Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales is known for her collection of high-end and heirloom jewels, but on Thursday swapped her typically glittering accessories for a rare high street purchase.
During a solo outing in Leicester this week, Middleton wore a pair of Sézane earrings, which were first seen on the mother-of-three on Christmas Day in 2022 after reportedly being given to her by Prince William that morning. They proved the perfect finishing touch to her otherwise monochrome look, which comprised a custom Chris Kerr coat dress layered over a knit dress by Ralph Lauren, a brand loved by Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. The Princess of Wales is in Leicester to celebrate the culture and heritage of the British Indian community the day after Holi, the Hindu festival of love, colors, and spring.
The Princess of Wales first debuted the earrings on Christmas Day in 2022.
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Sézane is a favorite of the Princess of Wales, who owns at least seven pairs of earrings from the French label, which sit alongside the grandest of state gems in her jewelry box. These include the gold filigree Esme style, which Middleton paired with a scarlet Alexander McQueen dress for the Royal Ascot in 2023, and textile-covered blue Charlie hoops she debuted during her royal tour of the Caribbean in 2022. Indeed, that trip overseas saw the princess pack several more pairs from the brand in her suitcase, such as the turquoise-accented Taylor earrings, and the Celeste mother of pearl pendant drops. Her styles from Sézane are often more statement than the pieces she usually wears, suggesting that Middleton, like the rest of us, clearly enjoys having a little bit of fun with affordable fashion.
On Thursday, the high street jewels proved the perfect finishing touch to an elegant cream ensemble.
Samir Hussein
For her recent outing, Middleton most certainly dressed for the occasion, channeling Spring chic in a custom cream coat by Chris Kerr. Effortlessly adaptable, the piece was previously seen when the Princess of Wales wore it to mark Christmas at Westminster Abbey in 2023. Middleton paired the coat with a cream pleated skirt, which was perfectly complemented by a pearl necklace strung with roses that the Princess of Wales was gifted on her outing.
The Princess first met with the award-winning dancer and choreographer Aakash Odedra. Trained in Indian dance styles Bharatanatyam and Kathak, Odedra founded the Aakash Odedra Company in Leicester in 2011, aiming to make art and culture accessible to all. Middleton viewed a rehearsal of Odedra’s latest work, titled Songs of the Bulbul, which takes inspiration from an ancient Sufi story about a captured songbird that dies of despair.
Kate Middleton looked ready to spring into the new season in the crisp, monochrome look.
Samir Hussein
Up next was a trip to Leicester’s famous Golden Mile, which is home to one of the highest concentrations of Indian jewelry, sari, and fashion boutiques in Britain. The Princess of Wales visited a number of family-run businesses in the area, speaking with locals to understand how they work together to support the community.
Middleton will then visit the Shreeji Dham Haveli temple. Dedicated to the teachings of Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji, the temple serves the local Vaishnav community, offering a space for worship and for community activities, including yoga classes, language lessons, and musical programs. The Princess will discuss Holi celebrations with local residents, learning how they mark the arrival of spring while focusing on spiritual renewal and community connection.
The Princess of Wales will next join Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. The senior royals will turn out in force on Monday to celebrate the 56 nations that make up the Commonwealth.
After a winter dominated by shades of grey and brown for Middleton’s royal wardrobe, this latest engagement is a breath of fresh air and, hopefully, the sign of brighter days to come.
Originally published by Tatler
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