KATE Middleton paid touching tribute to Princess Diana as she wore the Queen’s pearl choker which was previously lent to her late mother-in-law to Prince Philip’s funeral.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, paired the pearl-and-diamond necklace with her all-black outfit as she arrived at Windsor Castle with her husband Prince William ahead of the ceremony.
Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates
While The Queen often wore the priceless necklace during the 1980s, she leant the choker to Princess Diana for a state banquet in the Netherlands in 1982.
For Prince Philip‘s funeral, Kate paired the family heirloom with a set of matching pearl drop earrings – which belong to The Queen’s collection too.
Finishing off her mourning outfit, the mum-of-three opted for a chic black hat with netted detail round the front.
In accordance with coronavirus guidelines, both the Duke and Duchess wore face masks in the back of the car as they arrived at Windsor Castle.
The Duke of Edinburgh – Britain’s longest-serving consort – is being laid to rest in a scaled-back, Covid-secure ceremony at 3pm honouring his service.
It comes as:
- Harry and William will be reunited before the funeral for the first time in a year
- Meghan Markle is going to watch the service on a live stream from the US
- The funeral will be scaled-back due to Covid but the duke’s personality is peppered throughout
- The full route his coffin will take on his final journey has been revealed
- A ring of steel has been placed around Windsor as cops search drains and comb the river
The proceedings started at 11am today when his coffin was moved from the private chapel to the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle.
Philip’s casket is covered with his personal standard along with his sword, naval cap and a wreath of flowers.
The coffin was moved by the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, where Philip was a colonel for 42 years.
From there, Philip will be placed in the modified military green Land Rover he spent 16 years adapting to take him on his final journey.
In more Royal Family news, The Queen is ‘touched’ by public’s support since Prince Philip’s death as she sends message ahead of funeral.
And pregnant Meghan Markle will make ‘private arrangements’ to mark Duke of Edinburgh’s life after not being able to attend.
Plus Prince Harry and William won’t stand next to each other at Philip’s funeral with Peter Phillips to separate pair.
