How Kate Middleton Subtly Paid Tribute to Princess Diana at Prince Philip’s Funeral
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, joined her husband, Prince William, for the funeral of Prince Philip on Saturday, April 17. William and Kate were two of 30 guests at the service, which was limited due to COVID restrictions.
During the events of the day, cameras captured a tender moment between Kate and her father-in-law, Prince Charles. The images also highlighted Kate’s subtle tribute to Princess Diana.
Kate Middleton shared a kiss on the cheek with Prince Charles
As the royal family exited St. George’s Chapel at Windsor — where Prince Philip’s funeral took place — Kate consoled Prince Charles over the loss of his father.
Photos show the Duchess of Cambridge placing her hand on Charles’ shoulder for comfort. Then, she kissed her father-in-law on the cheek.
Later, Kate walked with William and Prince Harry outside of the chapel. The estranged brothers got the chance to have a brief conversation before William and Kate returned to Kensington Palace.
Was she playing peacekeeper?
When Kate and William exited the chapel, it was the Duchess of Cambridge who was initially chatting with Prince Harry. But as they began walking, Kate appeared to hang back so that the brothers could have a chat without her.
Even though state cars were ready to take them from the chapel to Windsor Castle, many family members opted to walk. This last-minute decision gave photographers the chance to get some images of William and Harry walking together. During the processional, the brothers were separated by their cousin, Princess Anne’s son Peter Philips.
Queen Elizabeth had to keep her distance from the family
According to The Daily Mail, Prince Charles left his usual residence at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire to stay in London to visit his father in the hospital before his passing. He arrived at the funeral separate from his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Queen Elizabeth was also spotted sitting alone in the chapel before leaving in a Bentley to return to Windsor Castle. Due to COVID rules, Her Majesty was not able to mix with her family during the emotional farewell.
Queen Elizabeth met Prince Philip when she was a young girl. They married when she was in her late teens, and their marriage lasted more than 73 years.
Kate Middleton paid a subtle tribute to Princess Diana
According to Elle Magazine, the photos from the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral also revealed that Kate paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, in a very subtle way.
For the service, Kate wore a fitted Roland Mouret black coat dress with a veiled fascinator hat. For an accessory, Kate chose a four-stranded pearl necklace from Queen Elizabeth’s personal collection.
This piece of jewelry – which was a gift from the Japanese government – was a subtle nod to Diana. The Princess of Wales wore the necklace at a state dinner in November 1982.
This isn’t the first time that the Duchess of Cambridge has worn the piece. She wore the choker to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary celebration in 2017.
Kate Middleton’s earrings were a tribute to Prince William’s grandparents
To match the choker, Kate wore dangling pearl earrings as a subtle tribute to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s love story. The earrings were part of a wedding gift to the couple from Hakim of Bahrain back in 1947.
Kate has often worn Diana’s jewelry during public appearances. Or, at least, pieces that the Queen’s collection previously loaned to the People’s Princess. In 2015, the duchess wore the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara for the first time since Diana’s death. The piece was a favorite of the late princess.
