Were Kate Middleton’s Earrings on Remembrance Sunday an Ode to Queen Elizabeth II?

Earlier this morning in London, England, Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales joined veterans, politicians, and other members of the royal family to honor the British troops who fought in the two world wars for Remembrance Sunday. Standing in a box above The Cenotaph war memorial on Whitehall, the two royals watched the proceedings as Prince William and King Charles laid wreaths during the memorial service. 

For the occasion, the Princess of Wales chose a black military-style Catherine Walker coat that featured a high collar and piping. It was adorned with red poppies and a Royal Air Force pin, and she accessorized with a black Philip Treaty hat. The princess’s newly-debuted pearl earrings, meanwhile, were likely a subtle nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II; royal spectators are speculating that they look strikingly familiar to a diamond and pearl leaf brooch that once belonged to the Queen. The ornate brooch, featuring three large pearls surrounded by diamond leaves, was last worn by the late Queen to her 73rd birthday in South Korea.