Sapphires and Diamonds: A Royal Engagement in Scotland for the Duchess of Rothesay
On Tuesday, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay—known as the Prince and Princess of Wales when they visit Scotland—made their way to the northern regions of the UK for a series of engagements designed to celebrate Scottish culture and community spirit. Catherine, in particular, showcased her fondness for sapphires during this outing, bringing along some cherished pieces for their time in Stirling and Falkirk.
The day was packed with activities that highlighted the couple's commitment to Scottish heritage. One of the key stops was at Radical Weavers, an independent charity and handweaving studio that plays a vital role in preserving traditional weaving techniques while supporting the local community. In the photograph above, you can see William and Catherine arriving at the National Curling Academy, also situated in Stirling, where their enthusiasm for Scottish sports came into full view.
During their visit, the royal duo took the opportunity to test their skills at curling, a popular sport in the region. They also engaged with members of the Team GB and Paralympics GB curling teams, gearing up for the forthcoming Winter Olympics set to take place in Italy.
Catherine chose to honor her Scottish roots by donning a stunning coat in a shade of blue that resonates with Scotland’s identity, crafted specifically for her by designer Chris Kerr. According to reports from Rebecca English, the fabric for this beautiful coat was woven by Johnstons of Elgin. Catherine’s collaboration with the company on the tartan design reflects her dedication to celebrating British textiles and craftsmanship—a true nod to her heritage.
Upon entering the curling academy, Catherine removed her coat to reveal a stylish knitwear piece: a patterned sweater vest that added a cozy yet fashionable touch to her ensemble.
In keeping with the theme of her outfit, Catherine carefully selected jewelry that complemented her blue tartan coat. She adorned herself with exquisite sapphire pieces from her extensive collection—including her petite diamond and sapphire cluster earrings, which pair beautifully with her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
These elegant earrings, featuring a charming cluster of sapphires and diamonds, have been a staple in Catherine’s jewelry wardrobe for over ten years. She first wore them publicly in the summer of 2011, shortly after her wedding. In a delightful revelation, she later shared that these earrings are part of a larger suite, which includes a matching necklace, further emphasizing her refined taste in jewelry. You can catch a glimpse of these pieces in my detailed coverage of her appearance at the Commonwealth Day service in 2022.
Catherine has often chosen to wear her sapphires together for various occasions in recent years, including a standout moment during the gentlemen’s final at Wimbledon in July 2022, where her jewelry choices drew much admiration.
For this day of engagements in Scotland, Catherine also sported her signature sapphire engagement ring, layering it artfully with her gold wedding band, diamond eternity band, and a new sapphire and diamond eternity ring she began wearing in 2024. Each piece tells a story, adding depth to her already rich jewelry collection.
But here’s where it gets interesting: how do these jewelry choices reflect not just personal style, but also cultural significance? What do you think about the royal family’s engagement with local communities through such outings? I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you agree or disagree with their approach? Let’s discuss!
