Kate Middleton wears a chunky chain necklace, the must-have jewellery trend of autumn 2026
An unexpected necklace, a deep green dress and a large umbrella in the rain: that was how Kate Middleton turned heads on Tuesday 8 September 2026, during a milestone moment for the royal family. The Princess of Wales accompanied her son, Prince George, 13, on his first day at the prestigious Eton College.
A statement jewel for an extraordinary day
It wasn’t so much the dress that caught observers’ attention as the jewellery choice. Around the princess’s neck, a chunky chain necklace immediately stood apart from the finer, more formal pieces she typically wears. Though she rarely reaches for this style, the necklace sits squarely within the jewellery trends defining autumn 2026.
The thick chain necklace is, right now, one of the most coveted pieces of the season. By choosing it for such a symbolic occasion, the princess is sending a clear message: statement accessories now have their place even in the most official of settings.
To complete the look, she paired it with her signature pointed-toe stiletto heels. Together, the dress and the necklace struck a deliberate contrast between classic elegance and modern edge.
The autumn jewellery trend decoded through Kate Middleton’s look
The chunky chain necklace isn’t a one-off accessory, it belongs to a broader movement dominating the season. Oversized, statement pieces are everywhere right now, and the Princess of Wales has just delivered the most high-profile demonstration of that.
- The chunky chain necklace, the centrepiece of the trend
- The bold choker, another essential of the season
- XXL earrings for a maximalist effect
- Oversized cuffs that make a statement at the wrist
- Ring stacking across every finger on both hands
This shift towards maximalist jewellery is redefining how outfits are accessorised. Where a classically styled dress once called for understated pieces, it now invites a bold, confident centrepiece. That is exactly what the princess illustrated with this emerald green look.
And while she kept things to a single statement necklace for this occasion, the spirit of the trend hints at further possibilities. She may well surprise us by adding another maximalist piece to a future look.
Under the Eton rain, a united family for a defining milestone
Beyond the style, this day carried a deeply personal significance. Prince William and Kate Middleton made the trip together to see George begin his time at Eton College, where he will study for the next five years. Despite heavy rain, the trio appeared smiling before the photographers who had gathered to capture the moment.
This family scene, caught on camera, marks an important chapter in the young prince’s life. For his parents, being there together was clearly a priority. The princess chose a carefully considered and memorable outfit that rose to the occasion.
The midi-length emerald green dress, worn with a large umbrella to brave the weather, gave Kate Middleton an air that was at once elegant and resolute. That choice of a vivid colour, far from the neutral tones often associated with official outings, only added to the visual impact of the overall look.
