While some consider fashion an extra interest, those of us who make our living in fashion know that it is like any other art form. For millions of people, fashion is everyday self-expression, creativity, and often centuries of cultural significance.

This is also strongly reflected in the fashion of the royal family, especially during aristocratic functions, where each member must adhere to a dress code. Much of the royal wardrobe is imbued with historical significance, and some of it is even considered sacred. The Crown Jewels are the most obvious example, but in addition to the coronation regalia, almost everything the family wears is imbued with deep meaning.

Princess Kate is particularly known for her communicative wardrobe choices, whether it be archival pieces from her favorite British designers or glamorous heirlooms inherited from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

This week, Princess Catherine met with Liz Hutton, a 16-year-old photographer battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. She wore a red wine pantsuit by Laurent Mouret over a taupe-colored T-shirt. Her only accessory was a pair of dangling gold earrings.

The geometric design, named “Temple of Heaven Earrings” by fine jewelry designer Cassandra Goad, is said to represent the “heavenly power” of the Chinese emperors. The brand's website states: “The emperor was considered the son of heaven and was responsible for the success or failure of his government through the power of heaven.

A longtime favorite in Middleton's extensive jewelry collection, the royal family has worn the $3347 sparkler on many occasions throughout the past decade, including Zara Tindall's 2011 pre-wedding reception and the 2018 BBC Radio 1 Teen Hero Glamour reported that she also chose it for the awards ceremony.

The earrings were not previously royal heirlooms, but they are certainly heirlooms now. The earrings, which are said to represent “heavenly power” and “strength,” seem to be a particularly poignant choice for Kate Middleton's return to the public eye.