Why Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Wore Pearls to Mourn the Queen

The Duchess of Sussex, who was absent from the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, also wore simple pearl and diamond studs that had been given to her by the queen. Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of Princess Margaret and the queen’s niece, wore a demure string of pearls—and the queen consort has been photographed in symbolic pearl jewelry carrying out events in support of her husband, King Charles III, since the death of the queen.

After the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria famously shunned color and wore black for 40 years—she accessorized with either black or colorless jewelry, and especially favored pearls. Pearls came to represent tears in the 19th century, and Queen Victoria wore long strands of them for the rest of her life.

Queen Victoria’s choice has become ingrained as a tradition, with pearls becoming the demure, respectful, historic choice for royals during a period of mourning and at funerals. Diana, Princess of Wales, chose a simple, gracious string of pearls to the funeral of Princess Grace of Monaco in 1982. The late Queen Elizabeth II, the very model of tradition, wore pearls to the funerals of Diana, Princess Margaret, and King George VI—and now, when it matters most, her example is being followed by those who knew her best. What better pearl of wisdom?