Since becoming a member of the royal family, Catherine, Princess of Wales—often known as Kate Middleton—has frequently worn heirloom jewelry. This includes the Cartier Halo tiara she wore on her wedding day and the four-strand pearl and diamond choker she chose for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. At this week’s Royal Variety Performance in London’s Royal Albert Hall, Kate once again selected meaningful jewelry: a pair of stunning Cartier earrings that had belonged to the late Queen.

These earrings, known as the Greville chandelier earrings, were a wedding gift to the then-Princess Elizabeth from her parents in 1947. The Queen Mother had inherited them from Dame Margaret Helen Greville, who originally commissioned the earrings in 1918. Over the years, the British socialite had the earrings redesigned twice, incorporating various diamond cuts such as half-moon, trapeze, baguette, and emerald.

Queen Elizabeth II was often photographed wearing these chandelier earrings during her reign, including at her first Royal Variety Performance as monarch in 1952—making them a particularly appropriate choice for the Princess of Wales last Wednesday. This wasn’t Kate’s first time wearing them; she had previously chosen them for the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Princess Rajwa Al Saif in 2023, as well as for a Diplomatic Corps reception that same year.

The Cartier earrings weren’t the only royal heirloom Kate wore at the Royal Albert Hall. She also selected the Queen Mary Choker bracelet, which had also been worn by both the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, to complement her green velvet gown.

After missing last year’s ceremony while recovering from chemotherapy, the Princess made her traditional appearance alongside her husband, Prince William, making the evening even more special.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about Kate Middletons chandelier earrings and their royal history

Beginner General Questions

1 What are chandelier earrings
They are a type of dangling earring that is typically large ornate and designed to hang down from the earlobe often resembling the shape of a chandelier

2 Which specific earrings of Kate Middletons are we talking about
This often refers to a pair of diamond and pearl chandelier earrings that were a wedding gift They are particularly famous because they were originally owned by her motherinlaw Princess Diana

3 Why is there so much talk about her earrings
People are fascinated because her jewelry choices are rarely just about fashion they often carry sentimental value honor family members or subtly communicate a message connecting the modern monarchy to its past

4 Where did she get them
The diamond and pearl chandelier earrings were a wedding gift from her husband Prince William He had them specially made for her using diamonds and pearls from his mothers personal collection

Advanced Historical Questions

5 What is the direct historical link to Princess Diana
The earrings incorporate pearls and diamonds from a sevenstrand pearl and diamond choker that belonged to Princess Diana She famously wore that choker as a headband in 1985

6 Has Kate worn other historically significant earrings
Yes frequently She has also worn the Collingwood Pearl Earrings which were another favorite of Princess Dianas and various pieces on loan from Queen Elizabeth IIs collection connecting her to multiple generations of royals

7 What is the significance of her choosing to wear Dianas jewels
Its seen as a touching tribute that honors Dianas memory and legacy It also symbolizes the continuity of the monarchy and helps integrate Dianas sons William and Harry and their families into the royal narrative

8 Do these earrings have any official name or catalog number
While they dont have an official public name they are widely recognized by jewelers and royal watchers as the diamond and pearl chandelier earrings from Dianas collection They are not part of the official Crown Jewels

Practical Stylistic Questions