The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, proved her unwavering commitment to royal duties and her impeccable sense of style during a whirlwind sporting weekend in London. Attending both the prestigious Wimbledon Championships and the nail-biting Euro 2020 final at Wembley, she captivated audiences with her presence and her thoughtfully chosen ensembles, each adorned with significant and often personally meaningful jewels. This article delves into the Duchess’s elegant fashion choices and the sparkling royal jewels that complemented her looks during these high-profile national events.
A Royal Weekend of Sport and Style: Decoding Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s Jewelry Choices
Wimbledon Day One: Elegance on Centre Court for the Ladies’ Final
On Saturday, July 10, 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a much-anticipated appearance at the legendary All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) for the Ladies’ Singles Final of the Wimbledon Championships. As Patron of the AELTC, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, holds a deeply significant role, embodying the royal family’s long-standing connection to this iconic British tournament. Her presence added an extra layer of prestige to the day, culminating in her presenting prizes to the triumphant women after an exhilarating match.
For this significant occasion, the Duchess of Cambridge chose a stunning green crepe dress by British designer Emilia Wickstead. The vibrant emerald hue of the dress was a subtle nod to the lush green courts of Wimbledon, showcasing her masterful approach to dressing for specific events. Emilia Wickstead is a favorite designer of Catherine’s, known for her sophisticated tailoring and timeless silhouettes, which perfectly align with the Duchess’s refined royal style. The dress, with its elegant cut and luxurious fabric, provided a perfect backdrop for her carefully selected accessories.
Complementing her verdant gown, Kate wore a familiar and cherished pair of Kiki McDonough earrings. These exquisite drop earrings feature dazzling diamonds, delicate tourmalines, and captivating green amethysts, creating a harmonious blend of sparkle and color that perfectly matched her dress. Commissioned specifically for the Duchess following the birth of Princess Charlotte in 2015, these earrings hold a special personal significance. Kate first debuted them during her visit to India in 2016, and they have since become a beloved staple in her extensive jewelry collection, often chosen for engagements where a touch of elegant color is desired.
Naturally, her signature rings were also on display, most notably her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring. This stunning piece, originally belonging to Princess Diana, is not just a symbol of her marriage to Prince William but also a profound link to royal history and a beloved member of the royal family. Its prominent sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, is instantly recognizable globally. Alongside this priceless heirloom, the Duchess sported a elegant gold bangle. Identified by royal fashion observers at What Kate Wore as the Maya Torque Aquamarine and Gold Bangle by Halcyon Days, this piece added a touch of contemporary flair to her classic look. Halcyon Days is a brand known for its exquisite enamelware and fine jewelry, frequently favored by members of the British royal family, further solidifying Catherine’s connection to heritage brands.
Wimbledon Day Two: Father-Daughter Duo and the Men’s Final Spectacle
The Duchess of Cambridge’s busy weekend continued on Sunday, July 11, when she returned to Wimbledon, this time accompanied by her father, Michael Middleton. This delightful father-daughter outing offered a glimpse into her personal life, as they enjoyed the gentlemen’s wheelchair singles final followed by the highly anticipated gentlemen’s singles final matches. Her presence for both finals underscores the importance of the Wimbledon Championships in the royal calendar and her dedicated support as Patron.
For Sunday’s tournament matches, Catherine chose a beautiful pink dress from Beulah London. The soft, elegant pink offered a lovely contrast to Saturday’s green ensemble, demonstrating her versatility in royal fashion. Beulah London is a luxury British fashion brand known for its ethically sourced fabrics and timeless designs, often incorporating feminine details. This choice not only highlighted her personal style but also supported a British brand with strong social initiatives, aligning with her values. She paired the dress with a chic, intricately beaded clutch bag, adding a touch of sophisticated texture to her look.
For her second Wimbledon appearance, the Duchess opted for another beloved pair of earrings: the exquisite Empress Earrings from Mappin & Webb. These stunning pieces are crafted from diamonds set in lustrous white gold, radiating a classic elegance that perfectly complemented her soft pink dress. Mappin & Webb, a renowned British silversmith and jeweler, holds royal warrants and has a rich history of serving the monarchy. The Empress collection, which includes these earrings, also features a matching pendant necklace, often seen on Catherine at other royal engagements. This choice of jewelry reflected a sophisticated blend of heritage and understated glamour, fitting for such a grand sporting event.
