How Kate Middleton Paid Tribute to the Queen on the Monarch's 1st Birthday without Prince Philip

Kate Middleton gave a subtle nod to Queen Elizabeth II on her 95th birthday. It was the monarch’s first birthday without Prince Philip, and the Duchess of Cambridge sweetly honored her.

On April 21, Queen Elizabeth II turned 95 years old. However, it was a somber event for the royal family as it happened days after the monarch said her final goodbye to her husband, Prince Philip.

Amid the mournful mode of the family, the Duchess of Cambridge paid a subtle tribute to the monarch on her milestone. On Wednesday, Prince William and Kate stepped out for a surprise event.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited 282 (East Ham) Squadron, Air Training Corps in East London, interacting with the staff and learning more about how the Air Cadets help young members build life skills.

The couple donned black ensembles in continuance with mourning Prince Philip’s death for the outing, but Kate accessorized her outfit with jewelry pieces that quietly honored Queen Elizabeth II.

The Duchess rocked a pair of diamond and pearl earrings that was borrowed from the Queen. According to reports, Her Majesty first wore the striking piece in 1977 to celebrate the silver jubilee of her reign as monarch.

The Queen’s love for pearls dates back to a longtime tradition of royals wearing it because of its lustrous and rare nature.

William and Kate’s outing to the Air Training Corps also honored the late Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh was previously the Air Commodore-in-Chief until 2015 when he gave the patronage to Kate.

During Prince Philip’s funeral, Kate wore a Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker that belonged to the Queen. She paired it with Pearl Earrings which were gifted to the Queen at her wedding in 1947.

This isn’t the first time the 39-year-old has been seen wearing the Queen’s diamond and pearl earrings. During last year’s Remembrance Day, Kate wore the accessory to the service at The Cenotaph.

According to reports, the Queen’s love for pearls dates back to a longtime tradition of royals wearing it because of its lustrous and rare nature. Her Majesty reportedly has an elaborate collection of pearls to her name.

Of the different expensive pieces, the monarch’s favorite is a three-strand classic necklace design that was made from family heirloom pearls. It was created shortly after she ascended the throne in 1952.