Now a jewellery expert analysed the princess’s jewels and speculated about the reason for wearing them at yesterday’s event.

Tobias Kormind, Managing Director of 77 Diamonds, said: “Kate’s pearl earrings pair beautifully with her gold-and-pearl necklace.

“The pearl pieces are a perfect choice for a classic Kate look: minimalist but luxurious, maintaining the appropriate decorum for a key member of the Royal Family on a sombre day.

“Her Fleet Air Arm Brooch complements this overall style, doubling as both a piece of jewellery and a reference to her military title as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.”

“Interestingly both the pearl-and-diamond earrings and the sapphire engagement ring are pieces which belonged to Princess Diana.

“Perhaps there is a sentimental, if subtle, nod here to her husband’s mother, whom she never had the opportunity to meet.”