10 times the royals made us emotional with their sweet sentimental jewellery

There's no denying that members of the royal family have the most incredible jewellery collections, from sparkly tiaras to statement earrings. While the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen often wear subtle tributes to the countries they visit during royal tours, we also love it when they finish off their outfits with accessories that have a special hidden meaning. From personalised bracelets to engraved necklaces, we've scoured the royal archives to find the sweetest sentimental items in the royal ladies' jewellery boxes. No, you're tearing up... 

Countess of Wessex 

Sophie keeps her loved ones close to her heart, literally! In January, she accessorised her classic black outfit with a delicate gold necklace featuring the three initials of her family members - an 'E' for her husband Prince Edward, an 'L' for her daughter Lady Louise Windsor and a 'J' for her son, James, Viscount Severn. The 55-year-old has actually worn the necklace before, but it also featured a shell charm which she has since removed. 

The Queen

It comes as no surprise that the Queen's engagement ring holds a special place in her heart. The three-carat solitaire diamond is flanked on each side by four smaller diamonds, and it was made using jewels from a diamond and aquamarine tiara that belonged to Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg. She has worn the special piece of jewellery every day for over 70 years.

Duchess of Sussex

The mother-of-one loves to add a personal touch to her outfit. While Prince Harry and Meghan may have been briefly separated to attend different royal engagements in Canada and England, the Duchess ensured he remained at the forefront of her mind with her gold necklace. Embossed with the word 'Virgo', which is Harry's star sign, the jewellery paid tribute to her husband's birthday on 15 September.

Duchess of York

While many brides and grooms opt for personalised rings, Sarah Ferguson ensured Princess Eugenie knew how much she was loved during her wedding day to Jack Brooksbank back in 2018. Alongside her striking emerald green Emma Louise Design ensemble, she accessorised with a gold cuff which spelt out 'Eugenie' and 'Beatrice' in diamonds.

Duchess of Sussex

For a visit to the National Theatre gallery in March 2020, Meghan donned a gorgeous gold pendant by Sophie Lis. The designer took to Instagram to explain the meaning behind the design, which featured a diamond plus sign and a ruby minus sign. She said: "Honored to see the stunning Duchess of Sussex wearing our Love Pendant. 'Every day I love you more, more than yesterday less than tomorrow.'"

Duchess of Cambridge

Kate's gorgeous sapphire and diamond engagement ring has become one of the most popular ring designs since Prince William proposed in 2010. However, it is particularly sentimental to the couple, as it once belonged to William's late mother Princess Diana.

Princess Diana

How adorable was Princess Diana's pendant necklace? After the birth of their first son, Prince Charles gifted Diana a sweet gold medallion engraved with 'William'. Diana wore it to the polo in 1983.

Princess Beatrice

Back in 2018, Princess Beatrice accessorised her floral gown with a rose gold friendship bracelet by Monica Vinader. The £175 accessory not only marked the tenth anniversary of the brand, but 50% of profits from the sale of it went to Women for Women International - a charity which supports women survivors of war to rebuild their lives. How thoughtful!

Duchess of Cambridge

In a sweet nod to her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, Kate sported a beautiful gold disc necklace featuring their initials. The personalised Gold Midnight Moon design - which was also engraved with three small stars - was from British brand Daniela Draper and retails for £1,070.

Duchess of Sussex

Perhaps a nod to her former career as an actress on Suits, Meghan has often worn several delicate gold bands on her right-hand index finger and thumb. They appear to be very special to her, as she not only wore them during season seven of the show but also during her early public appearances with Prince Harry.