How the Duchess of Cambridge paid homage to Ukraine with her latest jewellery choice
The Duchess of Cambridge is continuing to use her fashion choices to share subtle messages of solidarity with the victims of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, this time with her jewellery choice.
On Monday the duchess joined Prince William, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Queen Elizabeth's cousin Princess Alexandra at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey for the first royal event without the Queen present since she withdrew from the service.
For the occasion, the mother-of-three wore a wool, royal blue coat dress with velvet lapels by Catherine Walker — one of Princess Diana’s go-to brands. Kate, 40, accessorised the elegant ensemble with a coordinating, structured velvet pillbox hat from Lock & Co that featured a subtle bow at the back, and carried a pair of gloves for the service.
The vibrant royal blue shade could be seen as the duchess sharing solidarity with the people of Ukraine, as the colour bears a significant resemblance to that of the country’s flag, but it was Kate’s jewellery that appeared to be the chosen subtle message in support of Ukraine
The royal wore a sapphire and diamond earring and necklace set, to coordinate with her outfit. The pieces were also the same chosen jewels that Kate wore to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelensky, at Buckingham Palace in October 2020.
Read More: 7 times the Royal Family made political statements with their fashion choices
The jewellery set – which features a large sapphire centre stone, surrounded by several small round-cut diamonds – is believed to come from Princess Diana's collection, perfectly matching the late royal's engagement ring that Prince William gave to Kate.
Whilst the royals are traditionally supposed to remain neutral when it comes to political affairs, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a rare statement in response to Russian troops entering Ukraine at the end of February.
“In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future,” the tweet read. “Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future 🇺🇦 W & C.”
Read More: Duchess of Cambridge stands in solidarity with Ukraine in blue cashmere jumper
The duchess subtly showed her sartorial support for the Eastern European country when the couple visited the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Holland Park last week wearing a blue Alexander McQueen jumper, and a pin badge bearing the Ukrainian flag.
Watch: Royals attend Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey without the Queen
