English Title: Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th Birthday Anniversary: Royal Fashion, Hidden Tributes and Rare Archives Unveiled Across Global Media

Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a poignant appearance at the Buckingham Palace commemorations for the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth on April 21, 2026, drawing widespread praise for her thoughtful tribute through fashion. Attending the official reception at the palace, the Princess chose a purple ensemble that incorporated a deeply personal homage to her late mother-in-law, wearing a pearl necklace known to have been favoured by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Princess of Wales’ outfit was highlighted in coverage by ELLE Taiwan, which reported that her selection of the pearl necklace carried emotional significance as a quiet expression of remembrance. The piece, described as one the late Queen often wore, was chosen deliberately to honour Elizabeth II’s legacy on what would have been her centenary birthday.

Fashion as Tribute at the Centenary Commemorations

Beyond the jewellery, the Princess’s purple dress was noted for its symbolic resonance, with ELLE reporting that the colour choice also reflected careful consideration. The hue has long been associated with royalty and dignity, and in this context was interpreted as a respectful nod to the late monarch’s enduring presence within the Royal Family.

The April 21 reception at Buckingham Palace formed part of a broader series of official events marking the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth. According to USA Today’s coverage of the commemorations, Prince William and Princess Kate attended the reception together, where they were seen alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the celebrations.

Earlier on April 20, the King and Queen Consort had visited the major exhibition ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style’ at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, which opened on April 10 and runs until October 18, 2026. The exhibition, described by Buckingham Palace as the largest and most comprehensive display of the late Queen’s fashion ever staged, features over 300 items from her wardrobe spanning ten decades, with nearly half displayed publicly for the first time.

Curated by the Royal Collection Trust, the exhibition explores how Queen Elizabeth II used clothing as a tool of soft diplomacy, national identity, and personal expression throughout her 70-year reign. Highlights include the christening gown commissioned by Queen Victoria, elegant evening gowns, day dresses, hats, tiaras, and her favoured tartans and tweeds. Among the standout pieces is the crinoline-skirted blue gown and matching bolero jacket worn by then-Princess Elizabeth at her sister Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960 — noted as the last full-length dress worn at a royal wedding in England.

The Princess of Wales’ appearance at the April 21 reception contributed to the day’s official tone of reflection and celebration. Her attire was widely remarked upon in media coverage for balancing public duty with private sentiment, using fashion to convey a message of continuity and respect within the Royal Family.

As the centenary year continues, events such as the Buckingham Palace exhibition and the official receptions serve to highlight Queen Elizabeth II’s lasting influence, not only as a historical figure but as a continuing presence in the Royal Family’s public life. The Princess of Wales’ choice to honour that legacy through specific, meaningful details in her outfit underscores how personal and institutional memory intersect in moments of national commemoration.