The event marked the return of the Princess of Wales to official engagements with jewelry that honored Diana's memory.
Another accessory of great significance was the Garrard pearl choker, a piece that originally belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. The Japanese government gifted it to the monarch in 1970, and she later lent it to Diana in 1982. Middleton has also worn this jewelry at important events, such as the diamond weddings of Elizabeth II and Philip of Edinburgh in 2017 and the duke's funeral in 2021.
The Princess of Wales returned to the Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey, joining King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Anne, and the Dukes of Gloucester. Her presence stood out not only for her attire but also for an emotional tribute to Princess Diana through her choice of jewelry.
Kate Middleton wore a scarlet red dress by Catherine Walker, featuring a striking bow at the neckline. This outfit, one of her favorites, had already been worn at the Together At Christmas concert in 2021. However, what captured the most attention were her Collingwood pearl earrings, jewelry that belonged to Diana of Wales before becoming a princess.
Diana of Wales received these earrings from the Collingwood brand, one of the Spencer family's favorite jewelers. The princess wore them on several occasions, such as at a dinner at Claridge's in 1981 and at the Starlight Express musical in 1984. She also paired them with the Lover's Knot tiara in Washington D.C., the day after her iconic dance with John Travolta at the White House.
Following tradition, Kate Middleton first wore these earrings in 2017, during a State banquet at Buckingham Palace in honor of the Spanish royal family. Like Diana, she paired them with the Lover's Knot tiara, reaffirming the connection with her late mother-in-law.
As part of her tribute, the Princess of Wales also wore her iconic sapphire engagement ring. In recent months, she had occasionally replaced it with a simpler eternity ring, making her return with this piece even more significant.
The ceremony was attended by more than 2,000 guests and was presided over by the Dean of Westminster. During the event, the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa pipe band gave a special performance. Additionally, various musical and artistic performances took place, including percussion, acrobatics, and dance.
As part of the celebrations, King Charles III initiated the countdown to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow. The event, full of tradition and emotion, marked Kate Middleton's return to official events with a selection of jewelry that paid tribute to the memory of Diana of Wales.
