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Duchess in Beulah London for Somber Service of Commemoration (UPDATED: Jewelry Info)

For today’s National Service of Commemoration honoring those who served in Afghanistan, the Duchess opted for Beulah London.Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris

The solemn service was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Below, military families queuing to enter the Cathedral in a photo shared by Ian Davidson. Below, some of the royals arriving. Below, more royals heading to their seats in Saint Paul’s.Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC/The Army in London

Today’s function was attended by senior political and governmental officials, as well as “members of the Armed Forces, veterans, the next of kin of deceased personnel, representatives of military and aid charities and organizations, and the UK’s NATO allies in Afghanistan from 2001 – 2014.”

British Army in London/HQ London District Facebook

British Army in London/HQ London District Facebook

Music included pieces by the Band of Grenadier Guards, the oldest band in the British Army with a history going back more than 300 years. The renowned St. Paul’s Choir sang several hymns. All senior royals attended, including Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, and the Duchess of Cornwall. HM, Prince Philip and Prince Charles.John Stillwell/WPA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

Standing for the National Anthem.

Rebecca English, The Daily Mail & Mail Online (@RE_DailyMail)

Rebecca English, The Daily Mail & Mail Online (@RE_DailyMail)

From the Daily Mail’s story::

The end of the 13-year conflict was marked by a ceremony of commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral where the Most Rev Justin Welby paid tribute to all those who served, leaving behind family, facing danger and suffering injury.

The Very Reverend Dr. David Ison:

“We commemorate with sorrow and regret those who have died in these operations and pray for their families and friends and for all who mourn their loss.

“We remember those who have been injured in body, mind and spirit and we pray for their continued wellbeing and for those who especially support them.”

By all accounts it was an emotional event.Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC (/The Army in London HQ

A portion of the comments offered by Alan Yarrow, Lord Mayor of London:

Today, the Nation unites in thanking those who gave their best….in order to secure better days ahead.

To us is given the honour of remembering those who paid the ultimate price.

HM and Prince Philip leaving the Cathedral.©Andrew Parsons / i-Images

The Duke and Duchess departing Saint Paul’s.Kate William Leaving Afghan Service March 13 2015 Navy Beulah Chiara Coat Kirsty Wigglesworth/WPA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

A closer look at the Duchess.NunnRota/NunnSyndication/Polaris

After the service there was a military parade through the streets of London. There was also a splendid collection of aircraft in the flyover during the parade. Some of the aircraft included: Chinook, Apache, and Sea King Helicopters, along with Hercules transport planes and Tornado fighter jets. All of the aircraft taking part today were used in the Afghanistan campaign. 

Prince William with veterans at the reception hosted by the Royal British Legion after the service and parade. The Prince clearly enjoyed spending time with the military families being honored for their contributions.

Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC/The Army in London

Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC/The Army in London

Prince Charles shaking the hand of Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey, who recently received the Victoria Cross; they are seen at the Guildhall reception.

Afghan Service Prince Charles meets Prince Charles meets Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey, recent recipient of the Victoria Cross at Guildhall R English Twitter

Now to what Kate wore for today’s service.©Andrew Parsons / i-Images

The Duchess was in Beulah London’s Chiara coat.

Beulah London 'Chiara' Coat

Beulah London ‘Chiara’ Coat

The navy coat is 100% wool, in a trapeze cut, fitted at the bodice and then flaring out from the waist.Andrew Parsons / i-Images

More from Beulah’s description of the coat:

It’s nipped-in waist is elegantly contrasted with the soft folds at the hem. The fabric is thick enough to keep you warm without being too bulky or weighty.

This version of the coat is special order, with delivery taking roughly 6 to 8 weeks. The Chiara sells for £650, roughly $950 at today’s exchange rates.

There are multiple versions of the coat.  The white Chiara is a cotton/acetate/poly blend, it is £595. The Rose Smoke version of the coat is an acetate/rayon blend, it sells at £395. All four styles are made in Britain.

Beulah London

Beulah London

A look at the back of Kate’s coat.©James Whatling/Splash News

Kate wore a navy dress beneath the coat that we have not yet identified. We can tell you the dress is not a Beulah London piece. Another Tip of the Tiara to Annabelle Gonzalez, she quickly identified Kate’s coat.

She carried her trusty Stuart Weitzman navy suede ‘Muse’ clutch.Stuart Weitzman/Polaris Images

Kate had on a new hat. We’ve not yet identified the designer; but we will update the post when we do. (With thanks to Anna of My Small Obsessions, it looks like it is a Jane Taylor piece.)Stephen Lock, i-Images/Andrew Parsons, i-Images

A look at Kate’s elegant chignon.James Whatling/Splash News

The Duchess accessorized with her Alexander McQueen navy heels.

