Want to switch up your summer jewellery? Kate Middleton, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla all rely on this timeless style

They wear them very differently but all three can't get enough of pearls - and they're one of the most affordable gemstones

A composite of three pictures of Princess Anne, Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla wearing pearl jewellery in May 2026
(Image credit: Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images // Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty // Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

With summer almost here it's a great opportunity to have a little seasonal style refresh and sunshine often has us reaching for bright colours and flowy silhouettes. The more fun or bold our outfits, the more it helps to have jewellery staples that go with everything and the Princess of Wales and her fellow royals have a favourite style.

She, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla all love pearl jewellery and specifically white pearls which are arguably the most versatile. The neutral colour means they go with everything and although pearls aren't a jewellery trend for 2026 I think that's partly why the royals wear them so much.

Kate, Anne and Camilla all have very classic styles, although they each put their own twist on things. Pearls are timeless and they're a lot more understated than diamonds.

A composite of pictures of Kate Middleton, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla wearing different pearl jewellery

(Image credit: Photo by Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images // Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images // Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Shop Pearl Jewellery

The sheen of a pearl adds glamour but not sparkle, which makes them a perfect choice for everyday. They complement casual jeans and blazer outfits as well as formalwear and you can go as subtle or statement as you like with the designs.

The Princess of Wales mostly wears more delicate items like her Monica Vinader Nura necklace with a single pearl drop on a golden chain. She also has several pairs of pearl drop earrings and when Kate wants to go bolder she reaches for the late Queen Elizabeth's Bahrain earrings or three strand necklace.

These only tend to get brought out for formal occasions like church services, receptions or Garden Parties like the one she attended earlier in May. But if you want jewellery that's instantly striking, then perhaps it's worth looking to Princess Anne or Queen Camilla for inspiration.

A composite of three pictures of the Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla wearing pearl jewellery

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images // Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images // Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Both women either opt for very simple pearl drop earrings or they go all-out with chunky necklaces. The Princess Royal wore one of these chokers when she hosted the Not Forgotten Association Garden Party on 19th May and Her Majesty wore her four strand choker with the diamond clasp to events to mark Queen Elizabeth's centenary.

This is one of Camilla's most-worn pieces and if you're styling something this eye-catching, I'd recommend taking her approach and making the rest of your outfit minimal. Of course, most of the pearls worn by these senior royals are likely a very luxurious price-point, but that doesn't have to be the case if you're tempted to add some new pieces to your collection.

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the Foundling Museum on May 25, 2023

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Pearl jewellery can be picked up very affordably and faux pearls can actually look very convincing too - sometimes more so than crystal alternatives for precious stones. Studs and dainty necklace are lovely for day-to-day, and drop earrings or multi-pearl necklaces would jazz up a date night outfit or summer wedding guest dress.

For a cohesive look, you can wear multiple pearl items together just like the Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla often do with their earrings and necklaces.

Emma is a Royal Editor with nine years of experience in publishing. She specialises in writing about the British Royal Family, covering everything from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her extensive royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!

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