Seated beside President Donald Trump at the glittering state banquet yesterday evening, Princess Kate made a poignant tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II through her choice of jewels. Kate, 43, selected the Diamond Orbital Pendant Earrings, a spectacular heirloom closely associated with the late monarch.

The earrings feature concentric clusters of round-cut diamonds set in platinum and are celebrated for their dramatic design. Each pendant centres on a brilliant stone encircled by smaller diamonds, producing a dazzling play of light with every movement.

Their craftsmanship reflects the mid-20th-century tradition of statement royal jewels, created to marry grandeur with versatility for state occasions.

Jewellery experts estimate the earrings to be worth several hundred thousand pounds, with their value rooted as much in their provenance as in their carat weight.

Zack Stone from Steven Stone said: "The Princess of Wales dazzled in a breathtaking pair of earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. Each piece features brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a floral and orbital motif, with a larger central stone anchoring the base of each pendant - a design that evokes both eternal elegance and the enduring legacy of the monarchy."

Before adding: "The floral pattern symbolises grace and renewal, while the orbit-like arrangement suggests unity, continuity, and the far-reaching influence of the crown. Perfectly suited for grand state occasions, lavish banquets, and ceremonial events, these earrings allow Kate to pair them effortlessly with tiaras and other treasured heirlooms.

The expert continued, "A true emblem of regal sophistication, this glittering pair are likely to be worth an astonishing £100,000."

Yet their true worth lies in their sentiment. By choosing them for one of the year’s most high-profile diplomatic events, Kate ensured Queen Elizabeth’s presence was keenly felt - a gesture that spoke to continuity and legacy.

Queen Elizabeth II hosted Donald Trump at a Buckingham Palace state banquet in 2019, marking a key moment of his first state visit to the U.K.

Kate’s decision to wear the pendant earrings during the state banquet was a subtle but powerful way of honouring the late Queen’s memory.

It also underscored her growing role as custodian of the royal jewel collection, and her love for the Lovers Knot Tiara that she has worn on repeate since 2015.

Like Elizabeth, and women who came before her, she recognises the ability of jewellery to convey tradition and authority, while also carrying deeply personal meaning.

The Princess of Wales completed her look in a custom couture gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley, joining other senior royals alongside the King and the Trumps.

The gown was layered beneath a full-length Chantilly lace coat, embroidered with hand-stitched roses in gold cording. Intricate French knots and satin-stitched blooms enhanced the texture, echoing the sparkle of her tiara and the brilliance of her jewels.

It was a display of British craftsmanship at its finest, reflecting Kate’s quiet but consistent support for homegrown artistry.