royal jewelry

Kate Middleton's most memorable jewelry loans from Queen Elizabeth ahead of Trooping the Colour 2026

From dazzling tiaras to pearl necklaces steeped in royal history

Kate Middleton's most memorable jewelry loans from Queen Elizabeth ahead of Trooping the Colour 2026© Max Mumby/Indigo
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
JUNE 12, 2026 2:35 PM EDT

As royal watchers eagerly await Trooping the Colour 2026, all eyes will once again be on Catherine, Princess of Wales, and the carefully chosen accessories that have become a hallmark of her public appearances. 

Over the years, Kate has worn some of the most historic pieces from the royal collection, many of them entrusted to her by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

From dazzling tiaras to pearl necklaces steeped in royal history, these jewelry loans have helped define Kate's evolution from royal newcomer to future queen. 

Ahead of this year's celebrations, take a look back at some of the most memorable pieces Queen Elizabeth allowed Kate to wear.

Queen Mary Lover's Knot Tiara:

Perhaps no royal jewel is more closely associated with Kate than the Queen Mary Lover's Knot Tiara. 

Queen Elizabeth II inherited the Queen Mary Lover's Knot Tiara in 1953 and wore the historic piece during the early years of her reign.© PA Images
Queen Elizabeth II inherited the Queen Mary Lover's Knot Tiara in 1953 and wore the historic piece during the early years of her reign.

Originally commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913, the striking diamond-and-pearl tiara later became one of Princess Diana's most recognizable pieces before finding a new chapter with Kate. 

Kate Middleton has transformed the Queen Mary Lover's Knot Tiara into one of her signature royal jewels, wearing it at state banquets and diplomatic receptions.© Chris Jackson
Kate Middleton has transformed the Queen Mary Lover's Knot Tiara into one of her signature royal jewels, wearing it at state banquets and diplomatic receptions.

The Princess of Wales has worn it for numerous diplomatic receptions and state banquets, making it one of her signature royal accessories.

The Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings:

Among the most meaningful pieces Kate has borrowed are the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings. 

Created from pearls gifted to Princess Elizabeth for her 1947 wedding, the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings became a favorite during the early years of her reign.© Chris Jackson
Created from pearls gifted to Princess Elizabeth for her 1947 wedding, the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings became a favorite during the early years of her reign.

The earrings were created using pearls gifted to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip as a wedding present in 1947. 

The Princess of Wales has frequently worn the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings for remembrance services and royal commemorations.© Max Mumby/Indigo
The Princess of Wales has frequently worn the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings for remembrance services and royal commemorations.

Kate has worn the elegant heirloom on several significant occasions, including remembrance events and commemorations honoring the late monarch.

The Japanese Pearl Choker:

Originally commissioned by Queen Elizabeth using cultured pearls gifted by the Japanese government, the four-strand Japanese Pearl Choker has become one of Kate's most notable borrowed pieces. 

Queen Elizabeth II debuted the Japanese Pearl Choker in the 1980s after having the necklace created from pearls gifted by the Japanese government.© Anwar Hussein
Queen Elizabeth II debuted the Japanese Pearl Choker in the 1980s after having the necklace created from pearls gifted by the Japanese government.

The Princess of Wales wore the necklace at Prince Philip's funeral in 2021 and again during ceremonies honoring Queen Elizabeth in 2022, cementing its place among her most memorable royal jewelry moments.

Kate Middleton has worn the Japanese Pearl Choker at several poignant royal occasions, including Prince Philip's funeral and Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral.© Max Mumby/Indigo
Kate Middleton has worn the Japanese Pearl Choker at several poignant royal occasions, including Prince Philip's funeral and Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral.

The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace:

Considered one of the most valuable pieces in the royal collection, the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace was gifted to Queen Elizabeth as a wedding present in 1947. 

The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding present in 1947 and remains one of the most valuable jewels in the royal collection.© Print Collector
The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding present in 1947 and remains one of the most valuable jewels in the royal collection.

Kate first wore the spectacular diamond necklace during a portrait gala in 2014, introducing a new generation of royal fans to one of the collection's most famous treasures.

Kate brought renewed attention to the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace when she wore the dazzling diamond piece to a National Portrait Gallery gala in 2014.© Max Mumby/Indigo
Kate brought renewed attention to the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace when she wore the dazzling diamond piece to a National Portrait Gallery gala in 2014.

The Diamond and Pearl Leaf Brooch:

Kate has also been seen wearing the Diamond and Pearl Leaf Brooch, a delicate piece from Queen Elizabeth's collection. 

Queen Elizabeth II was photographed wearing the Diamond and Pearl Leaf Brooch during an official visit to South Korea in 1999.© Fiona Hanson - PA Images
Queen Elizabeth II was photographed wearing the Diamond and Pearl Leaf Brooch during an official visit to South Korea in 1999.

Though less frequently photographed than some of the royal family's larger jewels, the brooch remains an elegant example of the historic pieces the late monarch trusted Kate to wear.

The Princess of Wales has worn the Diamond and Pearl Leaf Brooch on several meaningful occasions, including events honoring the late Queen.© Yui Mok - PA Images
The Princess of Wales has worn the Diamond and Pearl Leaf Brooch on several meaningful occasions, including events honoring the late Queen.


A legacy of royal style:

While Trooping the Colour is often remembered for its military pageantry and balcony appearances, it also serves as a showcase for royal fashion and tradition. 

Whether or not Kate debuts another historic jewel this year, her most memorable jewelry loans from Queen Elizabeth have already secured a special place in modern royal history, connecting the Princess of Wales to generations of women who wore these treasured pieces before her.

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