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A rare outing in rubies for the Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales looks to a memorial during a service on Armistice Day

The Princess of Wales made an unusual jewellery choice and it’s likely that a desire to pay tribute was behind it.

Kate wore ruby and diamond earrings to the Remembrance service at the National Memorial Arboretum on Armistice Day.

For the solemn event, she chose a subtle pair of ruby and diamond earrings, a rare pick for a princess who usually prefers sapphires and pearls.

However, the deep red of the rubies was no doubt the motivating factor, acting as a nod to the colour associated with remembrance.

The Princess also wore them to the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day earlier this year.

Catherine was dress all in black for the service at the National Memorial Arboretum.

She laid a wreath, covered in bright red poppies and bearing the feathers of the Prince of Wales, as she made a poignant tribute during the service.

After placing her wreath carefully on the Armed Forces Memorial, the Princess stepped back and bowed her head for several moments, in quiet contemplation, before returning to her seat.

Kate Middleton, The Princess of Wales, lays a wreath of poppies on Armistice Day
Kensington Palace/ Instagram

Later, the Princess of Wales met veterans as well as members of military families.

The Prince of Wales delivered a special message to school children around the country.

Prince William recorded an address for the annual Royal British Legion Armistice Day assembly in which he said ”when we remember, we connect with service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten. It’s not just about the past—it’s about shaping who we become in the future.

The King and Queen hosted a special reception at Windsor Castle for VJ veterans.

King Charles led the nation on Remembrance Sunday when he laid a wreath at the Cenotaph.

Just hours earlier, he had been joined by Prince George at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. The 12 year old second in line to the throne made his debut at the event which commemorates those who gave their lives in battle.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.