25 December 2023 , 23:00
1016
0
The Princess of Wales paid a sweet tribute to the late Princess Diana at the Christmas Day Church service in Sandringham today.
The 41-year-old paired her Alexander McQueen coat and customised Gianvito Rossi ‘Glen 85’ boots with her late mother-in-law's double drop sapphire earrings. The mum of three walked alongside her children - Prince Louis, five, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince George, 10 - while going to the service today, which took place at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Norfolk Estate.
Before her death, Diana wrote a “letter of wishes”, which explained what she would like to happen to her glittering collection in the future. It said: “I would like you to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it. I leave the exact division of the jewellery to your discretion."
Along with a stunning sapphire engagement ring, estimated to be worth around £300,000, William also gave Kate the earrings after he proposed in 2010. The double drop pair was originally given to Princess Diana as a wedding gift as part of a suite of jewels from Crown Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia.
Princess Diana was seen wearing the whole set when she attended a Brisbane state reception in 1983, and two years later wore them again to mark Prince Harry's birth. However, on that occasion she removed the sapphire drops, leaving the studs which were surrounded by ten round diamonds.
Kate Middleton swears by £19.99 rosehip oil that helps 'reduce wrinkles & scars'
Kate has also been known to put her own stylish touch on the earrings and has previously turned them into a single drop set, which is one of her most worn pairs and frequently seen during glittering events. The royal is also known to be a huge fan of Alexander McQueen, and wore the same coat in green during a trip to Boston.
The 41-year-old paired her Alexander McQueen coat and customised Gianvito Rossi ‘Glen 85’ boots with her late mother-in-law's double drop sapphire earrings. (REX/Shutterstock)
Princess Diana was seen wearing the whole set when she attended a Brisbane state reception in 1983 (REX/Shutterstock)The Sun reported that Princess of Wales was spotted greeting people outside the church and being handed a bouquet of colourful flowers, before heading back to Sandringham for a Christmas feast.
As well as that, Prince William also smiled with pride despite Prince Louis appearing to break royal protocol by holding his cousin Mia's hand. Elsewhere, photos showed Prince Andrew hanging awkwardly to one side while the other royals smiled and waved to fans.