Kate Middleton’s ruby jewelry meaning at Cancer Research UK reception

Kate Middleton wore her heart on her sleeve — and around her neck.

The Princess of Wales, 44, stepped out Tuesday night for a reception celebrating Cancer Research UK in a heart-print Rodarte dress and a ruby and diamond jewelry set with a quietly personal twist.

Middleton joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for the event, her first public outing since a two-day solo trip to Italy in mid-May. Both she and the king were diagnosed with cancer in early 2024; the princess announced she was in remission in January 2025, while the king’s treatment is ongoing.

The red silk twill midi dress ($1,412) was belted at the waist with puffed sleeves and a trim, 1940s-style silhouette. It was the princess’ first time wearing Rodarte, the Los Angeles-based label founded by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy and beloved by stars like Elle Fanning and Kirsten Dunst.

Middleton carried a red Miu Miu suede clutch and wore Gianvito Rossi 105 suede pumps ($850) to complete the head-to-toe red palette.

Her ruby and diamond pendant necklace and coordinating drop earrings, both reported to be bespoke G Collins & Sons, added a layer of meaning beyond the color coordination. The earrings feature a central ruby stone framed by a halo of diamonds hanging from a trio of diamonds.

“Rubies have long symbolized courage, resilience, and hope,” Alyson Iarrusso, founder and designer of Cove Fine Jewelry, told Page Six Style. “Their rich red color evokes a sense of strength and determination.”

Ruby is the birthstone for July — the birth month of Middleton’s eldest child, Prince George, who turned 12 last summer. The princess has a well-documented habit of wearing her family members’ birthstones, previously choosing pearls (Prince William’s June stone) and garnet (her own January stone) for meaningful engagements.

“The ruby may represent the optimism and perseverance that have marked her cancer journey, while also serving as a heartfelt nod to her eldest son,” Iarrusso said. “It’s a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful jewelry often carries layers of symbolism beyond what we see at first glance.”

She debuted the earrings in May 2025 for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when Prince George joined her at a Buckingham Palace tea party for World War II veterans, then wore them for Armistice Day in November — Prince George’s first time taking part in the Remembrance commemorations.

The set also bears a resemblance to a ruby and diamond pendant, earrings and ring Middleton wore during a royal tour of Poland in July 2017, right around Prince George’s fourth birthday. The current pieces have slightly different settings, but the connection is hard to miss.

At the reception, Middleton also spoke with TV presenter Davina McCall, who received the all clear from breast cancer earlier this year. McCall told the princess it was “an absolute honor” to meet her.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also attended the event, which was hosted by the king in his role as patron of Cancer Research UK since 2024.