The Princess of Wales marked Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday with a look steeped in royal history at a Buckingham Palace reception on April 21. Princess Kate, 44, wore a bespoke lilac Emilia Wickstead dress paired with two pieces closely associated with the late monarch: a three-strand pearl necklace and Bahrain pearl drop earrings. According to Daily Mail, the appearance was a clear nod to Elizabeth’s fondness for bright color and enduring pearls. Prince William joined her as King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed guests gathered to celebrate the former sovereign’s life and public service.
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Kate Wears Queen Elizabeth’s Bahrain Pearl Earrings
The earrings carried particular significance. The pearls were gifted to Elizabeth by the Hakim of Bahrain for her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip, and they became a regular part of her collection in the early years of her marriage. The late Queen later lent them to Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. In more recent years, Kate has become the royal most often seen wearing them. The necklace also echoed a familiar part of Elizabeth’s daily wardrobe, giving the occasion an added sense of continuity between generations inside the House of Windsor.
King Charles Greets Centenarians at Buckingham Palace
The reception centered on people turning 100 on the same date as the late Queen, alongside charities and organizations linked to her patronages. King Charles personally handed out centenary cards and stopped to speak with guests including Mary Wood from North Somerset. "Is it your birthday today?" said Charles according to Daily Mail. "Oh how wonderful. The same as my Mama. That's marvellous!" The Marble Hall had been dressed like a street party, with bunting overhead, portraits on display, and a birthday atmosphere shaped around remembrance rather than ceremony alone.
Queen Camilla and William Share Light Palace Moments
There were lighter exchanges throughout the gathering. Queen Camilla greeted Mary Wood with a warm compliment, while she and the King later helped Joan Hollingworth cut a cake prepared by palace pastry chefs. Prince William also brought humor to the line of greetings when he joked to Joan, "I can't believe you are 100! Do we need to call security, have you snuck in?" The event drew a broad turnout of working royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, the Gloucesters, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra.
Princess Kate Meets George Cross Hero Tony Gledhill
One of the most personal moments came when Princess Kate met George Cross recipient Tony Gledhill, 88, during the reception. He later spoke about attending after the recent death of his wife, who had urged him to go to the palace gathering. Their exchange stood out in a room filled with birthday wishes, military memories, and tributes to long service. Guests also enjoyed a QEII-inspired daytime cocktail made with Dubonnet, lemon juice, rosemary and tonic, while a Paddington Bear display and Queen Elizabeth II roses added touches tied to the late monarch’s public image.
