When members of the Royal Family gathered to bid farewell to the Duchess of Kent, one detail quietly caught attention—Kate Middleton’s choice of jewelry.
The Princess of Wales wore a necklace and earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, making her outfit not just elegant but deeply symbolic.
Honoring Two Women at Once
Kate, now 43, chose an all-black mourning outfit for the service, complemented by a fascinator hat and pearl drop earrings.
But the standout piece was the Queen’s Japanese choker necklace, a four-strand pearl piece with a diamond clasp, famously worn by both Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales.
The pearls were originally gifted to the Queen by the Japanese government in 1975, and over the years, they became part of some of her most iconic appearances.
By wearing them, Kate honored both the late monarch and the Duchess being laid to rest.
A Dress with Memories
This wasn’t the first time Kate leaned on sentimental wardrobe choices.
She also wore her Roland Mouret black dress, the same one she had worn to Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021.
Each detail of her look seemed carefully chosen to convey continuity, remembrance, and respect.
Senior Royals Gather to Remember
Alongside Kate and Prince William, King Charles, Prince Andrew with Sarah Ferguson, and other senior royals were present at Westminster Cathedral.
The King arrived with his principal private secretary and appeared calm before the service began.
Notably, this Catholic requiem mass was the first of its kind for a member of the monarchy in modern British history.
A Touch of Music and Tradition
Music played a central role in the farewell.
A piper from The Royal Dragoon Guards performed the same lament, Sleep, Dearie, Sleep, that had been played at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in Windsor Castle.
The haunting sound echoed through the cathedral as the Duchess’s coffin was carried.
Warm Words from Family
The Prince and Princess of Wales had earlier described the Duchess as someone who “worked tirelessly” and supported countless causes, especially in music.
They emphasized that she would be “much missed” by the entire family.
Their heartfelt message reflected the Duchess’s enduring influence both within and beyond the Royal Family.
A Life Devoted to Service
The Duchess of Kent, who passed away at 92, was admired for her compassion and her independent streak.
She wasn’t afraid to step back from royal life, even giving up her HRH title in 2002 to focus on what mattered most to her—music and helping children.
Music at the Heart of Her Legacy
She co-founded Future Talent, a charity supporting young musicians who lacked opportunities.
Her partner in the project, Nicholas Robinson, described her as “compassionate, genuine, and selfless,” recalling how she worked tirelessly, even in her 70s, to write letters, raise funds, and mentor children.
Beyond Royal Duties
The Duchess famously spent over a decade teaching music anonymously at a Hull primary school, where she was simply known as “Mrs Kent.”
She also became a beloved figure at Wimbledon, remembered for consoling Czech player Jana Novotna in 1993 after a heartbreaking loss on Centre Court.
A Royal Life with Yorkshire Roots
Born Katharine Worsley in 1933, she grew up in North Yorkshire, where her love for music began.
She married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in 1961 at York Minster in a royal wedding remembered for its grandeur.
Throughout her life, she stayed deeply connected to her Yorkshire heritage while carving out a unique role for herself in the Royal Family.