Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Duchess Kate has been wearing this gorgeous accessory ever since she first starting dating Prince William

We can't blame her, it's a classic

kate middleton pearls
Fiona Ward
Acting Fashion and Beauty Editor
Share this:

The Duchess of Cambridge is certainly loyal to her favourite classic styles, and there's one accessory that she's been wearing ever since she first started dating Prince William back in the early noughties. Kate is known to love pearl earrings and is often seen in them for formal events, but actually, they were her go-to choice even in her early twenties. Pictures from 2006 - the year that she first began stepping out publicly with her future husband - show that the luxurious earrings have always been her favourites. 

kate pearls 2006

Kate has been rocking pearls since '06!

One snap from December 2006 sees Kate attending the Sovereign's Parade at The Royal Military Academy to watch William graduate as an army officer at Sandhurst - looking already regal in a smart red coat and black hat - and, of course, some pretty pearl studs. At the time, many compared the look to one of Princess Diana's iconic Christmas Day looks. 

MORE: See the royals before their very regal transformation

Earlier that year, while watching her then-boyfriend competing in the Chakravarty Cup charity polo match at Ham Polo Club, she also wore a delicate pair of drop earrings with her summery polka-dot dress (a print she still loves now, might we add). 

kate annoushka

Wearing her Annoushka drop earrings

Of course, over the years she has grown her collection considerably - from Diana's iconic Collingwood earrings, often worn at banquets, to a diamond-encrusted pair she regularly borrows from the Queen, which were made from a gift of large pearls that the ruler of Bahrain gave to Her Majesty as a wedding present in 1947. Kate's favourites, however, are thought to be a more modern pair made by designer Annoushka - which sell for £1,220 online. 

MORE: The photos that show Kate Middleton has the best relationship with her royal in-laws

The Duchess isn't the only royal to love pearls, of course - they're a go-to classic for the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and many more. The Duchess of Sussex, who generally chose more minimal, modern pieces before joining the family, has also adopted the style - a pair of delicate diamond and pearl studs, sweetly gifted to her by the Queen, appear to be her own favourites. 

More Royal Style

See more