The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is celebrated globally for her elegant and considered fashion choices. While her outfits often make headlines, it is the meticulous selection of her accessories, particularly her earrings, that reveals a deeper narrative of personal tribute and accessible style.
Royal Tributes and Heirloom Pieces
A significant part of Kate's jewellery collection serves as a poignant homage to late members of the Royal Family. Her most notable tributes are to Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, whose legacies she honours through specific accessory choices.
A prime example is the pair of Collingwood pearl drop earrings she wore on Remembrance Sunday. These were originally a wedding gift to Diana from the Spencer family's trusted jeweller. The design features a diamond stud suspending a smaller diamond and a bell cap set with three rows of delicate diamonds, which encases a luminous pearl drop.
Kate first debuted these earrings at a state banquet in 2017 and has worn them frequently since, including with Diana's favoured Lover's Knot Tiara. Their elegant versatility makes them a staple for both formal and daytime engagements.
Mastering the Mix: Designer Loyalty & High Street Hits
Beyond heirlooms, the Princess demonstrates a keen eye for contemporary designers and remarkably affordable pieces. She has been a devoted fan of Monica Vinader jewellery since 2014, frequently seen in the brand's Siren Wire earrings. Crafted from 18-carat gold vermeil and hand-cut green onyx, they offer a refined yet statement-making look.
Perhaps even more relatable is her repeated choice of a specific high-street pair: the Orelia Chain Huggie Hoops. These 18-carat gold-plated earrings have been worn to over ten royal engagements, including a 2021 visit to Maidenhead Rugby Club. Their popularity extends beyond royalty, with TV presenter Cat Deeley also spotted wearing the same set.
Statement Pieces for Glamorous Occasions
For events demanding extra sparkle, Kate turns to dazzling designs that become instant talking points. At her Together at Christmas carol service, she wore the Robinson Pelham Tsar Star earrings, a pair she first made famous at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in 2022.
These striking earrings, made from 14-carat white gold and brilliant-cut diamonds, are ingeniously versatile. They can be styled three ways: as simple studs, with the diamond star drop at the front, or with the drop behind the ear for a modern twist.
Another standout pair is the ruby drop earrings by G Collins & Sons. Kate has chosen these for significant occasions including Armistice Day, the Trump state visit in September, and the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May. The design showcases a vivid oval ruby framed by a halo of diamonds.
Recreating the Royal Look for Less
The enduring appeal of Kate's style lies in its achievable elegance. For each of her iconic earrings, there are beautiful and affordable alternatives available on the high street.
To emulate the Collingwood pearls, shoppers can opt for pearl and cubic zirconia drops from retailers like H.Samuel or Ivory & Co. The look of the Monica Vinader Siren earrings can be recreated with green onyx or malachite styles from Oliver Bonas or Edge of Ember.
For huggie hoop alternatives, brands like Missoma and Lisa Angel offer similar chain-link designs. The celestial sparkle of the Tsar Stars can be found in star-drop styles from Astrid & Miyu or Jon Richard, while ruby cluster earrings are available from Spero London and Austen & Blake.
Through her jewellery, the Princess of Wales artfully blends history, personal sentiment, and contemporary fashion, proving that timeless style is often in the thoughtful details.
