When it comes to special occasions like weddings or milestone birthdays, there's nothing quite like receiving a thoughtful gift. Whether big or small, we all know it's the thought that counts—but let’s be honest, when it comes to gifting, no one did it quite like Queen Elizabeth.
Despite her reputation for frugality, especially with those closest to her, the late monarch was known to go above and beyond, sometimes bestowing entire properties or even commissioning the construction of new ones. For example, to celebrate Prince William and Catherine’s wedding in 2011, Queen Elizabeth gifted them Anmer Hall, a 10-bedroom Georgian home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The Cambridges made it their official residence until 2017 when they began spending more time in London for work with the Queen and their charity commitments. However, Anmer Hall remains a beloved retreat, and the family even spent lockdowns there. After acquiring the property, the couple renovated it, keeping the interiors mostly neutral, except for the dining room, which was painted in a bold jewel green.
In addition to properties, Queen Elizabeth often gave her beloved granddaughter-in-law, Catherine, personal and meaningful gifts. One of these special presents brought Catherine to tears before the Queen passed away. The final gift from the Queen was a stunning diamond set, consisting of a necklace and coronation earrings.
Over the years, Catherine and the Queen developed a close and enduring relationship that lasted until the monarch's passing. On significant occasions, Queen Elizabeth would often present Catherine with valuable gifts, and her final gesture was especially poignant. For Prince William and Catherine’s joint 40th birthday celebration, held at one of the Queen’s royal residences, the monarch gave Catherine jewels from her own personal collection.
A source revealed that the Queen was particularly generous on this occasion, presenting Catherine with jewelry she would likely wear at future royal events. The most emotional gift was a diamond set, including the coronation necklace and earrings. This set holds deep sentimental value, having been worn by generations of Queens during their coronations, including Queen Elizabeth herself, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Queen Mary. Though the pieces are technically royal property and not personally owned by any monarch, they symbolize the royal lineage.
The Queen believed it was fitting for Catherine to be the next Queen to wear this historic set when Prince William becomes king. In an unprecedented move, Princess Catherine is also set to grant a royal warrant to British companies whose goods are sold to the royal household. The options for this are vast, ranging from environmentally conscious businesses to designer fashion brands. Notably, King Charles III has introduced an additional requirement: brands seeking the royal warrant must demonstrate sustainable practices in line with the monarchy’s environmental commitment.
On a more personal note, Catherine celebrated her 43rd birthday earlier this month, and the Wales family shared a heartfelt tribute by posting a black-and-white portrait of the princess. The photo, showcasing her in a modern, stylish pose, could easily be from a fashion spread, but it also conveys deep meaning. Catherine's look reflects not only her character and emotional state but also her unique empathy with the late Queen.
The joy and excitement expressed on the Queen's face in her later years, as she broke with tradition and posed in ways that were less restrained, seem mirrored in Catherine's contemporary style. As the next Queen in line, Catherine will likely be less constrained by the many royal rules and regulations that previously governed royal behavior. Reports indicate that Prince William, recognizing his father’s ailing health, is preparing himself sooner for the crown and making decisions that will benefit the monarchy in the long term.
