Kate Middleton's love for Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry is well-documented, and her recent appearance at Wimbledon 2026 showcases her timeless style. The Princess of Wales, known for her impeccable fashion sense, chose an elegant green Emilia Wickstead dress for the event. However, it was her Van Cleef & Arpels earrings that truly stole the show.
The earrings, part of the Magic Alhambra collection, hold a special place in Kate's jewelry collection. She first debuted them on the red carpet at the BAFTAs in 2020, pairing them with a matching necklace. This wasn't the first time she wore Van Cleef & Arpels; she had previously worn the full mother-of-pearl suite during a royal tour of the Caribbean in 2022 and at a concert celebrating King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation in 2023. For Christmas events in 2023 and 2025, she opted for the drop earrings alone.
What makes this piece particularly fascinating is the historical significance of the Alhambra collection. Van Cleef introduced the Magic Alhambra line in 2006, but the original Alhambra collection dates back to 1968. It caught the eye of Princess Grace of Monaco, who layered her malachite necklace with others in rock crystal and tortoiseshell. Princess Charlene of Monaco, married to Princess Grace's son, Albert II, also owns a light blue Alhambra necklace.
The royal connection to Van Cleef & Arpels doesn't end there. Queen Camilla, a longtime fan of the French luxury jewelry house, regularly wears their pieces, including the Magic Alhambra line. On most public engagements, she dons a vintage Alhambra bracelet with five blue agate stone motifs. This bracelet has been a staple in her wardrobe, as evidenced by its appearance in 2023.
What many people don't realize is that Kate's mother-of-pearl suite appears to be the only Van Cleef & Arpels piece she owns. This makes her choice of jewelry at Wimbledon all the more intriguing, as she chose to wear a piece that holds a special place in her heart.
In my opinion, Kate Middleton's rewearing of her favorite Van Cleef & Arpels earrings is a testament to her timeless style and appreciation for luxury jewelry. It's a reminder that certain pieces can transcend trends and remain a staple in one's wardrobe for years to come. From my perspective, it's fascinating to see how a single piece of jewelry can carry such historical and personal significance.
