By Trendsetter Tribune 
LONDON — On Sunday night, February 22, 2026, the Princess of Wales made her highly anticipated return to the BAFTA Film Awards, marking her first joint appearance at the event with Prince William in three years. While her flowing pink Gucci gown—a “sustainable rewear” from 2019—dazzled onlookers, royal experts noted a “hidden” sentimental detail in her choice of historic jewelry that served as a profound tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The appearance at the Royal Festival Hall was particularly significant, as it signaled a return to full-scale royal duties for the Princess following her health challenges in 2024 and 2025.
The Tribute: The Greville Diamond Chandelier Earrings
The most striking element of Kate’s ensemble was the pair of Greville Diamond Chandelier Earrings, a storied piece from the royal vaults that were among the late Queen’s most cherished possessions.
- A Wedding Gift: The earrings were originally given to the then-Princess Elizabeth by her mother, the Queen Mother, as a wedding present in 1947.
- The “Hidden” Detail: Jewelry historians pointed out that the earrings are a “lexicon of modern diamond cuts.” They feature a unique array of cuts—including pear, baguette, baton, emerald, half-moon, trapeze, and square—specifically designed to catch the light from every angle, a detail that was famously utilized by the late Queen during high-profile state dinners.
- The Symbolic Torch: By choosing these specific earrings for her return to the “British Oscars,” Kate signaled a “seamless transition” of the late Queen’s legacy, using the late monarch’s favorite “statement pieces” to command the red carpet.
A “Masterclass” in Royal Rewear
In keeping with her commitment to sustainable fashion, the Princess chose not to debut a new gown, instead opting for a “romantic” piece from her personal archive.
| Item | Detail | Significance |
| Gown | Gucci (Plissé Blush & Rose) | First worn in February 2019; features a new burgundy velvet waistband for 2026. |
| Bracelet | Queen Mary’s Art Deco Choker | Originally a choker in the 1920s; inherited by the late Queen in 1953. |
| Clutch | Prada Raso (Burgundy) | Coordinated with Prince William’s velvet jacket. |
| Shoes | Oscar de la Renta ‘Cabrina’ | Platinum lamé pumps with scalloped edges. |
Coordinated Confidence: The Prince and Princess
Prince William, serving as BAFTA President, deviated from the traditional black tuxedo by wearing a burgundy velvet evening jacket by Giorgio Armani. The color choice perfectly mirrored the velvet belt on Kate’s gown, a styling choice experts called a “message of unity and stability” during a turbulent week for the Royal Family.
“The Princess didn’t just show up; she showed up with the history of the monarchy on her ears. It was a subtle, beautiful way of saying that while the Queen is gone, her spirit and her standards remain.” — Royal Commentator, Feb 23, 2026
The “Viral” Backstage Moment
Beyond the fashion, a series of intimate photos shared by Kensington Palace showed the couple sharing a “secret joke” in a lift backstage. The candid moment—showing a laughing, relaxed Princess—served as a powerful counter-narrative to recent tabloid headlines regarding the arrest of Prince Andrew earlier that week.