James Whatling/Splash News

©James Whatling/Splash News

The Duchess also wore new jewelry today, a glittering pendant and earrings.

Afghan Service Commemoration March 13 2015 Three 3 Shots Kate Navy background New Becklace Blue Cabochon Pear Shaped Tear Drop Shape with Diamonds

This gives a slightly better look at the gems, pear-shaped faceted stones surrounded by diamonds shimmering in the sunlight.

Polaris Images

Polaris Images

UPDATE: There have been a number of comments and a few messages/emails suggesting these stones might be tanzanite. I think that makes sense, not only for their color, but because they come from a place William and Kate are fond of, Africa. The stones come from only one place: the Mererani Hills of Tanzania in eastern Africa.  We’ll keep hunting for info on these, as well as the other unidentified pieces Kate wore today: the hat, dress and gloves.

UPDATE #2: With thanks to Jenny who commented on the My Small Obsessions Facebook page, here is the pendant as shown at G. Collins & Sons.

G. Collins & Sons

G. Collins & Sons

It is described as being a pear-shaped 6.3 carat tanzanite, surrounded by .87 carat of diamonds, set in platinum.  The price shown on the G Collins site is £8400, approximately $12,300 at today’s exchange rates. Kate’s specific earrings are not currently shown on the G. Collins site. However, the jeweler featured an almost identical pair on its Instagram account. The only distinction seems to be removal of the v-shaped three-stone upper portion of the earrings.

Polaris/G Collins Instagram

Polaris/G Collins Instagram

Anna (of My Small Obsessions) shared with us that this is a jeweler patronized by Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

Kate’s gloves appear to be the same pair worn to a Place2Be event in November of 2013. Initially we thought they were the navy Cornelia James ‘Iomogen’ gloves, but it turns out that was not the case. We’re fiendishly searching for a better photo of them, as well as information on the actual designer/manufacturer. UPDATE: They look like the pair designed by Andy Shiels in collaboration with Dents Glovemakers and The Worshipful Company of Glovers in London.

This was a very good look for the Duchess; the coat, hat, and accessories all worked together beautifully. Even having all navy accessories was a solid choice; the focus of the day was not the Duchess, and she knew that when selecting her look for the day. The ensemble was appropriate for the occasion; understated and elegant.

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Jessica W

Friday 3rd of April 2015

I love this look, from top to toe!

Blair

Tuesday 17th of March 2015

This is purely speculation on my part, but I wonder if this set of jewelry was a gift from Prince Harry. It would make since for him to give her something in celebration of her wedding or the birth of Prince George and this would be an appropriate time to wear such a gift as Harry served in Afghanistan.

Julie

Tuesday 24th of March 2015

The first thing I thought of when I saw the jewelry was "These pieces were a gift from someone." They look lovely on her, but the pieces she wears most frequently are smaller pieces, like the Kiki earrings he favors. Perhaps it *was* a gift from Harry, or maybe a gift from someone to celebrate the birth of George, or the upcoming birth of his sibling. I especially loved her hair. What a fantastic soft updo, not severe at all. I imagine a lot of long-haired ladies copying that in the future.

Rickyrebarco

Tuesday 17th of March 2015

Love this look, chic, classic and occasion appropriate. I really like the tanzanite jewelry. I have a tanzanite pendant myself but it is not that large!

Connie

Monday 16th of March 2015

Can someone explain to me why Princess Anne is wearing what appears to be a male uniform and that strange helmet.

The Duchess looks lovely BTW.

Lili

Tuesday 17th of March 2015

Like the men, royal women are often honorary officers in various regiments. However, they don't often wear the associated uniforms. Anne is one royal woman who does.

admin

Monday 16th of March 2015

That's a good question, something that a number of people have wondered about. She is wearing the uniform of the Colonel of the Blues and Royals, the Queen is Colonel-in-Chief. :)

Penelope

Monday 16th of March 2015

What splendid outfit from head to toe! Bravo! So sophisticated and elegant. What amkes it is the combination of incredible hat and hairdo. So chic! Even thoguht we have the same hair I wish I had events I could wear it up like that. Looking after my young twins doesn't leave me much free time.

I read a lot of comments about her choice of jewrely; we all know that the duchess is a convervative and traditionalist and her choice of jewrely reflects that even more so. In years to come we will see her wearing some amazing jewrely, but based on her choices up till now one wouldn't say she is a person, so it comes as no surpsise that even when she showcases new pieces they usually are quite traditional.

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