Kate Middleton Wears $8,000 Romantic Tribute to Prince William That Proves “Enduring Bond” During Under-the-Radar Meeting
Kate Middleton Wears $8,000 Romantic Tribute to Prince William That Proves “Enduring Bond” During Under-the-Radar Meeting
Rachel BurchfieldWed, October 28, 2026 at 12:25 PM UTC
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Kate Middleton on October 22, 2026.Credit: GettyThe Gist -
During a recent closed-door meeting with Melinda French Gates, Kate Middleton accessorized her power pantsuit with an $8,000 Cartier watch.
The accessory was a gift from her husband, Prince William, to mark their third wedding anniversary in 2014.
The Princess of Wales and French Gates had an under-the-radar meetup in London on October 8.
Over the course of their 25-year relationship—which began after they met as first-year students at the University of St. Andrews in 2001—Prince William has gifted Kate Middleton a number of pieces of jewelry. From items from his mother Princess Diana’s collection—not the least of which is her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which Kate now wears—to items bought himself, the Prince of Wales has proven to be an excellent gift giver, particularly when it comes to accessories. Kate wore one of those thoughtfully-given pieces during a secret meeting earlier this month.
Kate Middleton and Prince William on October 20, 2026.Credit: Getty
On October 8, the Princess of Wales took part in a closed-door meeting with philanthropist Melinda French Gates in London, where the two women discussed how their respective organizations might collaborate over their “shared belief” of helping young people thrive. Kate leads the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, while French Gates runs Pivotal Ventures, which mainly focuses on projects related to women and children.
For the meeting, the future queen wore a Zara double-breasted blazer, a white silk-blend tank from Joseph, black Roland Mouret wide-leg pants belted with a burgundy Victoria Beckham belt, and black leather Gianvito Rossi booties, according to the fashion account Kate Middleton Styled. The princess further accessorized with a sentimental watch from William as she met with French Gates at Pivotal’s office in London. The two had previously met in another closed-door meeting at Windsor Castle back in June.
Kate Middleton wearing her Cartier watch at Wimbledon on July 13, 2025.Credit: Getty
Kate’s $8,000 Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch is “a cherished accessory” in the Princess of Wales’s collection, Tatler reported. Unlike her engagement ring, it’s a piece that Kate doesn’t wear incredibly often—but when she does pull it out of her jewelry box, it’s always meaningful.
The outlet noted that the watch’s blue hands “perfectly accentuate” her sapphire and diamond engagement ring. It was reportedly a gift from William to Kate to mark their third wedding anniversary in 2014, and was given while they were on an official royal tour of Australia. The watch serves as “a reminder of her enduring bond with the Prince of Wales,” Tatler reported.
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Kate Middleton and Prince William on October 9, 2026.Credit: Getty
“If continuity and stability is what the monarchy is supposed to give you, you only need to look at this marriage,” a source that knows the Prince and Princess of Wales told The Telegraph. “Whatever has happened in his life, in her life, the continuity and stability of their relationship has seen them through it. They are exactly the same as they have always been. They’re unshakable, the two of them.”
A palace source echoed this, telling the outlet, “They’re a true team. They’re side-by-side.” Royal biographer Russell Myers said that “The success of their partnership, still based on mutual respect and support 15 years on, speaks for itself.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton on October 20, 2026.Credit: Getty
Myers also told Vanity Fair, “I found it fascinating just how much William relies on [Catherine]. Both professionally, personally, and emotionally.” He added, “That partnership is integral to who they are as people.”
Kate Middleton and Prince William on October 20, 2026.Credit: Getty
After a difficult 2024 that saw Kate diagnosed with cancer and largely away from the spotlight receiving treatment, the couple emerged ever stronger in their marriage. Royal historian Dr. Amanda Foreman told People in 2025—the same year Kate announced she is in remission—that William “treats her like his bride. They seem more loved-up than ever.”
“They feel they are very lucky to be married to each other,” she told the outlet. “Their marriage is strong, and they are being honest about it.”
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
