Kate Middleton Wore Something Special To Meet Queen Letizia of Spain

kate middleton necklace — (Image credit: 2017 Max Mumby/Indigo)

The heirloom hasn’t been seen in 30 years

The Duchess of Cambridge attended Queen Letitia of Spain a special banquet in honour of the State visit of the King and Queen of Spain, and chose to wear something with special meaning for the occasion.

To go with her Marchesa gown, Kate borrowed a stunning necklace from the Queen, and what makes it even more special is that it hasn’t been seen in public for 30 years.

The Queen Elizabeth Bandeau Necklace is quite a lavish affair, featuring a diamond flowers and rubies, and finished off with a single suspended diamond.

It was bought by Lady Greville from Boucheron in 1907, who later left it to her friend the Queen Mother when she passed away in 1942.

The Queen Mother then gifted it to Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day. Her majesty had it shortened so it was easier to wear, and wore it to a few royal engagements herself, the last being an opera gala during a state visit to Sweden in 1983.

That means it was last worn 34 years ago, which makes it all the more special.

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.