The Princess of Wales was spotted wearing the late Queen’s pearl necklace (Image: Getty) The Princess of Wales paid a deeply poignant tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II today, choosing one of Her Majesty’s most recognisable jewels for the funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral.

Kate, 43, stepped out alongside her husband Prince Wiliam, in a fitted black coatdress with a veiled pillbox hat, her look anchored by the four-strand pearl choker with a diamond clasp – a piece that once belonged to the late Queen.

The necklace, a gift to Elizabeth II from the Japanese government in the 1970s, has become one of the most sentimental heirlooms in the royal jewellery vault. Not only was it worn by the Queen on countless occasions, it was also famously loaned to Diana, the former Princess of Wales, cementing its place in royal fashion history By selecting the choker for such a historic service, Kate balanced solemnity with symbolism.

The Prince and Princess of Wales joined the King at Westminster Cathedral for the requiem mass of the Duchess of Kent (Image: Getty) Pearls are traditionally associated with mourning dress, yet the choice of this particular piece also spoke to her role as custodian of the late Queen’s legacy.