Kate Middleton stepped out for a solemn solo appearance today (April 25) at the annual Anzac Day commemorations. The Princess of Wales attended and took part in the memorial service on behalf of King Charles III. She laid a wreath at the Cenotaph and joined the congregation at the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. Having attended twice before, this was Kate’s first time going alone.

The royal stuck to her usual classic style, wearing an all-navy outfit. Kate wore a custom navy coat by Givenchy, designed by Sarah Burton, with strong shoulders, white arrow-like lapels, and a fitted waist. A commemorative poppy was pinned to her chest. She also debuted a new hat—a bespoke teardrop-shaped design by Jane Taylor London, with a large bow at the back. On her feet, she wore matching dark blue Gianvito Rossi pointed pumps and carried a DeMellier Nano Montreal bag. (The princess is a big fan of this London bag brand’s structured styles.)

It was her choice of jewelry that stood out today. Her G. Collins & Sons tanzanite pendant necklace is believed to have been a gift from her husband, Prince William. She first wore it back in March 2015 at a National Service of Commemoration marking 13 years of military operations in Afghanistan. The necklace features a pear-shaped tanzanite stone, surrounded by diamonds, set in platinum. Over the years, she has worn the necklace and matching earrings on several occasions, including when she met then-President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during their 2016 UK visit.

This time, though, Catherine paired the necklace with Saudi Sapphire drop earrings that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. The diamond drop earrings feature two large, bright sapphire stones. They are believed to have been a wedding gift for the then-Princess of Wales. Diana wore them on the cover of British Vogue in 1994 for her 33rd birthday. She also wore them on a tour in Melbourne, when she famously danced with John Travolta at a White House gala dinner in November 1985, and at the 1995 Council of Fashion Designer Awards and the 1996 Met Gala.

These precious and sentimental earrings are often taken from Kate Middleton’s jewelry collection—she has worn them twice for the Trooping the Colour parade.

“The service commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who have lost their lives in conflict and recognizes all those who have served,” read a message shared by the official royal family Instagram. “From Gallipoli to the present day. Honoring all Australians and New Zealanders who have given so much in service on ANZAC Day. Lest we forget.” Not far away, Princess Anne also took part in the day’s royal duties, leading commemorations at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner.

Jewelry and fashion with deep meaning remain a signature of Catherine’s style. Earlier this week, when honoring the late Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 100th birthday, Kate wore a three-strand pearl necklace that once belonged to her royal grandmother-in-law.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Kate Middletons rare jewelry at the Anzac Day events written in a natural tone with clear answers

BeginnerLevel Questions

1 What was so special about the jewelry Kate wore to the Anzac Day service
The jewelry was special because it was rare sentimental and often linked to the Royal Familys history She wore a pair of pearl earrings and a brooch that once belonged to the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II

2 Why did Kate attend the Anzac Day events alone
Prince William was away on official royal duties so Kate represented the family solo Its common for senior royals to split up for multiple events

3 What is Anzac Day and why was Kate there
Anzac Day is a major national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand honoring military personnel Kate attended as a senior royal to show respect and represent the British monarchy

4 Did Kate wear a tiara to the Anzac Day service
No Tiaras are reserved for very formal evening events like state banquets For a daytime memorial service she wore elegant understated jewelry like pearl earrings and a brooch

5 What type of jewelry did she wear
She wore a pair of pearl and diamond earrings and a silver brooch shaped like a leaf or fern

AdvancedLevel Questions

6 Which specific rare jewelry pieces did Kate wear and what is their history
She wore the Queen Elizabeth IIs Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings and the New Zealand Silver Fern Brooch Both are rarely seen in public

7 Why are the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings considered rare
The earrings feature pearls from the Persian Gulf which are now extremely rare due to overharvesting and changing environmental conditions The Queen only wore them a handful of times making them a very special loan to Kate

8 What is the significance of the New Zealand Fern Brooch
The silver fern is