The Princess of Wales made a quiet yet unforgettable statement at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, honoring the late royal and Queen Elizabeth II in a way only she could.
A Funeral Full of History and Emotion
On September 16th, the royal family gathered at Westminster Cathedral to pay their respects to Catherine, Duchess of Kent, who passed away at the age of 92. This was no ordinary service—it marked the first Catholic royal funeral since the Reformation. King Charles III, Prince William, and Princess Catherine stood side by side with senior royals, a united front honoring a life devoted to faith, family, and charity.
Princess Catherine’s Outfit Speaks Volumes
For this solemn occasion, Princess Catherine chose a Catherine Walker black bow tie wool coat with sculpted silhouette, paired with a pillbox halo by Jess Callo Millinery. Accessories like a quilted Chanel bag and Gianvito Rossi pumps completed the look—but it was her necklace that stole the show.
The Princess of Wales wore Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic four-strand Japanese pearl choker, a piece steeped in royal history. Gifted to the late Queen in the 1970s, it had been worn countless times by Elizabeth II and even by Diana, Princess of Wales. Now, Catherine has become its new custodian, bringing it out only for the most significant occasions.
A Necklace Laden with Meaning
This wasn’t just jewelry—it was a tribute. Pearls, long associated with mourning, reflected tradition and respect. The choker connected three extraordinary women: Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, and the Duchess of Kent herself. Paired with pearl drop earrings, Catherine’s ensemble was understated yet profoundly symbolic.
Fans of the monarchy immediately recognized the significance. The necklace had also been worn during the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in 2021 and Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. Now, it marked another deeply emotional royal farewell.
Honoring a Life of Devotion
Catherine, Duchess of Kent, married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was a beloved figure in royal life for over six decades. Known for her warmth, humility, and charitable work, she shared a close bond with Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Catherine’s choice of attire and jewels delicately honored both the Duchess and the late Queen, turning fashion into a language of remembrance.
A Historic and Emotional Service
With the absence of Queen Camilla due to ill health, the service’s weight fell on King Charles, Prince William, and Princess Catherine. Every detail mattered. Catherine’s black coat and veil, her pearls, and her poised composure spoke volumes about tradition, continuity, and grace expected of a future queen.
This funeral became more than a farewell—it was a bridge between past and present, a poignant tribute to enduring legacies and the unbroken thread of duty and devotion at the heart of the monarchy.