In 2025, royal fashion took a luminous turn toward pearls. With good reason too – they’re iconic, timeless and utterly regal.
Take, for example, this striking image of the Princess of Wales wearing what many believe to be Princess Margaret’s famous five-strand pearl necklace. Kate’s choice drew attention not just for its elegance, but for its historical resonance – a subtle nod to enduring royal style and sentiment.
Below, we’ll explore how royal figures throughout Europe are wearing pearls – from the Danish and Norwegian monarchies’ extravagant heirlooms to more sombre occasions in the UK and Italy.
4 regal pearl sightings in 2025
1. Queen Mary of Denmark’s pearl renaissance
Queen Mary has embraced her mantle as Queen Consort by spotlighting heritage pearls in bold, statement moments. In March, during a state banquet in Helsinki, she reintroduced a rarely-seen bandeau tiara from Queen Caroline Amalie’s 1820 collection, set with Italian volcanic gemstones, alongside Princess Vilhelmine Marie’s 1828 gold-and-stone bracelet.
These pieces hadn’t appeared publicly in 140 years – until now – underscoring her role as custodian of royal heritage.
Additionally, since her accession in 2024, Mary has become the first monarch entrusted with the exclusive Pearl Poiré Tiara – featuring 18 dangling pear-shaped pearls. Formerly reserved for Queen Margrethe II, Mary debuted it early in 2025, reaffirming her reverence for family jewels.
2. Westminster Abbey’s VE Day tribute
In Britain, pearls and diamonds paid heartfelt homage. Royal families gathered at Westminster Abbey on VE Day 2025, showcasing delicate pearl strands entwined with diamond brooches and tiaras. The understated elegance of pearls reinforced themes of unity and remembrance in the solemn ceremony – an eloquent nod to the past and present.
To evoke similar understated grace, try a refinedsingle-strand freshwater pearl necklace.
3. Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s coming-of-age moment
At her first state banquet in Oslo on 8th April, Norway’s second-in-line dazzled in a pearl circle tiara by Boucheron. This heirloom was a special gift she received on her 18th birthday and added a poignant layer of inheritance and continuity to the occasion.
Paired with a pale-blue ruffled gown borrowed from her mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit (originally worn at a 2010 Swedish royal wedding), Ingrid Alexandra’s ensemble spoke volumes – mixing youthful poise with historic legacy.
4. Royal pearls of remembrance at Pope Francis’s funeral
During Pope Francis’s funeral, pearls emerged once again as symbols of solemnity and respect. Female royals across Europe – many adhering to Vatican protocol – wore pearl-accented black ensembles and tiaras. Pearls, in their simplicity, offered a quiet dignity amidst grief, reinforcing pearls’ role as tokens of reflection and spiritual resonance.
Why pearls? The cultural resonance
Much like thelayers of nacre that make them up, pearls carry layers of meaning – they signify purity, wisdom earned through adversity and a connection to the feminine lineage. These attributes align deeply with modern royal messaging – anchoring prestige in humility. In 2025, as royal families navigate evolving relevance, pearls have become their jewelry of choice to bridge tradition and transformation.
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Heritage on display – Queen Mary’s use of century‑old tiaras and brooches signals stewardship of national and familial history.
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Rite of passage – Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s pearl tiara marks her transition from adolescence to adulthood within a centuries‑old institution.
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Unity through adornment – VE Day and the Papal funeral featured pearls as democratic symbols – accessible yet dignified.
Looking ahead
Will pearls maintain their prominence into 2026? With future coronations and royal events on the horizon – from the Norway monarch’s investiture to British Jubilee commemorations – they’re likely to glimmer again. Pearls offer an elegant continuity that matches the grandiosity of modern monarchy without overshadowing it.
In 2025, royal fashion’s pearl revamp underscores a deliberate choice – an embrace of minimalist grandeur rooted in narrative. Whether adorning a queen in Copenhagen or a princess in Oslo, pearls in 2025 symbolised royalty’s best qualities – timeless, thoughtful and inherently maternal.
Ready to channel regal elegance?
Whether you're paying tribute to your favorite royals or simply inspired by their timeless style, pearls offer a graceful way to honor tradition. From vintage heirlooms to modern twists, now’s the perfect time to recreate your own royal look – one luminous strand at a time.
Coleman Douglas Pearls has a selection of hand-picked pieces to choose from. If you’d like more personalised advice based on your eye colour, hair colour and face shape, you can alsoarrange a one-to-one consultation to find the perfect pearls for you.
