The essence
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Kate Middleton made a surprise appearance on June 2 at a reception at St. James's Palace dedicated to the work of the charity Cancer Research UK.
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The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and declared in remission in January 2025.
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The future queen wore a set of necklace and earrings with rubies and diamonds, which she has recently begun to wear quite often.
After a nearly three-week hiatus from public life following her successful two-day visit to Italy in May, Kate Middleton made a surprise appearance on June 2 at a reception to celebrate the work of the charity Cancer Research UK.
On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for a reception at St. James's Palace. The future queen wore ruby and diamond earrings and a matching necklace with a special meaning. The jewelry perfectly complemented her red and white heart-print dress from Rodarte, the princess's new brand.
Kate Middleton at a reception in support of the charity Cancer Research UK at St. James's Palace. Photo: Getty.
The event celebrated the charity's 125th anniversary; Charles is its patron. Both he and Kate were diagnosed with cancer in early 2024. In January 2025, she declared remission, while the King's treatment for cancer continues. At a reception on Tuesday evening, they paid tribute to the researchers, doctors, and volunteers who are on the front lines of the fight against cancer.
Kate Middleton's ruby and diamond earrings. Photo: Getty
Kate's red color palette continued in her outfit, which featured a Miu Miu clutch and Gianvito Rossi shoes, but one of the most striking elements was her ruby and diamond jewelry set. Her necklace, which, according to the publication, Tatler , by G Collins & Sons, was first spotted during the royal tour of Poland in 2017. The accompanying earrings are believed to be a relatively recent addition to her wardrobe, having first been seen in May 2025, when the Princess of Wales wore them to events commemorating VE Day that same month. The earrings feature a single central ruby surrounded by diamonds, and Kate later wore them during the US state visit to the UK in September and again on Armistice Day in November.
Kate Middleton's ruby and diamond necklace. Photo: Getty
The rubies may be a subtle nod to Kate's eldest son, Prince George, whose July birthstone is a ruby. As reported by Tatler, The princess is "known for wearing her children's birthstones, and many see it as a touching way to keep them close while she works.".
Justin Daughters, managing director of antique jewelry company Berganza, said InStyle , that Kate began wearing the earring and necklace set more and more often. "This set has become an integral part of her jewelry collection, proving that the most valuable pieces are those that are worn again and again," he says.
Kate Middleton, June 2, 2026. Photo: Getty
«"The ruby has always been considered a symbol of love, vitality, courage, and strength—all of these qualities make rubies the perfect choice for such a special occasion as supporting the efforts of Cancer Research UK," he adds. "Traditionally, rubies symbolized protection and resilience, values that resonate with the fight for the princess and the king's health.".
«"At a time when many public figures are expected to constantly wear new pieces, the Princess of Wales takes a more traditional approach to jewelry collecting," says Daughters. "By repurposing pieces that are important to her and turning them into part of her personal story, she reminds everyone that the true value of jewelry lies not only in its rarity or craftsmanship, but also in the stories behind each individual piece. The repeated use of both pieces is a testament to this.".
Read the original article on InStyle.