Kate defeated Meghan in the war over hereditary jewelry

Catherine’s appearance came just weeks after another subtle but telling change in her public outings.

At the recent Royal Variety Performance, she and her future king husband William debuted an updated marital coat of arms for the first time since 2013.

The new design reflects William’s status as Prince of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022 and features the feathers of the Prince of Wales and the motto ‘Ich Dien’, meaning ‘I serve’.

A palace source said: “Everything about Catherine’s presentation right now is forward-looking. The jewelery, the symbols, the settings, it all speaks of queenship.”

Meghan’s Diana jewels, on the other hand, are considered deeply personal rather than dynastic.

A former palace aide said: “Meghan’s pieces are about inheritance through Harry. Catherine’s jewels are about the Crown. That distinction is hugely important within royal culture.”

Another source added: “You can’t underestimate the power of wearing the Queen’s diamonds. It’s a visual endorsement that Meghan simply doesn’t have.”

The renewed focus on jewelry has revived comparisons between the two women, who have long been portrayed as rivals since Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020.

While Meghan’s legacy links her directly to Diana’s memory, royal commentators say Catherine’s access to Queen Elizabeth’s collection puts her on a completely different plane.

As a senior royal insider told us: “This isn’t about sparkle, it’s about hierarchy.

“Catherine wearing the Queen’s jewels sends a message to Britain and the world: she is the one being groomed for the crown.”