Catherine, Princess of Wales, barely uttered a word during
the September 14 memorial service at Westminster Hall. But her clothing and
accessories said a lot. These are the messages experts say she was sending.
Kate Middleton has long been known as a fashionista. But sometimes,
her clothes convey more than just a good sense of style. Occasionally,
her sartorial choices contain subliminal messages. There have been multiple instances
in which the Princess of Wales has chosen to communicate something with her clothing,
whether it's a tribute to the country she's visiting or her support for a cause. But
has she been doing something similar as she mourns the death of the Queen?
"That's a very good question."
In March 2022, Kate donned a blue ensemble when she attended the Commonwealth Day Service in
London. Fans assumed this was her way of sending a message of support for Ukraine.
The blue she wore happened to be similar to the shade of blue in the Ukrainian flag,
and she reportedly sported a sapphire and diamond jewelry set from Princess Diana's
collection. She wore these same jewels during Ukrainian president Volodymyr
Zelensky's visit to Buckingham Palace in 2020, The Evening Standard notes.
In May, during her visit to the Royal College of Midwives, and the Royal College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists, the Princess of Wales wore a dress that featured a pineapple pattern. According
to The Mirror, the fruit is considered a symbol of hope for people struggling with infertility.
It's not surprising, then, that she did the same thing at the service honoring
Queen Elizabeth II following the procession of her coffin into Westminster Hall on September
14. While the Princess of Wales followed the royal protocol of wearing an all-black ensemble,
she paired it with a number of accessories. People notes that her drop pearl earrings once
belonged to Princess Diana. She also sported a brooch previously owned by Queen Elizabeth,
which the late monarch wore on a visit to Seoul in 1999.
Other members of the royal family paid tribute to the queen through accessories,
too. At the cathedral service in Edinburgh,
Queen Consort Camilla wore a brooch that Queen Elizabeth gaver her as a gift.
In February, the late monarch announced she supported Camilla Parker Bowles becoming queen
consort when Charles became king. She stated in her Platinum Jubilee message,
"When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King,
I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me;
and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort
as she continues her own loyal service." Meghan Markle sported pearl and diamond
earrings at the Westminster Hall service that were also given to her by the queen.
Kate Middleton's bond with Queen Elizabeth began long before you'd
expect. The Princess of Wales was first introduced to the monarch in 2008,
according to The Telegraph. Since then, Kate has honored Her Majesty on numerous occasions,
both through her subtle clothing choices and through her actions.
The princess accompanied the queen on several outings over the years. Us Weekly recalled a
2012 appearance at the University of St. Andrews during Queen Elizabeth's tour for
her Diamond Jubilee. The Princess of Wales was reportedly also praised by
Her Majesty in 2020 for her steadfast dedication to the royal family and
her consistent presence beside her husband, William, Prince of Wales.
A source revealed to Us Weekly that the queen saw William and Kate as "the future
of the monarchy," and took comfort in knowing that the princess was completely committed to
doing her best by the family and Britain. Kate's poised demeanor since the queen's
death serves as further evidence of the ways in which she honors the queen, even still.