The Royal Welcome: A Moment of Elegance and Symbolism

On July 8, 2025, the Princess of Wales, Catherine, stepped into the spotlight at RAF Northolt in West London, exuding grace and poise as she and Prince William welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, to the United Kingdom. The occasion marked the start of a significant state visit, a diplomatic affair steeped in tradition and soft power. Yet, beyond the ceremonial pomp and the warm exchanges, it was Kate’s choice of jewelry that captured the world’s attention—a breathtaking four-strand pearl choker from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, a piece of incalculable value and profound royal significance.

This wasn’t just any necklace. The choker, with its lustrous pearls and distinctive diamond clasp, is a storied heirloom, gifted to Queen Elizabeth by the Japanese government in the 1970s to commemorate her first state visit to Japan. Designed by the prestigious court jeweler Garrard, it became one of the Queen’s cherished pieces, often worn during significant moments of her reign. Its reappearance on Kate during this high-profile event was no mere fashion choice—it was a deliberate nod to royal legacy, a bridge between past and present, and, perhaps, a subtle statement in the ongoing narrative of royal dynamics.

A Jewel of Envy: Meghan’s Unfulfilled Desire

Whispers of intrigue surround this iconic necklace, as it is said to have been an object of desire for Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Sources close to the royal family suggest that Meghan, during her time as a working royal, had expressed admiration for the piece, captivated by its elegance and historical weight. Yet, despite her status as a senior royal, the necklace remained out of her reach, reserved for those in the direct line of succession or deemed appropriate by the Queen herself. The choker’s appearance on Kate during the French state visit has reignited speculation about the complex relationships within the royal family, with some interpreting it as a poignant reminder of Meghan’s departure from royal duties and her unfulfilled aspirations within the House of Windsor.

The necklace’s value transcends monetary measures. While its pearls and diamonds are of the finest quality, its true worth lies in its provenance—a tangible link to Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch who wore it with pride during moments of diplomatic triumph. For Kate to don it now, as the Princess of Wales and future queen consort, is to carry forward the Queen’s legacy, embodying continuity and duty. For Meghan, who has since carved out a new life in California, the necklace represents a chapter closed, a symbol of what might have been.

The Necklace’s Storied Past

The four-strand pearl choker has a rich history that adds to its mystique. Crafted from cultured pearls presented to Queen Elizabeth during her 1975 visit to Japan, the necklace was a diplomatic gift, symbolizing the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and Japan. The Queen, known for her love of pearls, commissioned Garrard to transform the pearls into a choker, complete with a curved diamond clasp that became its signature feature. She wore it on numerous occasions, including a 1983 tour of Bangladesh, where its understated elegance complemented her regal presence.

The necklace also holds a connection to another royal icon: Princess Diana. In 1982, during a state visit from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Diana borrowed the choker from the Queen, pairing it with her signature style to dazzling effect. The image of Diana, radiant in the pearls, cemented the necklace’s status as a piece of royal legend. Years later, Kate would follow in her mother-in-law’s footsteps, wearing the choker to significant events, including Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021 and the Commonwealth Day service in 2025. Each appearance has underscored Kate’s role as a custodian of royal tradition, carefully balancing homage with her own modern sensibility.

Kate’s Diplomatic Triumph

The French state visit was a masterclass in sartorial diplomacy, and Kate’s choice of accessories played a starring role. Alongside the pearl choker, she wore a pair of Bahrain pearl drop earrings, another gift to Queen Elizabeth from the Hakim of Bahrain, and a Christian Dior jacket from the 2024 collection—a nod to French cultural heritage. The ensemble, completed with a Jess Collett hat and Princess Diana’s Collingwood pearl earrings, was a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary elegance, signaling respect for the visiting nation while honoring the British monarchy’s past.

Kate’s appearance was particularly poignant given her recent health challenges. Having returned to public duties following her cancer remission, she radiated strength and composure, her every gesture reinforcing her commitment to her role. The state visit, which included a carriage procession to Windsor Castle and a glamorous state banquet, provided a stage for Kate to showcase her growing influence as a global ambassador for the monarchy. The pearl choker, with its deep ties to Queen Elizabeth, served as a reminder of the enduring power of royal symbolism in diplomacy.

