Kate Middleton’s Two White VE Day Outfits Have Hidden Tributes in Their Accessories

Kate Middleton marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with two appearances in stylish white outfits. She chose symbolic accessories that nodded to her personal history as well.

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, commemorates the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945. The Princess of Wales began this year’s festivities at the national service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. She wore a white tea-length Alessandra Rich dress with fine black polka dots to the Thursday morning event.

She completed the look with a black veiled headpiece by Juliette Botterill, nude Ralph Lauren heels, and a matching DeMellier Nano Montreal bag. But it was her jewelry that had an extra special touch: The Princess wore the Collingwood pearl drop earrings once worn by Princess Diana in a sweet nod to her late mother-in-law.

That evening, she joined Prince William and the royal family for a commemorative concert at Horse Guards Parade. She changed into a belted boucle midi dress by Self-Portrait. The all-white ensemble featured a structured jacket-style top with a pleated skirt, which she paired with Gianvito Rossi suede pumps and a Chanel mini flap bag. Her jewelry included a Susan Caplan pearl necklace and matching earrings.

There was special symbolism in her choice of hair accessory though. The Princess wore an elegant black velvet bow from British fashion brand Jigsaw, a company with which she has history. Kate worked for Jigsaw as a children’s accessories buyer in 2006. “She was very diligent and never late, and she had a very good work ethic,” one of her colleagues told Daily Mail in January. “She made an effort to blend in and get on with the job.”

During the concert, King Charles addressed the crowd of 12,000 people and paid tribute to those who fought in World War II. He quoted his grandfather King George VI’s 1945 broadcast, noting, “His words echo down through history as all this week, and especially today, we unite to celebrate and remember with an unwavering and heartfelt gratitude the service and sacrifice of the wartime generation who made that hard-fought victory possible.”