Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by wearing the famous sapphire and diamond drop earrings during the HMS Glasgow naming ceremony in Glasgow on May 22, 2025. The event marked a special moment as the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigate was officially christened.
A Royal Appearance in Scotland
The Princess of Wales appeared in Glasgow alongside Prince William, both holding the Scottish titles Duke and Duchess of Rothesay for the occasion. The couple visited the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, where the new state-of-the-art warship HMS Glasgow was launched.
Kate wore a navy Simple Coat Dress by Suzannah London. Her look was completed with Gianvito Rossi’s suede “Gianvito 105” pumps, and a striking navy and white Saturn Dome hat crafted by renowned milliner Philip Treacy. Yet, it was the earrings that stole the spotlight — a pair deeply connected to the royal family’s history.
These earrings, featuring cabochon sapphires framed by sparkling diamonds, were famously worn by Princess Diana back in the mid-1980s. The sapphires are believed to have come from the strap of Diana’s Saudi sapphire watch, adding a personal touch to this elegant piece. Kate has worn these earrings before, notably at Trooping the Colour in June 2022, paired with the same Philip Treacy hat.
The Significance of HMS Glasgow
The HMS Glasgow is a Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, designed to protect the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. Princess Kate was appointed as the ship’s sponsor in June 2021, a role steeped in tradition and responsibility. Typically, a champagne bottle is broken across the ship’s bow during naming ceremonies, but this time, honoring Scottish heritage, Kate pressed a button to launch a bottle of single malt whisky from the local Clydeside Distillery against the hull.
This gesture was not just ceremonial flair. It symbolized the blend of royal tradition and Scottish culture, a nod to the deep connections between the monarchy and Scotland. After the bottle was launched, the royal couple toured the vessel, meeting shipbuilders, apprentices, and Royal Navy personnel who had worked on the ship.
A Closer Look at the Earrings’ Legacy
The sapphire and diamond drop earrings have a fascinating history. Princess Diana wore them frequently during the 1980s, and the jewels have become iconic symbols of her style and grace. They represent a connection across generations, worn now by Kate to honor Diana’s memory and influence within the royal family.
Wearing these earrings at such an important event sends a subtle but powerful message: Kate is embracing her role within the royal family while paying homage to those who came before her. It’s a blend of respect, remembrance, and continuity.
Fashion and Tradition Intertwined
Kate’s choice of attire for the ceremony reflected both contemporary style and royal tradition. The navy Simple Coat Dress was elegant yet understated, perfectly fitting the formality of the event. Her suede pumps and Philip Treacy hat added a sophisticated touch.
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The “Gianvito 105” pumps are a favorite among royals for their classic look and comfortable heel height, often seen at formal occasions.
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Philip Treacy’s hats are synonymous with British royal fashion, and the Saturn Dome hat’s navy and white design complemented Kate’s dress perfectly.
| Item | Designer | Description | Occasion Worn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Coat Dress | Suzannah London | Navy, elegant, tailored | HMS Glasgow naming ceremony |
| “Gianvito 105” Pumps | Gianvito Rossi | Suede, classic silhouette | Multiple formal royal events |
| Saturn Dome Hat | Philip Treacy | Navy and white, wide brimmed | Trooping the Colour, HMS event |
| Sapphire Earrings | Princess Diana’s | Cabochon sapphires surrounded by diamonds | Mid-1980s, Trooping 2022, HMS |
The Royal Navy ship’s naming ceremony was more than just a formal event. It was a moment that highlighted the enduring links between the monarchy and Scotland, as well as the personal roles that William and Kate play as Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
Kate’s decision to use whisky instead of champagne for the bottle launch spoke volumes about her respect for local traditions. Whisky, a symbol of Scottish heritage, added a warm, personal touch to the ceremony. This wasn’t just a nod to tradition; it was a clear sign of how the royal family embraces regional identity.
Kate Middleton’s appearance, elegant and thoughtful, reflected her growing comfort and confidence within her royal duties. By wearing Princess Diana’s earrings, she connected past and present in a way that resonated deeply with onlookers and royal watchers alike.
The HMS Glasgow, with its cutting-edge design and important role in national defense, now carries a bit of royal history too — marked by the Duchess’s personal tribute and the celebration of Scottish pride.
