For her first public appearance since the funeral of Prince Philip, Kate Middleton chose a fittingly sombre outfit to visit the 282 East Ham Squadron Air Training Corps, east London. The Duchess recycled a gold-buttoned black coat from Dolce & Gabbana, which she last wore for 2017's Remembrance Day service, and ensured her accessories were similarly muted. Her pointed suede pumps were a much-worn pair from Tod's, while her clutch bag was a classic design from Mulberry.
But it was her earrings that were particularly interesting, delicate diamond and pearl studs, which just so happen to look strikingly similar to a pair of the Queen's – the very same she wore to the funeral in fact. For Kate, they added some understated glamour to a quietly-spirited event that included a flight simulation and a round of 'hip, hip, hooray', otherwise known as a Three Cheers Salute, in honour of Prince Phillip.
This would not be the first time the Duchess of Cambridge has used her jewellery to send secret messagesto the world and she is known for wearing sentimental pieces – she often wears a pendant bearing the initials of her children, for example. Perhaps, then, she was, in a very small way, displaying her solidarity with the Queen at what is a particularly difficult time.
SEE: Kate Middleton's Jewellery With Hidden Meanings
1 of 15Robinson Pelham Earrings
A gift from her parents to wear on her wedding day, Middleton's beautiful diamond earrings were made by Robinson Pelham, a British jeweller based in London. She wore them with the Cartier Halo Tiara, which was her 'something borrowed' from the Queen.
2 of 15Orelia London's Huggie Hoops
Orelia London's Chain Huggie Hoops - a steal at £18 - have been worn several times by Kate Middleton.
3 of 15Diamond and South Sea Pearl Earrings
They once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, so it was a touching tribute when she wore these stunning earrings to the 2019 BAFTAs. Diana wore them a lot throughout the '90s - and Kate amended them ever-so-slightly, replacing the original stones with smaller pearls.
4 of 15Ballon Bleu de Cartier Watch
This Cartier watch was reportedly a gift from Prince William, a special token to mark their third wedding anniversary in 2014. It has a blue spinel set into it, which matches the sapphire in her engagement ring.
5 of 15Daniella Draper Necklace
Kate's Daniella Draper necklace is personalised with the letters G (for George), C (Charlotte) and L (Louis, keep up), making it a stylish and touching accessory.
6 of 15Daniella Draper Necklace
Middleton's second necklace in honour of her three children is a simple gold chain with three circular pendants for each of their initials.
7 of 15H&M Earrings
Proving she's a master of the high-low mix, Kate accessorised her designer dress - a shimmering green number from The Vampire's Wife - with these budget-friendly earrings by H&M.
8 of 15Mejuri Pearl Earrings
Middleton wore these dainty pearl hoops from Mejuri - the large version is still available to buy here - on a charity video call during lockdown.
9 of 15Monica Vinader Green Earrings
A frequent re-wear for Middleton, these affordable earrings have accompanied her on many a royal engagement.
10 of 15ASOS Earrings
Great at sussing out a high street hit, these £10 ASOS earrings have sold out time and time again after she wore them.
11 of 15Missoma Earrings
The Duchess has worn these Missoma Mini Pyramid Charm Hoop Earrings, a relative steal at £85, on so many occasions.
12 of 15Anthropologie Coral Earrings
A beach holiday must, Anthropologie's earrings are bound to sell out fast.
13 of 15Maria Tash Pearl Earrings
Sold as a single pearl earring, Kate has worn a pair of these a few times in 2022 - most recently with crisp white tailoring in Jamaica. Shop this budget-friendly Lily & Roo version.
14 of 15Sézane Earrings
These Sézane mother-of-pearl earrings have since sold out, but you can sign up for alerts for a re-stock - a great pair of earrings for wedding guest dressing.
15 of 15Sézane Earrings
Further proving her love of Sézane, these blue statement earrings have sold out but if royal blue isn't your thing - the good news is you can still shop them in fuschia, nude, white, yellow, mustard, green and cerulean blue.