The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was seen wearing a pearl necklace as she and Prince William made their way to Buckingham Palace to receive the coffin of Queen Elizabeth.
Dressed in a smart black ensemble, Kate’s choice of jewelry is believed to be a sweet nod to the late monarch, who was known for her love of pearls.
Earlier today, the Queen’s coffin left St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh and was flown to RAF Northolt before being driven to the Palace, where it will spend the night.
Senior members of the royal family, including the King and Queen Consort, were seen heading towards the Palace to pay their respects.
Kate, dressed in traditional mourning black, complemented her outfit with a necklace featuring multiple strings of pearls and pearl earrings.
Pearls have long been associated with mourning in royal traditions, dating back to Queen Victoria.
They were also a favorite of Queen Elizabeth, who often wore a pearl necklace, especially after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, last year.
According to Arsene Budrovich, founder of Budrovich Fine Jewellery Studio, pearls are loved by royals, particularly Queen Elizabeth, because they symbolize aristocratic virtues such as liberality, magnificence, and generosity.
Additionally, pearls represent purity and chastity.
The association of pearls with class, elegance, and sophistication dates back to ancient Egypt, where the royal family wore pearls to showcase their status.
This tradition was then passed down through various empires, including the Holy Roman Empire and the French monarchy, eventually becoming popular throughout Europe and the British Empire.
As the Queen arrived at Buckingham Palace for the final time, she was greeted by members of the royal family, including the King, the Queen Consort, Princes William and Harry, and their wives, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
Despite the rain, people lined the streets, cheering and clapping as the new state hearse made its way down Constitution Hill and around the Queen Victoria Memorial.
Umbrellas were lowered as a sign of respect, and some onlookers wiped away tears while others illuminated the scene with their phone camera lights.
Upon reaching the palace gates, outriders stopped with their heads bowed, and a police officer saluted.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the coffin passed under the arch.
A Guard of Honour, formed by the King’s Guard, awaited the Queen at the grand entrance of the palace.
Her Majesty was received by all her children and grandchildren, including the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
After witnessing the arrival of the coffin, Prince Charles and Camilla left Buckingham Palace.
The Queen will spend the night in the Bow Room before being transported to the Palace of Westminster, where she will lie in state until her state funeral on Monday, September 19, at Westminster Abbey.
Her final resting place will be St George’s Chapel in Windsor.