After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Catherine paid tribute to her grandmother-in-law by wearing various pieces from the Monarch's personal collection. The royal family’s exquisite jewelry has always held deep significance, especially as it is passed down through generations. Catherine, Princess of Wales, regularly honors the late Princess Diana by wearing inherited pieces, but with the Queen's death, questions arise about the future of her stunning jewels, including her iconic brooches, tiaras, and favorite string of pearls.
Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Crown
One of the most symbolic pieces in the royal collection is the late Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Crown, valued at around £800,000. This diamond crown was worn by Queen Elizabeth II on several occasions during her reign, including her first state opening of Parliament in 1952 and on her journey to coronation in 1953. Originally reset with jewels from the Royal Collection for Queen Victoria, it remains one of the rarest pieces in the Crown Jewels collection.
Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace
The stunning Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, which is adorned with diamonds, is fit for a queen. This exquisite necklace was a wedding gift to the then-Princess Elizabeth from the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1947. Described by Hugh Roberts, it features a center with a detachable double drop pendant incorporating 13 emerald-cut diamonds and a pear-shaped drop. Princess Catherine wore the four-strand pearl necklace to the Queen's funeral, adding the jewels to her outfit for the remembrance festival in November 2022.
The Queen's Favorite Pearl Necklace
At a launch event for the Governors General of the Commonwealth Nations at Buckingham Palace in September 2022, Princess Catherine honored the late Queen by wearing her favorite accessory: a triple strand of pearls. This necklace, made from family pearls, was created to the Queen's specifications shortly after she ascended the throne in 1952. The graduated pearls, which have a warm, creamy color, are fastened with a small diamond clasp.
Diamond Quarterfoil Bracelet
Princess Catherine shines bright with the diamond quarterfoil bracelet borrowed from the Monarch. This flexible diamond piece features intricate patterns and two borders of diamonds. It is a significant bracelet, as it was worn by Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day. The design, which is geometric and inspired by Art Deco, features three large square links connected by vertical sections.
Pearl Brooch
During the procession to Westminster Hall in September 2022, Catherine wore a striking pearl brooch on her black coat dress.
Cartier Halo Tiara
At her wedding to Prince William in 2011, Catherine made a memorable impression by wearing the Queen's Cartier Halo Tiara. Crafted by Cartier in 1936 from diamonds and platinum, it was originally purchased by the Duke of York for his Duchess shortly before he became King George VI.
Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara
Catherine has also worn the Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, a favorite of the late Princess of Wales, which was loaned to her by the Queen. Commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913, it features pear-shaped pearls suspended in a diamond lovers knot design.
Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings
During the service of Thanksgiving for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, Princess Catherine paid tribute to the Sovereign by wearing Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings, which were on loan from the Queen.
Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Catherine dazzled in sapphire and diamond earrings that originally belonged to the Queen Mother.
Diamond Chandelier Earrings
The Duchess also showcased stunning diamond chandelier earrings from the Monarch, further reflecting her admiration for the Queen's jewelry.
A Legacy of Royal Jewelry
It is believed that Queen Elizabeth made a catalog prior to her passing, detailing which pieces would be passed down to her relatives. As Princess Catherine is set to one day be Queen, she will likely inherit some of these treasured items. The legacy of royal jewelry continues, as seen when Queen Alexandra, who passed away in 1925, carefully recorded her collection and designated who would receive each piece after her death.
When Queen Mary died in 1953, she passed much of her jewelry to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, who frequently wore these sentimental pieces throughout her reign. Similarly, in 2002, when the Queen Mother passed, she left her jewelry collection to her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, further enriching the royal family's historic treasures.
Through these beautiful pieces, Princess Catherine continues to honor both the late Queen and her own royal heritage, keeping the legacy of the monarchy alive and vibrant.
