ROYAL JEWELRY

Kate Middleton's lapis lazuli Wimbledon earrings have a hidden meaning that royal fans are loving

The Princess did not wear the traditional green and purple bow brooch typically seen during her Wimbledon appearance

UPDATED JULY 2, 2026 1:07 PM EDTJUL 2, 2026, 1:07 PM EDT

The Princess of Wales proved once again that royal style doesn't have to come with a royal price tag. During her surprise appearance at Wimbledon on July 2, Kate Middleton delighted tennis fans while showcasing one of the most accessible pieces in her jewelry collection.

The earrings behind Kate Middleton's Wimbledon look:

Kate wore the "Stella" earrings by British independent label Carousel Jewels, crafted from sterling silver with a 22-karat gold vermeil finish and featuring moonstone and lapis lazuli gemstones.

Kate Middleton's elegant Wimbledon ensemble showcased her signature high-low approach to royal fashion.

The Princess paired the earrings with Gabriela Hearst's sapphire-blue linen "Stephanie" suit, a white ribbed H&M top, chocolate brown Ralph Lauren pumps and coordinating Ralph Lauren sunglasses, blending luxury fashion with accessible wardrobe staples.

The earrings aren't new to Kate's collection. Royal fashion watchers first spotted them during the Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle in 2023, making their Wimbledon return more than three years later an unexpected favorite among royal style enthusiasts.

The symbolic meaning behind the gemstones:

The choice of gemstones appears especially fitting for the Princess of Wales.

The Princess of Wales completed her Wimbledon look with symbolic lapis lazuli and moonstone earrings.

According to jewelry experts, lapis lazuli has long been associated with royalty, wisdom, honor and truth. The deep blue stone also perfectly complements Kate's well-known preference for sapphire tones, including her iconic sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.

The moonstone positioned above the lapis is traditionally linked to intuition, emotional balance, femininity and motherhood, creating symbolism that many royal observers believe reflects Kate's dual role as both a future queen and a devoted mother.

The future queen's lapis lazuli earrings quickly became the standout accessory of her Wimbledon appearance.

Carousel Jewels also emphasizes ethical sourcing and handcrafted production, with each pair made from recycled sterling silver and responsibly sourced gemstones.

Kate's signature high-low fashion formula:

One reason Kate's style continues to resonate is her ability to effortlessly mix designer labels with affordable fashion.

For Wimbledon, she combined an investment Gabriela Hearst suit with a simple H&M top and relatively accessible statement earrings, reinforcing her long-standing approach that elegant daytime dressing doesn't always require expensive fine jewelry.

Kate Middleton greeted tennis fans during a surprise appearance at Wimbledon 2026 in a chic sapphire-blue suit.

Unsurprisingly, the earrings quickly attracted renewed attention from shoppers hoping to recreate the Princess's look following her appearance.

One important accessory was missing:

While Kate's earrings became the talking point of the day, many royal fashion followers also noticed what she wasn't wearing.

Kate Middleton's surprise Wimbledon appearance also sparked conversation for the accessory she chose to leave behind: her customary patron brooch.

The Princess did not wear the traditional green and purple bow brooch typically seen during her Wimbledon appearances in her role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, making this year's look a subtle departure from recent tournament traditions.