The Meghan Factor: A Tale of Two Paths

The narrative surrounding the pearl choker inevitably draws comparisons between Kate and Meghan, two women whose journeys within the royal family have diverged dramatically. While Kate has embraced her role as a future queen, Meghan’s decision to step back from royal life in 2020 marked a turning point. During her time as a working royal, Meghan was gifted jewelry by Queen Elizabeth, including a pair of pearl and diamond earrings for her first solo engagement with the Queen in 2018. However, the four-strand choker remained a privilege reserved for others, a fact that reportedly stung given Meghan’s appreciation for the Queen’s collection.

The dynamics between Kate and Meghan have long been a subject of public fascination. Tensions, reportedly exacerbated by disagreements over protocol and personal interactions, were noted by Queen Elizabeth herself before Meghan and Harry’s wedding in 2018. The pearl choker, as a symbol of royal favor, may have become a focal point in this complex web of relationships. For some, Kate’s decision to wear it during the French state visit is seen as a quiet assertion of her position, a visual declaration of her place within the monarchy’s hierarchy.

Yet, it’s worth considering Meghan’s perspective. Since leaving the royal family, she has built a new identity as a philanthropist, producer, and advocate, free from the constraints of royal protocol. The necklace, while beautiful, may no longer hold the same allure for her. Her focus has shifted to projects like her Netflix series and charitable initiatives, suggesting that her ambitions lie beyond the trappings of royal jewelry. Still, the public’s fascination with the choker—and what it represents—underscores the enduring drama of the royal narrative.

The Power of Pearls

Pearls have long held a special place in royal tradition, particularly for the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II was rarely seen without her signature three-strand pearl necklace, a gift from her father, King George VI. Pearls, symbolizing purity, wisdom, and mourning, have been a staple at royal funerals and significant occasions. Kate’s choice to wear the four-strand choker aligns with this tradition, evoking memories of the Queen’s steadfast presence and reinforcing the monarchy’s continuity.

The choker’s appearance also speaks to the broader role of jewelry in royal life. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, royal jewels are tools of diplomacy, storytelling, and legacy. Each piece carries a history, a memory, or a message, carefully chosen to resonate with the occasion. For Kate, the choker was not just an accessory but a mantle, a way to honor the Queen while navigating the delicate balance of tradition and modernity.

A Global Stage, A Timeless Legacy

The French state visit was more than a diplomatic formality; it was a celebration of the enduring alliance between the United Kingdom and France. The presence of King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales underscored the monarchy’s role in fostering international goodwill. Kate’s poised demeanor and thoughtful sartorial choices amplified this message, with the pearl choker serving as a focal point of her ensemble.

As the visit unfolded, from the royal salute at Windsor to the state banquet, the necklace remained a topic of conversation. Its historical significance, combined with the intrigue surrounding Meghan’s alleged desire for it, ensured that it dominated headlines and social media. For royal watchers, it was a reminder of the monarchy’s ability to captivate, blending tradition with just enough drama to keep the world watching.

Conclusion: A Jewel Beyond Price

The four-strand pearl choker is more than a piece of jewelry—it is a symbol of legacy, duty, and the intricate dynamics of the royal family. For Kate, it is a privilege and a responsibility, a way to honor Queen Elizabeth while carving out her own place in history. For Meghan, it represents a path not taken, a reminder of her brief but impactful time within the monarchy. And for the public, it is a source of fascination, a glittering thread in the ever-unfolding tapestry of royal life.

As Kate stood alongside Prince William, greeting the French president under the watchful eyes of the world, the pearl choker gleamed with quiet power. Its value, as you rightly noted, cannot be measured in numbers. It is a treasure of history, sentiment, and symbolism, a jewel that tells a story of queens, princesses, and the enduring allure of the British monarchy.