Prince William and Duchess Catherine have arrived for the funeral of royal patriarch, Prince Philip, who died aged 99 on April 9.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, entered St George’s Chapel in Windsor dressed in a traditional and respectable black ensemble, designed by Roland Mouret.
Duchess Catherine added a black hat with a black veil, and paired a beautiful pearl necklace and earrings – both are part of Her Majesty’s collection, with the necklace having once been worn by Princess Diana.
The jewellery, which is believed to be a gift to The Queen from the Japanese government, is a sweet tribute and show of support for the Queen.
In a touching display, the last time the mother-of-three wore the Japanese Pearl choker was during Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary dinner four years ago.
This choice in pearls may have also been a thoughtful nod to The Queen and Prince Philip’s wedding day, as The Queen donned pearls during the ceremony, as well on the day she and Philip announced their engagement.
Kate wore a long black Roland Mouret dress.
(Getty)
She added a beautiful Japanese Pearl choker, which belongs to the Queen.
(Getty)Whilst the couple’s three children Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two, were absent from the event, Duchess Catherine was there to lend her support to husband, Prince William.
Due to COVID restrictions and the Duke of Edinburgh’s personal wishes, the funeral was a small affair, attended by only 30 close relatives and friends.
Prince Philip’s passing came just days before Will and Kate were set to celebrate their milestone 10th wedding anniversary on April 29.
Duchess Catherine’s stunning pearl necklace was from The Queen’s personal collection.
(Images: Getty)
Kate exited the chapel alongside Harry and William.
(ABC)Duchess Catherine’s bond with her late grandfather-in-law goes back years before she and Prince William even met.
Kate achieved a Duke of Edinburgh award years during her school years at Marlborough College, completing her Bronze before getting her Gold Award when she was Sixth Form student in her late teens.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is such a great way for young people to grow in confidence, learn new skills, work as part of a team and have great fun along the way,” she said in a 2016 statement.
“While getting my Gold Award was challenging at times, it is one of my most memorable experiences from growing up, and I could not recommend it more highly.”
Prince William released a poignant statement in the wake of his grandfather’s passing that was accompanied by a previously unseen photo of the Duke of Edinburgh and a young Prince George, taken by the Duchess of Cambridge herself.
“My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family,” Prince William wrote in the statement.
“I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life – both through good times and the hardest days. I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her. I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!
“My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.”
For more on Prince Philip’s passing and his incredible life, read the stories below
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has died aged 99
The Queen pays tribute to her late husband Prince Philip in a striking black outfit at his funeral
Duchess Catherine’s beautiful show of support for the Queen hidden in her all-black outfit
A gun-salute and an online book of condolence: Australia reacts to the death of Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip shared a beautiful love story
The royals gather together for a quiet service in honour of their beloved father and grandfather
The Duke of Hazard! A look back at Prince Philip’s naughtiest gaffes from over the years
