Kate Middleton, wearing a Catherine Walker wool coatdress in black, joined members of the British royal family for the Duchess of Kent‘s funeral in London on Tuesday.
Accompanied by husband Prince William, the Princess of Wales evoked subdued elegance for the somber affair. Along with her long-sleeve, midi hem, “beau tie” Catherine Walker dress, Middleton wore Gianvito Rossi pointed toe suede pumps and carried the Chanel quilted mini bag.
Kate Middleton and Prince William arrive for the Requiem Mass service for Katharine, Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral on Sept. 16 in London.
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Her pillbox halo hat with a birdcage veil was by Jane Taylor. Sartorially rising to the occasion in her mournful ensemble, Middleton added sentimental pieces that honored another late member of the British royal family.
The Princess of Wales accessorized her attire with Queen Elizabeth II‘s four strand Japanese pearl choker. “The four-row pearl and diamond choker worn by the Princess of Wales was originally made for Queen Elizabeth II in the 1970s by Garrard, using pearls gifted to her by the Japanese Government,” Nilesh Rakholia, jewelry expert and founder of fine U.K. jewellers Abelini, told WWD via email.
Kate Middleton wears Queen Elizabeth II’s Japanese pearl choker.
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“Since then, it’s become one of the most meaningful pieces in the royal collection — worn by the late Queen herself, loaned to Princess Diana, and now chosen by the Princess of Wales for moments of real significance,” Rakholia said.
The necklace has accessorized past funeral attire for the Princess of Wales. Middleton notably wore the piece at Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh‘s funeral in April 2021.
Kate Middleton arrives for the Requiem Mass service for the Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral on Sept. 16 in London.
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It’s not such a surprise that the Princess of Wales returned to this necklace for another mournful occasion. “Pearls have always carried a natural association with mourning thanks to their soft luster and understated elegance, and in recent years this necklace has become the piece the Princess turns to for occasions of remembrance — from Prince Philip’s funeral to Queen Elizabeth II’s, and now the Duchess of Kent’s,” Rakholia explained.
The Duchess of Kent died at the age of 92 on Sept. 4. The royal was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. Having converted to Catholicism in 1994, the Duchess of Kent’s funeral took place at Westminster Cathedral and is the first Catholic funeral to be held for a member of the royal family in modern British history. Her Royal Highness will be laid to rest at the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor.
