Kate Middleton’s Lovely Necklace Celebrates a Special Moment
Kate Middleton welcomed England’s women’s rugby team to Windsor Castle on Thursday, showcasing her penchant for meaningful jewelry. The Princess of Wales complemented her appearance with vintage pearl cluster earrings and a gold necklace featuring a garnet stone. This gem, known as her birthstone, symbolizes inner strength and healing—an apt reflection of her experiences over the past few years. Middleton turned 44 on January 9.
The Princess of Wales opted for a delicate garnet necklace for the Windsor Castle engagement
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The garnet necklace appears to have been a fixture in Middleton’s collection since June 2022, when she wore it during a video for the Platinum Jubilee while baking with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Birthstones hold a significant place in Kate’s jewelry choices. Known for her thoughtful selection, she has worn garnets on multiple occasions, including during a romantic trip to Pontypridd with Prince William in February 2025. Notably, before their engagement, William gifted Kate a promise ring adorned with garnets and pearls, blending their birthstones.
The Princess of Wales’ choice of necklace was a nod to her birthstone, garnets
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During this recent engagement, Middleton paired the garnet piece with a striking red Alexander McQueen suit, which echoed both the hue of her birthstone and the moniker of the English team, the Red Roses.
This powerful ensemble has been a staple for Middleton, who wore the suit during significant events, including a concert celebrating King Charles III’s coronation and an occasion promoting her “Shaping Us” early childhood campaign in 2023. She also donned the outfit when greeting the Red Roses following their victory over Canada at Twickenham in September 2025.
Thursday’s gathering was a festive occasion, with players and staff touring the royal residence before engaging in a personal audience with the Princess. Middleton shared lighthearted moments with the team, interacting with the trophy and receiving a signed England rugby jersey.
The Princess of Wales looked elegant in the red ensemble as she welcomed players to the royal residence
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Following this visit, a royal expert indicated that the Princess of Wales is likely to maintain a measured approach to her public duties as she gradually resumes her royal engagements after cancer treatment.
Royal expert Robert Jobson noted in Hello! that “last year was survival then recovery mode, picking her moments and pacing herself.” He anticipates that while her schedule will fill up, she will remain selective about her commitments moving forward. “She won’t go back to the old pace; she’s learnt that lesson. It will be meaningful, with gaps in between for her family,” he asserted.
Middleton’s engagements will reflect causes she holds dear. The first of the year was a visit to Charing Cross Hospital, where she and Prince William expressed gratitude to NHS staff for their efforts during the challenging winter months. During that appearance, she wore a sharp burgundy suit, marking an evolution in her wardrobe as she engaged with hospital staff over tea and shared her own experiences related to her cancer journey.
Catherine wore her garnet birthstone for the engagement, donning a necklace thought to have been first seen during a home baking video in 2022
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During her visit, one volunteer shared the challenges faced by chemotherapy patients and their families at the hospital, noting they often spend hours receiving treatment. In response, Kate, who announced her cancer remission a year ago, offered a heartfelt acknowledgment: “I know.”
On this occasion, however, the Princess of Wales highlighted women’s sports, doing so with elegance and grace.
