The Princess of Wales was in Manchester on June 4, 2026, to visit The Christie, one of the UK’s leading cancer treatment centers. Catherine met with patients and healthcare professionals to learn firsthand about the work of complementary therapies alongside conventional clinical treatment.
The choice of Astley Clarke’s lapis lazuli necklace was not random. The piece, with a deep blue stone, debuted in virtual appointments during the Covid-19 lockdown and became a favorite in the princess’s everyday life. Four years ago, she wore it again in the city alongside Prince William to unveil the Glade of Light memorial, honoring the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.
Accessories with double meaning
In addition to the necklace, Catherine wore bee earrings from Vanleles, a symbol of the city of Manchester that represents resilience and collective work. She had already worn the accessory on the same occasion as the memorial in 2022. The blue Eponine London dress also matches the official color of the NHS, the British public healthcare system.
The visit took on an emotional tone. Witnesses reported moments of strong connection between the princess and patients, reinforcing the message that caring for integral well-being makes a difference in coping with the disease.
Why jewelry matters
Lapis lazuli is a stone historically associated with healing, wisdom, and serenity—qualities that resonate both in Catherine’s personal journey with cancer and in the daily work of The Christie. When repeating the play in Manchester, the princess unites three threads: her recovery, support for the city marked by terrorism and support for the healthcare system that serves thousands of cancer patients.
This combination of personal and local symbolism reinforces the royal family’s role in public health causes and demonstrates how small visual details can carry profound narratives.