 1995 Council of Fashion Designer Awards, and 1996 Met Gala.
The precious and sentimental earrings are regularly plucked from Kate Middleton’s jewelry box—the princess has worn them twice for the Trooping the Colour ceremonial parade.
“The service commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who have lost their lives in conflict and recognizes all those who have served,” read a message shared by the official royal family Instagram. “From Gallipoli to the present day. Honoring all Australians and New Zealanders who have given so much in service on ANZAC Day. Lest we forget.” Not too far away, Princess Anne also took part in the day’s royal duties, leading commemorations at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner.
Jewelry and fashions imbued with meaning remain an enduring signature of Catherine’s. Earlier this week, when honoring the late Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 100th birthday, Kate chose to wear a three-strand pearl necklace that once belonged to her royal grandmother-in-law.
