Kate Middleton Stuns on Palace Walk, But I Can't Get Over What She's Wearing (And I Don't Mean That Dress)

History is repeating itself

Author image: Screenshot 2024 03 04 at 4.32.14 PM

By Jael Rucker

Published May 9, 2025

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3:24pm

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One thing about Kate Middleton—she loves her accessories, especially pieces that have a symbolic meaning.

For her appearance at Westminster Abbey for a service celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday afternoon, the royal wore the historic Collingwood pearl drop earrings, a family heirloom that has been worn not just by Queen Elizabeth II, but also by Catherine's late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Diana was seen wearing rocking them on multiple occasions during the course of her lifetime. This includes the legendary 1994 Vanity Fair party at the Serpentine Gallery, where she wore *that* iconic black revenge dress.

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As for the rest of her outfit, Middleton opted for an elegant black-and-white polka dot dress by Alessandra Rich, characterized by its fitted, tailored design. She paired her ensemble with the Nano Montreal bag from Demellier London, and the Celia calfskin pumps from Ralph Lauren, which feature a pointed-toe upper and a 4-inch medium-sized heel.

This is the second time this week Kate has worn an item from Princess Diana’s closet. To kick off the celebrations on Monday, she wore a stunning bracelet Princess Di had designed for her by Nigel Milne in 1988, as part of a collection supporting Birthright, a British charity that aided mothers and babies, and one for which Diana was named patron in 1984.

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She also wore a gold winged Royal Air Force brooch pinned to her lapel, which is believed to be a tribute to her paternal grandfather, Peter Middleton, who served as a fighter pilot during the war, along with a nod to her position as commodore-in-chief of the RAF.

Jael Rucker

Associate Commerce Strategist

Covers all things commerce and entertainment
Has over a decade of editorial experience in both fashion and entertainment, and was previously with ONE37pm before joining the PureWow team in March 2024
Studied journalism and marketing at Columbus State University in Georgia

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