Prince William's anniversary present to Kate was a touching tribute to Diana

(Image credit: 2014 Mark Cuthbert)

If you look closely at pictures of Kate Middleton, especially those taken in 2014, you'll notice she wears the exact same thing in most of them: the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.

The piece of jewellery was a present from Prince William to celebrate the couple's third wedding anniversary, but beyond that, it has another significant meaning.

kate meghan inherited diana

Princess Diana use to own a Cartier Tank Francaise watch, which was a present from her father, John Spencer, and she was frequently spotted wearing it in the months leading up to her death (perhaps to replace the one she was wearing in that famous two watches picture).

(Image credit: 2018 Max Mumby/Indigo)

It was one of Prince William's favourite pieces from his mother's collection, and he kept it as a memento. He has another special connection to the brand, as Princess Diana apparently bought him a Cartier watch of his own, which she had engraved for his birthday.

With Cartier so sentimental to him, it was an extra thoughtful gift to his wife. He also went the extra mile by adding a sapphire to the frame of the watch, so it would match Catherine's engagement ring, which of course used to belong to Princess Diana.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.