It may not be a tiara-worthy occasion, but Garter Day—which takes place annually at Windsor Castle and is more formally known as the Order of the Garter service—is still a major event for the royals, which means sparkly jewelry is required. Still, we weren’t expecting all the Windsor women (Queen Camilla, Kate Middleton, Duchess Sophie, even Princess Anne) to mirror each other with a simple and consistent aesthetic: Pearls.
Kate, Anne, Sophie & the Queen All Wore *This* Jewelry Trend for Garter Day
Here’s what’s behind their matching looks


In the case of Queen Camilla, she replicated the earrings she wore on Saturday for Trooping the Colour—a pair of pearl and diamond clip-ons that are thought to be one of her favorites, according to the Court Jeweller. (She also wore a four-strand pearl choker necklace, also seen at Trooping and another one of her beloved go-tos.)

Then, there was Kate Middleton, who unexpectedly—and happily—appeared by Prince William’s side after taking last year off to prioritize her health. William took part in the processional today, while Kate met him at St. George’s Chapel in a copycat look, not from Trooping the Colour, but rather the 80th anniversary celebrations of VE Day, which took place in May. The Princess of Wales once again re-wore her white Self-Portrait dress along with a couple of costume jewelry pieces that are vintage (pearl earrings, but also her five-strand pearl necklace) from London-based designer, Susan Caplan.

Next, there was Duchess Sophie, who was a vision in ballet pink. Once again, there was a pearl combo—her earrings, which also feature diamonds, but also her necklace (a pearl drop pendant).
Finally, Princess Anne. The sister of the king, she is known for her commitment to royal business as usual—not to mention her work ethic. (Hardest working royal is often the phrase most assigned to Anne.) Even she donned an understated set of pearl and diamond earrings, rounding out the royal theme.

So, what gives? Why the royal alignment—or is it simply a case of pearls being so classic and timeless that everyone reaches for them for a formal occasion such as this? In the case of Camilla and Anne, they’ve worn their pearl and diamond selections to Garter Day before. (Just peep these pics from 2022.) But pearls are also steeped in royal tradition. Queen Elizabeth II famously loved them and made a three-strand pearl necklace part of her signature royal “uniform”—so rarely was she seen without them. Per the Gem Society, pearls are also long associated with good fortune and wisdom, a natural connection to the proceedings of today.
Or maybe everyone just texted each other to coordinate. Either way, the royal jewelry trend was clear.