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The Princess of Wales, who many still fondly remember as Kate Middleton, has a penchant for wearing jewelry with deep family significance. While she has previously been seen in pieces belonging to the late Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II, her choice of accessories at the 2026 BAFTA Awards carried a different, yet equally meaningful, connection to her husband’s family heritage.
The event on February 22 was a notable occasion for the royal couple, marking their first joint appearance at the BAFTA Awards in three years. They made a stylish entrance, with Prince William looking dapper in a burgundy velvet suit jacket—a color echoed in the belt of Kate’s elegant blush-and-pink Gucci gown.
However, it was the princess’s choice of jewelry that truly caught the eye. She adorned her ensemble with the striking Greville Chandelier earrings and a diamond bar bracelet. These pieces, as it turns out, hold a special familial link, a detail now shared by someone intimately familiar with the royal family’s history.
Who the Greville Chandelier earrings are linked to
Grant Harrold, who served as King Charles’s butler for seven years, has shed light on the origins of these exquisite jewels. In his role, Harrold was responsible for various duties, including caring for Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate during their stays at Highgrove House.
In a conversation with Showbiz Cheat Sheet, facilitated by Slots Temple, Harrold revealed, “It’s interesting that Kate chose to wear these earrings, because they originally belonged to Dame Margaret Greville, a close friend of the Queen Mother. This connection makes them particularly special due to their link to Prince William’s great-grandmother, with whom he shared a close bond.”
The former royal butler continued, “It’s also another example of how jewelry gets passed down through the family. William is able to pass these pieces on to his wife to wear, which is always nice to see. These items are part of the Royal Collection, along with other jewelry and photographs. Members of the family can choose pieces from the collection, and they’re brought out from the vaults when needed.
“Kate first wore the earrings at the wedding of Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa in 2023, and she most recently wore them again at the Royal Variety Performance. Wearing them on more than one occasion suggests they’re clearly a favourite of hers.”
Who the diamond bar bracelet once belonged to
Harrold also commented on the sparkling bracelet Kate wore on her wrist, which previously belonged to Queen Mary.
He said, “She’s also wearing Queen Mary’s diamond bar bracelet — this is interesting because it’s another vintage piece which shows that she clearly enjoys wearing older jewelry, as well as modern designs. Given that Queen Mary died in 1953, it shows how mindful Kate is of the family and the generations that came before her, and I believe that wearing this piece is a nod to late family members.”
Harrold added, “It also shows that pieces of the Royal Collection aren’t just kept away permanently — and they are still worn and seen today, which is exactly what they’re meant for — to be worn and enjoyed by all!”