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Kate Middleton hosted the England women's rugby team at Windsor Castle sporting a red look
She accessorized her pantsuit with a necklace featuring her January birthstone
The Princess of Wales has other pieces of jewelry featuring garnets
Kate Middletonhad the perfect accessory to celebrate two occasions: the Red Roses rugby squad's World Cup win and her recent birthday.
In her first royal outing since celebrating her 44th birthday last week, the Princess of Waleswelcomed the England women's rugby team to a Windsor Castle receptionon Thursday, Jan. 15. For the occasion, the royal recycled her red Alexander McQueen pantsuit, featuring an asymmetric jacket and wide-leg trousers, which she debuted in January 2023.
She accessorized with pearl cluster earrings and a necklace featuring the red garnet gemstone, her birthstone. The piece has been identified asLondon-born brand Auree's "Bali" birthstone necklace, which retails for $678.
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The necklace has been in Princess Kate's jewelry box for several years. She previously wore it in a video that showed herbaking with her three children,Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louis, for a Platinum Jubilee lunch in 2022.
The Princess of Wales has other pieces of jewelry containing her birthstone, including a promise ring that Prince William gifted her while they were dating as college students. The sentimental piece contains both pearls, symbolizing William's June birthday, and garnets, symbolizing Kate's birthday in January. Princess Katewore the ring in a 2024 videoshared to celebrate Great Britain's Olympic athletes.
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Princess Kate's day with the rugby stars included seeing their World Cup trophy, being gifted with a signed team jersey and posing for a group photo with the squad.
She is the patron of the Rugby Football Union, which governs the English team — and also puts her in a lighthearted rivalry with her husband, who supports Wales in the sport.
Thursday's reception at Windsor Castle marked Princess Kate's first solo royal engagement of 2026. One day ahead of her birthday, she appeared alongside Prince William for their first outing of the new year, visitingCharing Cross Hospital in west Londonto thank health workers during the busy winter months.
On her Jan. 9 birthday, the Princess of Wales joined her mother, Carole Middleton, and sister, Pippa Matthews,for lunchat The Funghi Club in Berkshire.
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