Following the thrilling men’s final match, which saw Novak Djokovic clinch another Wimbledon title, Kate participated in the ceremonial trophy presentation. Standing alongside His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, President of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, she played a pivotal role in handing the coveted trophy to the victor. This particular ceremony held added significance as it marked one of the Duke of Kent’s final official duties as President; he announced his decision to step down from his esteemed position after an incredible 52 years of service, having held the presidency since 1969. His decades-long dedication to Wimbledon exemplifies the enduring commitment of the British royal family to national institutions.
During the trophy presentation, with cameras flashing and the world watching, the Duchess’s Mappin & Webb Empress Earrings sparkled beautifully. Their understated elegance was perfectly showcased as she congratulated the champions, adding a subtle touch of royal glamour to the formal proceedings. These diamonds, catching the light, underscored her role as a graceful representative of the monarchy at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
This image provides another excellent opportunity to admire the exquisite craftsmanship of Kate’s Mappin & Webb earrings, shining brightly as she observed the post-match celebrations. Her choice of these timeless diamond pieces perfectly encapsulated the blend of tradition and modernity that defines her royal aesthetic. Each piece of jewelry selected by the Duchess for such public appearances is often imbued with meaning, reflecting either a personal sentiment or a nod to British heritage, making her choices a constant source of fascination for royal enthusiasts and fashion commentators alike.
A Legacy of Royal Patronage at Wimbledon
The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Kent represent just the latest chapter in the long and illustrious history of the British royal family’s deep connection with the Wimbledon Championships. This enduring association highlights the monarchy’s role in supporting national institutions and traditions. The Duke of Kent’s mother, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, herself served as President of the AELTC for a remarkable 26 years, demonstrating a multi-generational commitment to the tournament. Her elegant presence at past events set a precedent for royal involvement, as seen in the archival image below.
Above, Princess Marina is seen presenting the Venus Rosewater Dish to the legendary Billie Jean King after her victory in the ladies’ final in 1967, a moment etched in tennis history. Beyond the presidency, numerous other royals have graced Wimbledon over the decades, both as spectators and presenters. The Duke of Kent’s siblings, Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael of Kent, are also well-known for their passion for tennis, as was the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who frequently attended the championships. Throughout the years, trophies have also been presented at the tournament by Her Majesty The Queen, The Princess Royal, and Princess Margaret, cementing Wimbledon’s status as a premier event on the royal calendar and a cherished tradition for the British monarchy. This deep historical link underscores the significance of Catherine’s role today, as she continues this proud legacy of royal support for British sport.
From Tennis Courts to Football Pitches: Euro 2020 Final at Wembley
Following her demanding schedule at Wimbledon, the Duchess of Cambridge immediately transitioned across London to Wembley Stadium. Her second high-profile sporting engagement of the day was to join Prince William, President of the Football Association, and their eldest son, Prince George, to witness England compete against Italy in the highly anticipated final of the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship. This appearance marked a rare public outing for Prince George at such a major sporting event, adding an extra layer of excitement and public interest. The family’s presence at Wembley highlighted the unifying power of sport and the royal family’s commitment to supporting national teams and events.
For this momentous football match, Catherine made a distinct sartorial statement with her choice of jewelry. She donned a striking pair of red beaded statement earrings, which immediately drew attention and perfectly aligned with the patriotic fervor of the evening. These earrings, bold in color and design, were a clear departure from her more classic Wimbledon selections, demonstrating her ability to adapt her style to suit the atmosphere of each event. Alongside these vibrant earrings, she wore a delicate necklace, adding a touch of subtle sparkle that balanced the bolder statement pieces.
Her overall outfit at Wembley was a clear nod to the national team: a crisp white shirt, a tailored white blazer, and the eye-catching red earrings collectively echoed England’s iconic national colors of red and white. This thoughtful coordination showcased her dedication to supporting the team and uniting with the nation in a moment of collective excitement. The appearance also delighted royal watchers with the charming sight of young Prince George, dressed smartly in his own jacket and tie, visibly enthralled by the match. His presence alongside his parents further highlighted the family’s shared passion for sport and their role in national celebrations.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s choices in jewelry and attire across this intense weekend perfectly demonstrated her versatility and her keen understanding of royal protocol and public engagement. From the classic elegance of her Kiki McDonough and Mappin & Webb pieces at Wimbledon to the patriotic statement earrings at Wembley, each accessory was chosen to enhance her role and connect with the spirit of the occasion. Her ability to seamlessly transition between such diverse and high-profile events, always exuding grace and impeccable style, solidifies her position as a modern royal icon and a significant figure in British public life.