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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jennifer Newton

Kate Middleton's subtle tribute to Ukraine with Commonwealth Day service outfit

The Duchess of Cambridge looked striking in royal blue as she attended today's Commonwealth Day service with other senior royals.

Kate opted for a stunning coat from Catherine Walker for the event at Westminster Abbey and also wore a beautiful pair of sapphire earrings that once belonged to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana - as well as a sparkling sapphire necklace.

And it appears Kate's outfit choice could have been her way of paying a subtle tribute to Ukraine - amid the Russian invasion of the country.

Of course, blue is one of the colours in the Ukrainian flag, alongside yellow, which is reflected in Kate's outfit and accessories.

Kate Middleton in an all-blue outfit and jewellery at today's Commonwealth Day service (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Meanwhile it appears one of the last times she wore the earrings and necklace set together was when she and husband Prince William welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena to Buckingham Palace in October 2020.

The earrings, which belonged to Diana, were among her favourites and were a wedding gift from Crown Prince Fahd of Saudi Arabia.

She was spotted wearing them many times and they have deep blue sapphires surrounded by glistening diamonds.

Kate wore a matching sapphire earrings and necklace set (PA)

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William is believed to have given the earrings to Kate after he proposed and they've been given a slight tweak and are now a drop design.

Kate first wore them in public in 2019 on a visit to the V&A Museum in Dundee. The necklace is believed to have been made from some other sapphires in Diana's collection.

Kate had previously worn the jewellery set while meeting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, and his wife, Olena at Buckingham Palace in October 2020 (PA)

Meanwhile, last week, Kate also gave a nod to the people of Ukraine by wearing a blue jumper alongside a pin badge that featured the colours of the country's flag.

Kate attended today's Commonwealth Day service alongside William, Prince Charles and Camilla - however the Queen was forced to miss the "special day".

The Prince of Wales was representing his mother at the celebration after it was announced last week she was to miss it for the first time in almost 10 years.

As they arrived, the royals greeted each other with hugs and kisses.

The Commonwealth, affectionately known as the “family of nations”, has played an important role throughout the Queen's reign, and she takes a special interest in the institution.

Highlights of the service at Westminster Abbey, also attended byPrincess Alexandra, included an address by former archbishop Lord Sentamu, a reflection by young Tongan leader Elizabeth Kite and special musical performances from Emeli Sande and Mica Paris.

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