When it comes to royal style, few figures captivate the public’s imagination quite like Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. Known for her timeless elegance and meticulous attention to detail, Kate is often celebrated for her ability to blend modern fashion with traditional royal decorum. However, one particular jewelry choice recently thrust her into the center of an unexpected controversy, sparking heated debates about royal protocol, historical pieces, and public perception. Below, we delve into the fascinating story behind this contentious piece of jewelry—the one the Palace would likely prefer to keep out of the headlines.
History of the Piece
The piece in question is a breathtaking diamond and emerald necklace, a historical artifact steeped in royal lore. Officially known as the *Emerald Choker of the Cambridge Dynasty*, the necklace was commissioned in the early 20th century by Queen Mary, a noted jewelry collector who was renowned for her love of emeralds. The necklace features dazzling Colombian emeralds surrounded by intricate diamond settings, making it one of the most striking pieces in the royal collection.
Queen Mary originally acquired the emeralds as loose stones, believed to have been gifted by an Indian Maharaja during the British Empire’s colonial era. Mary had them crafted into the iconic choker design in 1911, intending it to symbolize the grandeur and global reach of the British monarchy. Over the years, the piece has been worn sparingly, often reserved for the most formal state occasions. After passing through several generations of monarchs, the choker was most famously worn by Princess Diana in the 1980s, who styled it in her own unique way—once even wearing it as a headband, a bold move that caused a stir in its own right.
The necklace’s deep ties to colonial history and its association with Diana have long made it a subject of fascination. However, its reappearance on Kate Middleton has reignited debates about its legacy and appropriateness in a modern context.
The Controversy
Kate Middleton donned the emerald choker during a state banquet held at Buckingham Palace in honor of a visiting foreign dignitary. The Princess paired the necklace with a stunning green Jenny Packham gown, a look that drew widespread acclaim from fashion critics. Yet, the choice of jewelry quickly became the focal point of discussions—not all of them positive.
The controversy stems from two key issues: the choker’s colonial origins and its association with Princess Diana. Critics argue that wearing a piece so closely tied to Britain’s colonial past sends the wrong message at a time when the monarchy is striving to modernize and repair its reputation globally. Many have questioned whether it was appropriate for Kate, who is often seen as a beacon of the monarchy’s future, to wear such a historically fraught piece.
Furthermore, the necklace’s connection to Diana has sparked additional debate. Some commentators view Kate’s decision to wear the choker as a loving tribute to her late mother-in-law, while others see it as an attempt to draw comparisons between herself and the “People’s Princess.” For many, any association with Diana comes with emotional weight, and critics have accused Kate of
using the necklace to evoke nostalgia for Diana’s legacy—a move they claim risks overshadowing her own identity as Princess of Wales.
Royal Traditions and Protocol
The controversy also raises questions about royal jewelry protocol and the broader traditions governing the wearing of historical pieces. The royal family’s collection of jewels is not merely a treasury of beautiful objects; it is a repository of history, symbolism, and statecraft. Each piece of royal jewelry is carefully curated to convey specific messages, whether it be continuity, power, or diplomacy.
Traditionally, senior royals are expected to wear pieces that align with the occasion and the audience. For example, tiaras and grand necklaces like the emerald choker are typically reserved for formal state events, and their selection is often guided by the advice of royal jewelers and advisors. However, the choice of a piece as politically charged as the emerald choker suggests a potential oversight in this process—or, as some speculate, a deliberate attempt to provoke conversation.
Kate Middleton, known for her impeccable adherence to royal protocol, would not have worn the necklace without approval. This has led some to question whether the Palace underestimated the public’s sensitivity to the choker’s colonial associations. Others, however, argue that the decision reflects a calculated effort to assert the importance of royal traditions in the face of modern scrutiny.
Public Reaction
Public response to Kate’s jewelry choice has been deeply divided. On one hand, many royal watchers praised her for reviving a stunning historical piece and incorporating it into a contemporary look. Social media was flooded with comments admiring her elegance, with hashtags like #KateMiddletonStyle and #RoyalJewelry trending globally. Fashion enthusiasts applauded her ability to modernize a century-old necklace without diminishing its historical grandeur.
On the other hand, critics were quick to voice their disapproval. Anti-monarchist groups and advocates for decolonization called the choice “tone-deaf” and “insensitive,” arguing that it highlights the monarchy’s failure to fully reckon with its imperial past. Some even suggested that the necklace should be retired from public use altogether, given its controversial origins.
Interestingly, the choker’s association with Princess Diana has sparked a separate wave of emotional reactions. For Diana’s admirers, seeing the necklace again was a poignant reminder of her legacy, evoking memories of her iconic fashion moments. Yet, others felt that Kate’s use of the piece risked diluting its sentimental value, as Diana’s bold styling of the choker remains one of her most memorable fashion statements.
The Bigger Picture
The uproar surrounding Kate Middleton’s emerald choker underscores the complex role of royal jewelry in the modern age. These pieces are not just accessories; they are symbols of history, power, and identity. For Kate, navigating the fine line between honoring tradition and embracing modernity is an ongoing challenge, particularly as public expectations of the monarchy continue to evolve.
While the Palace has remained tight-lipped about the controversy, it is unlikely to fade from public memory anytime soon. Whether seen as an homage to Diana, a misstep in royal protocol, or a bold assertion of continuity, Kate’s choice of the emerald choker has sparked a conversation about the role of historical pieces in shaping the monarchy’s future.
Ultimately, the story of the emerald choker is a reminder that royal jewelry is far more than decorative—it is a reflection of the institution itself, with all its triumphs, complexities, and controversies. For Kate Middleton, this particular necklace may have been a fleeting fashion moment, but its impact will undoubtedly linger, shaping how the public views both her and the monarchy she represents.
