When worn by a royal, a strand of pearls is never just a strand of pearls. As with much of the jewelry worn by the new Princess of Wales, there’s a symbolic reason behind Kate Middleton’s recent apparent preference for pearl jewelry. It’s safe to assume that Kate has chosen her jewelry particularly to honor Queen Elizabeth II after her death, but you may not have previously been aware of the layers of meaning behind the layers of pearls. I definitely wasn’t.

Pearls were Queen Elizabeth’s favorite type of jewelry and were always associated with her unique personal style. And Kate has been seen in several pieces borrowed from the queen’s own personal collection, such as her large leaf broach, the pearl and diamond choker, and pearl earrings. Kate was also recently pictured wearing a triple-strand pearl necklace—identical to the one Queen Elizabeth wore every day.

But pearls are also steeped in royal family tradition. (What isn’t?) According to People, Elizabeth’s fondness for pearls began when she was a little girl and her father King George VI—carrying on a tradition started by Queen Victoria—gave her a platinum chain to which he would add two pearls on each birthday. Wearing pearls as mourning jewelry is also a tradition begun by Victoria, famous for mourning her husband Prince Albert after his death for every day until she died.

Royals jewelry expert Lauren Kiehna told BuzzFeed News, “In Western cultures, white gemstones like diamonds and pearls, paired with black clothing, are traditional choices for mourning.” Makes sense! Plus, Kate Middleton will be inheriting most of this jewelry eventually in any case, so why not go ahead and make pearls her new thing?

The royal family has been sorting through Queen Elizabeth’s affairs ever since she passed away at age 96. They already confirmed that her corgis have found a new home, but the world is wondering what will happen to Her Majesty’s jewelry collection. Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images Kate Middleton will reportedly receive the “lion’s share” of Queen Elizabeth’s accessories. However, King Charles’s wife Camilla Parker Bowles (aka the Queen Consort) will get to pick first. Max Mumby/Indigo/Get

The trip marks Kate's first official visit to Wales since becoming princess of Wales.

Kate Middleton will reportedly get the "lion's share" of the Queen's jewelry, but Camilla will have "first choice."

Kate Middleton’s little brother James Middleton is also taking part in honoring the late Queen Elizabeth II, and in such a sweet way we know the late Queen would’ve adored. It’s no secret that the late Queen adored her furry friends, especially her corgis. While James didn’t get a fleet of corgis, he did get […]

Prince William and Kate Middleton just changed their social media account *again.* Earlier this month, when Queen Elizabeth II quietly passed away at the age of 96, the royal family faced several changes, including a new monarch—King Charles III—and title updates. Two members who were affected by this were Prince William and Kate Middleton. At first, the pair extended their titles from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Cornwall. Then, they gained another

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Wales! It was their first outing following the death of Queen Elizabeth, and the end of the royal mourning period.

Samir Hussein/Getty Images In the days since Queen Elizabeth II passed on September 8, the world has been abuzz about the modern monarchy, now led by King Charles III. One of his most headline-making decisions thus far? To officially bestow the titles of Prince and—all the more meaningful—Princess of Wales upon his son Prince William and his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton. (Reminder, Kate is the first to hold the title since Princess Diana passed away in 1997. To the royal world, this is huge.)

Here’s all the royal news you need to know for the week of September 29, 2022. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) The royal family shared a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on social media and announced that the official mourning period has come to an end.After the announcement, Prince William and Kate Middleton changed their photo on Instagram. While their page featured the royal family crest during the mourning period, it’s now been reverted back to a

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were demoted on the royal website following King Charles' ascension.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were demoted on the royal website following King Charles' ascension. Read about it here.