Kate Middleton looks sombre in black netted hat and pearl necklace as she arrives at Prince Philip’s funeral

KATE Middleton cut a sombre figure in a netted hat and pearls as she arrived at Prince Philip’s funeral.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, wore a sleek midi dress under a full-length black coat as she arrived at Windsor Castle ahead of the ceremony.

Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates

i-Images

Kate wore a sleek black dress under a midi coat and finished off her look with a set of pearls and a black netted hat[/caption]

In accordance with coronavirus guidelines, the mum-of-three wore a black face mask for the funeral – which is only being attended by 30 mourners.

Keeping her mourning outfit stylish and simple, the Duchess opted for some suede black court heels and sheer tights.

Finishing off her understated look, Kate – known for her big bouncy blow-dried hair – styled her locks in a neat-up do and paired it with a black hat with netted detail at the front.

She also used the sad occasion as an opportunity to pay tribute to The Queen and Princess Diana with her choice of pearl necklace.

i-Images

Kate stood with other mourners at the entrance of St George’s Chapel[/caption]

Chris Eades

The Duchess wore a black face mask in accordance with coronavirus guidelines[/caption]

PA

The Queen lent Princess Diana the four-stand pearl necklace for her trip to The Netherlands in 1982[/caption]

While The Queen often wore the priceless necklace during the 1980s, she leant the four-strand choker to Princess Diana for a state banquet in the Netherlands in 1982.

For Prince Philip‘s funeral, Kate paired the family heirloom with a set of matching pearl drop earrings – which belong to The Queen’s collection too.

The Duke of Edinburgh – Britain’s longest-serving consort – is being laid to rest in a scaled-back, Covid-secure ceremony at 3pm honouring his service.

The proceedings started at 11am today when his coffin was moved from the private chapel to the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle.

It comes as:

• Harry and William will be reunited before the funeral for the first time in a year
• Meghan Markle is going to watch the service on a live stream from the US
• The funeral will be scaled-back due to Covid but the duke’s personality is peppered throughout
• The full route his coffin will take on his final journey has been revealed
• A ring of steel has been placed around Windsor as cops search drains and comb the river

Philip’s casket is covered with his personal standard along with his sword, naval cap and a wreath of flowers.

The coffin was moved by the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, where Philip was a colonel for 42 years.

From there, Philip will be placed in the modified military green Land Rover he spent 16 years adapting to take him on his final journey.

In more Royal Family news, Kate Middleton paid a touching nod to Diana AND the Queen as she wears pearl choker Monarch loaned to Princess.

And this is the adorable nickname Prince Philip’s mum used in loving letters to the Duke revealed – and it will melt your heart.

Plus the Royal Family paid heartwarming tribute to Prince Philip as they revealed the ‘unique touches’ Duke planned for his funeral.