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Kate pays tribute to the late Queen in burgundy ensemble for Qatar state visit

The Princess of Wales incorporated sentimental style choices into her attire.

The Princess of Wales paid tribute to the late queen through family heirlooms
The Princess of Wales ahead of a Ceremonial Welcome for the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher at Horse Guards Parade, London during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar and the first of his three wives. P The Princess of Wales paid tribute to the late queen through family heirlooms (Henry Nicholls/PA)
By Lara Owen, PA

The Princess of Wales paid homage to Queen Elizabeth II whilst sporting the colour of the season at Qatar’s state visit to Buckingham Palace.

The princess wore a monochromatic burgundy ensemble, with a long line coat by British designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (who was also the mind behind her wedding dress) with leather gloves, pointed boots and a Chanel bag.

The Princess of Wales ahead of a Ceremonial Welcome for the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher at Horse Guards Parade, London during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar and the first of his three wives. Picture date: Tuesday December 3, 2024.
The Princess of Wales ahead of a Ceremonial Welcome for the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher at Horse Guards Parade, London during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar and the first of his three wives. Picture date: Tuesday December 3, 2024. (Henry Nicholls/PA)

Kate finished the look with a tribute to the late Queen, by wearing a custom burgundy teardrop beret adorned with a bow by Sahar Millinery. The millinery is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, paying homage to the late Queen’s taste.

Kate’s hat was not the only tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The princess also paid tribute to the late Queen by wearing a pair of her Bahrain pearl drop earrings, which Kate previously wore for the Trooping the Colour parade in celebration of the late Queen’s birthday on June 8th 2019.

The Princess of Wales ahead of a Ceremonial Welcome for the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher at Horse Guards Parade, London during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar and the first of his three wives. Picture date: Tuesday December 3, 2024.
The Princess of Wales ahead of a Ceremonial Welcome for the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher at Horse Guards Parade, London during the state visit to the UK of the Emir of Qatar and the first of his three wives. Picture date: Tuesday December 3, 2024. (Henry Nicholls/PA)

The diamond-encrusted earrings are reportedly crafted from a shell containing seven pearls, which was a wedding gift to Elizabeth II from the ruler of Bahrain in 1947.

Alongside her Bahrain earrings, Kate paired the pearls with another piece passed down by the late Queen: a four-strand pearl choker, which she previously wore to Prince Philip’s funeral in April, 2021.

Kate wore the necklace to Prince Philip’s funeral
Kate wore the necklace to Prince Philip’s funeral

This striking pearl and diamond choker was commissioned to be created using a collection of cultured pearls gifted to the late monarch by the Japanese government. The piece was part of the Elizabeth II’s regular jewellery collection in the Eighties and Nineties, and was also worn by the late Princess Diana.

Princess Diana wore the pearl and diamond choker to a banquet in the Netherlands
Princess Diana wore the pearl and diamond choker to a banquet in the Netherlands (PA/PA)

Kate’s last-minute appearance was down to Queen Camilla’s absence due to lingering effects of a chest infection. The princess joined Prince William to greet the Emir of Qatar and his wife on behalf of the King.

The Prince and Princess of Wales greet the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right) and his wife Sheikha Jawaher (left) in, London, on behalf of the King, before the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade, for their state visit to the UK. Picture date: Tuesday December 3, 2024.
The Prince and Princess of Wales greet the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right) and his wife Sheikha Jawaher (left) in, London, on behalf of the King, before the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade, for their state visit to the UK. Picture date: Tuesday December 3, 2024. (Aaron Chown/PA)

This is the first state visit that Kate has participated in since November 2023, where the princess welcomed the president and first lady of South Korea to Buckingham Palace.

Last year, Kate sported a striking monochromatic festive look in a red cape coat dress by Catherine Walker and a matching hat, Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, and a crimson Miu Miu clutch.

The Princess of Wales wore a a striking monochromatic crimson ensemble
The Princess of Wales wore a a striking monochromatic crimson ensemble (Chris Jackson/PA)

The Princess finished the look with her sapphire and diamond engagement ring and matching earrings.

This is the first of many festive appearances the Princess is making this month. The palace announced via Instagram that Kate will be attending the Together at Christmas Carol Service on Friday 6th December at Westminster Abbey, intended to ‘bring together inspiring people from across the UK’.