Royal watchers were expecting a few similarities between the Queen’s funeral and that of her husband, Prince Philip, with the first similarity at the solemn occasion coming from none other than the Princess of Wales.
As Catherine arrived at Westminster Abbey, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a special tribute to the Queen and Philip in the form of a delicate pearl necklace around her neck.
For both funerals she sported a pearl choker that belonged to the late Queen, first gifted to the monarch from Japan in the 1970s.
Her Majesty wore it on several occasions herself as well as loaning it to many royal ladies, including Princess Diana and, in more recent years, Catherine.
The Princess of Wales wore the choked to the Queen and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary in 2017 and again in 2021, as the royal family farewelled Philip at his funeral.
It’s touching then that she chose to don the sentimental pearl piece as she farewells the Queen one last time before the late monarch is buried by Philip’s side.
What’s more, pearls symbolised tears in the Victorian Era and it’s traditional for royal ladies to wear them during periods of mourning.
Catherine arrived alongside her eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as well as Queen Consort Camilla, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Meanwhile husband Prince William was walking behind the Queen’s coffin in a solemn royal procession.
The Queen’s children Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward led the solemn procession, followed by Prince William and his brother Prince Harry, as well as the Queen’s other grandson Peter Phillips.