Princess Kate made a deeply meaningful jewelry choice as she joined Prince William for a surprise appearance in Liverpool on Thursday.
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Hill Dickinson Stadium, home of Everton Football Club, where they joined leading figures from the world of sport to launch On Your Side: A Suicide Prevention Toolkit for People in Sport in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day.
© Shirlaine ForrestCreated by The Royal Foundation in partnership with the British Standards Institution and Chasing the Stigma, the new resource is designed to help people involved in sport recognize warning signs, begin supportive conversations and connect those struggling with the appropriate help before they reach a crisis point.
For the engagement, Kate wore a striking blue pantsuit by Edeline Lee, which she previously debuted during a visit to Italy. However, it was her delicate star-shaped earrings that carried the most powerful message of the day.
© Shirlaine ForrestThe heartbreaking meaning behind Kate’s earrings:
The Princess of Wales wore her Issy Star earrings, a pair given to her by rugby coach Sarah Renton during a visit to Maidenhead Rugby Club in June 2023.
© Shirlaine ForrestDuring their meeting, Sarah told Kate about the loss of her 17-year-old daughter, Issy Phipps, who died by suicide earlier that year. The earrings were created in Issy’s memory by her cousin, jewelry designer Sophie McGown.
A portion of the proceeds from every pair sold is donated to Brave Mind, a charity that uses rugby clubs and the wider sporting community to support young people’s mental health.
© Shirlaine Forrest“The proceeds from the earrings are going to a charity called Brave Mind, a mental health charity that supports children using the platforms of rugby clubs,” Sarah explained after meeting the royal. She also revealed that Kate had promised to wear the meaningful gift. She added, “The princess said she would wear the earrings. She is very passionate about what she does.”
The princess has since kept that promise, choosing the earrings for several public appearances connected to mental health and youth support. Her decision to wear them in Liverpool offered a subtle tribute to Issy while reinforcing the important message behind William’s latest initiative.
© Shirlaine ForrestKate’s longstanding commitment to mental health:
Kate previously wore the earrings in October 2023 when she and Prince William attended a youth mental health forum at Factory Works in Birmingham. Organized with BBC Radio 1 and The Mix, the event brought young people together for workshops and conversations about emotional wellbeing.
Speaking at the forum, the princess praised the younger generation for helping to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. “Today, more people than ever feel empowered to talk about their mental health. This is a major step forward,” she said at the time.
© Shirlaine Forrest“William and I continue to be inspired to see young people, like you all here today, leading the charge, being particularly brave in having some of those conversations,” Kate continued. “As a generation, you value and talk more about your mental health than any before you, something we truly admire and applaud.”
Another sentimental jewelry choice:
Kate completed her latest look with a chunky gold chain necklace by Laura Lombardi. The modern piece featured interlocking links and an oversized toggle fastening, marking a departure from the finer, more delicate necklaces she traditionally favors.
© Shirlaine ForrestThe necklace also carried a personal connection to an important family moment. Kate had worn the same piece just two days earlier when she and William accompanied their eldest son, Prince George, on his first day at Eton College.
Although understated, Kate’s accessories once again demonstrated how the princess often uses her public wardrobe to quietly acknowledge the people, causes and personal moments closest to her heart.
