9 of Kate Middleton’s Most Worn Diamond Brooches

Besides a large and luxe collection of beautiful baubles, twinkling tiaras and priceless pieces inherited from the Queen, Princess Kate has amassed a bevy of brooches. From feathers and ferns to leaves and shamrocks as well as plenty of poppy pieces, the British beauty is known to don tribute pins and honorary ornaments on special ceremonial occasions.

Here are 9 of Kate Middleton’s Most Worn Diamond Brooches:

1. The Queen’s New Zealand Silver Fern Brooch

The silver fern has been accepted as a national symbol and statement of New Zealand’s identity since 1880. The Queen was gifted this piece of jewelry during her coronation world tour by the Women of Auckland on Christmas Day in 1953. Kate’s platinum fern leaf brooch is set with baguette and brilliant diamonds and symbolizes strength, unity and success; the princess donned the Kiwi pride piece when it was loaned to her by the late monarch for a royal tour of New Zealand and Australia in 2014.

 

2. Queen’s Diamond and Pearl Leaf Brooch

First worn in Belgium in the summer of 2017, Kate’s beautiful brooch features a trio of three pearls set on a large diamond leaf. While specific details and images of the brooch in the royal collection are minimal, the princess did recently wear the matching earrings for Remembrance Sunday. She’s also donned the brooch hidden behind a cluster of poppies to the November 2018 Festival of Remembrance.

 

3. Oak Leaf Brooch

The princess is fond of woodland charms (she even wore acorn earrings on her wedding day) and has a particular connection to oak leaf symbolism as it is relates to the Middleton family heritage. The Middleton family Coat of Arms features three acorns (representing the three Middleton children) and also honors the family home in West Berkshire which is surrounded by oak trees. In addition, Oak is often considered a symbol of both the country of England and the character trait of “strength.” Kate donned this diamond leaf brooch with pearl studs for a Windsor lunch in 2012 and again for Christmas Day in 2015.

 

4. The Floral Bouquet Brooch

Worn for Commonwealth Services at Westminster Abbey in 2018, this sparkling diamond brooch features a bouquet of crystal flowers with ruby, sapphire and diamond gemstones — the glittery lapel ornament matches a pair of Kate’s floral earrings worn for a panel with Duchess Meghan at their first official joint engagement during a Royal Foundation Forum in 2018. The late Queen Elizabeth owned many similar floral basket and multi-colored bouquet (“little garden”) brooches. And the sovereign frequently stepped out in different lily, iris and sunflower brooches.

 

5. Bentley & Skinner Diamond Art Deco Brooch

Clad in couture Jenny Packham, Kate impressed in her show-stopping ivory gown for a state banquet at the palace in November 2022. Yet, Kate’s radiant smile and glittery headpiece weren’t the only parts of her outfit that dazzled. The princess also donned a spectacularly shiny and pricey art deco vintage brooch from the 1920s. A platinum rectangle piece designed with fine openwork molded into geometric shapes and adorned with 4.5 carats of diamonds, the Jazz Age brooch has appeared on the princess a total of five times recently.

 

6. Buckley Crystal Poppy Brooch (2013)

An 18 carat gold piece designed by fashion jeweler Buckley London, this enamel poppy pin is studded with black, green and red crystals. Worn for her first ever Festival of Remembrance, the floral brooch has also appeared during Kate’s red carpet appearances (like in November 2016). Raising money for British servicemen and their families, the pins are designed in collaboration with the Royal British Legion.

 

7. Royal Air Force Cadets Dacre Brooch

Featuring a center crown and sparkly lettering, the princess was gifted this statement piece by the RAF when she was made an Honorary Air Commandant back in 2015. Traditionally, this piece of military regalia is awarded to the best female cadet of the year. The bedazzled button pin is one of Kate’s most overtly ostentatious pieces due to its size and sparkle. Kate has worn the accessory to a few Royal Air Force events including the Cadets 75th anniversary in February 2016 and the  RAF’s 100 year anniversary in July 2018.

 

8. Diamond Maple Leaf Brooch 

Worn for a royal tour in Canada circa 2011, Kate’s shimmery and shiny maple leaf brooch is one of her most iconic pieces. Loaned to more royal women for Canadian-centric outings than any other piece of jewelry in the Queen’s collection, this large sugar maple pin features numerous brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds. Created by Asprey & Company, Kate has worn the foliage fashion piece for trips to Ottawa and Victoria.

 

9. Diamond Maidenhair Fern Brooch

Lending a bit of sisterly sartorial support, Kate donned a new diamond fern brooch for Anzac day in April 2022. Believed to be designed by Middleton family jeweler Robinson Pelham, the $6000 (estimated) pin bears a striking resemblance to an ornate barrette crown clip worn by Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton on her wedding day. The leaves on Pippa’s bridal tiara were Maidenhair ferns (which are not used as a national symbol as often as the silver fern). Kate’s sister also donned a diamond fern headpiece used to secure her veil.