The Royal protocols regarding attire for mourning are quite stringent, with black being the traditional color symbolizing grief. Symbolic jewelry and military tokens are worn as signs of respect during such solemn occasions.
At the Westminster Hall service marking Queen Elizabeth II's final departure from Buckingham Palace before her lying in state and funeral, the Princess of Wales chose to wear Pearl drop earrings once belonging to Princess Diana, alongside the Queen's Diamond and Pearl Leaf brooch.
In contrast, Meghan wore a pair of Pearl and diamond studs reportedly gifted to her by Her Majesty, according to Vogue. These were Burke's 1095 akoya Pearl and diamond earrings in white gold.
Royal observers noted that the Pearl and diamond studs worn by Meghan during her first official solo outing with the Queen were a gift from Queen Elizabeth herself. It was under Her Majesty's orders that the household staff purchased these earrings for a mere £50.
While some meticulous Royal jewelry enthusiasts pointed out similarities between Meghan's earrings and the replicas of Queen Mary's button earrings, it's evident that Meghan doesn't possess any genuine heirlooms from past generations.
The palace's decision to gift Meghan these relatively inexpensive earrings may have been driven by a desire to avoid any potential clashes or misunderstandings regarding jewelry, especially in proximity to Queen Elizabeth II. Some critics have accused Meghan of having a somewhat ostentatious style, and there was a concern that she might attempt to display her extensive jewelry collection during an appearance with the Queen. The decision to present her with more affordable earrings likely eliminated any such potential issues.
In contrast, during Queen Elizabeth's funeral, the Princess of Wales wore two deeply meaningful pieces: Diamond and Pearl drop earrings previously owned by Princess Diana, and a stunning Diamond and Pearl brooch in the shape of three leaves once belonging to the Queen. This brooch held significant sentimental value, having been gifted to Catherine on her 73rd birthday in 1999 during a visit to South Korea. Catherine had worn it on several occasions, including a visit to Belgium in 2017.
The sapphire and diamond earrings worn by Catherine, estimated to be worth over £200,000, hold a special place in her collection, honoring her husband's late mother, Princess Diana. The contrast between the gifts received by Meghan and those cherished by Catherine suggests a difference in the way the Queen valued Meghan as a granddaughter-in-law compared to Kate's treasured inheritance.
During the funeral service, the expressions on the faces of the family members spoke volumes. Catherine, in particular, wore a look of sincerity and grief, as did other family members who appeared visibly exhausted by their grief but dutifully paid their respects to their queen mother and grandmother.
Princess William and Harry displayed contrasting emotions. Prince William appeared somber and concerned about what lay ahead, while Prince Harry's demeanor suggested a more detached and stoic response, leaving many to wonder about the depth of his grief and the strain within the family during this trying time.
