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Royals Pay Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as Her Coffin Arrives at Buckingham Palace
The Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, was captured in a subtle tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as they made their way to Buckingham Palace to receive Her Majesty's Coffin.
Kate, a mother of three, looked elegant in a smart black outfit and accessorized with a beautiful pearl necklace, possibly as a nod to the late monarch's fondness for pearls.
The Queen's Coffin departed from St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh earlier today, was transported to RAF Northolt, and then driven to the Palace, where it will be kept overnight.
Senior members of the royal family, including the King and Queen Consort, were spotted heading towards Buckingham Palace to greet the Queen's Coffin.
The Duchess, dressed in traditional mourning attire, wore a necklace adorned with multiple strands of pearls and matching pearl earrings.
Pearls hold a significant place in royal mourning traditions, dating back to Queen Victoria, and were also favored by Queen Elizabeth II, especially after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, last year.
Arsene Budrovich, the founder of Budrovich Fine Jewellery Studio, shared insights with Express Company UK, highlighting the royal affinity for pearls.
According to Budrovich, pearls symbolize aristocratic virtues such as liberality, magnificence, and generosity, as well as purity and chastity.
The association of pearls with class, elegance, and sophistication dates back to ancient Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty and has been carried through various monarchies, including the British Empire.
As the Queen arrived at Buckingham Palace for the final time, she was welcomed by members of the royal family, including the King, Queen Consort, Princes William and Harry, and their wives, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
The procession through the rain-soaked streets saw people cheering and clapping as the new state hearse passed by iconic landmarks.
The atmosphere was poignant, with onlookers showing their respect by lowering umbrellas and wiping away tears, while phone lights illuminated the somber scene.
Upon reaching the grand entrance of Buckingham Palace, a Guard of Honour formed by the King's Guard awaited Her Majesty's arrival.
The Queen was greeted by her children and grandchildren, along with other senior royals, marking a solemn moment in British history.
Following the coffin's arrival, Prince Charles and Camilla departed from Buckingham Palace, leaving the Queen to rest in the Bow Room overnight before being transferred to the Palace of Westminster.
Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state at the Palace of Westminster until her state funeral on Monday, September 19, at Westminster Abbey, followed by her burial at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
The nation continues to mourn the loss of a beloved monarch, with tributes pouring in from across the globe as the world remembers the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II.