Kate Middleton’s Repeat St. Patty’s Day Outfit Turns Heads—But I Spotted a Hidden Detail That Was Especially Meaningful

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect example: Today, Kate resumed her royal duty as Colonel of the Irish Guards—a role passed onto her by King Charles and Prince William following his accession to the throne in September 2022—for the first time since 2023. She took the salute, inspected the front rank and raised a pint of Guinness at the Wellington Barracks in London, returning to “business as usual” for one of the royal family’s most beloved annual traditions.

But Kate’s presence continues to make any royal occasion feel extra special for a multitude of reasons: Watching her appearance today, that moment came when I noticed a meaningful detail in her jewelry, specifically the Kiki McDonough earrings she chose to wear.

The Princess of Wales’s entire outfit—from her tailored Alexander McQueen coat, last worn in Boston in 2022, to her Grace Han “Love Letter” black bag, carried to the Six Nations Rugby game just this past weekend—was a repeat. But her green tourmaline and diamond earrings from Kiki McDonough (another repeat!) felt like a thoughtful callback: According to People, they were made especially for Kate as a gift following Princess Charlotte’s birth in 2015. (Kate debuted them to the world on a royal tour of India and Bhutan in 2016.)

Of course, Kate famously wears jewelry that regularly nods to the royal lineage such as pieces once worn by Queen Elizabeth II or Princess Diana. (She paid homage to both just this past week when she stepped out for Commonwealth Day.) But the choice to honor her daughter Princess Charlotte in today’s ensemble felt extra special. (After all, I’ll never forget Kate’s return to the royal spotlight at Wimbledon this past summer with Charlotte by her side and beaming with pride as her mom received a standing ovation.)

To repeat: What’s most special is seeing Kate feeling well and good enough to be out and about as she eases back into her royal role. But it’s the tiny details—like these elegant earrings that subtly nod to Charlotte—that make the day extra meaningful, not to mention fun to watch.