Kate debuts new love token necklace

The Princess of Wales debuted a new Daniella Draper necklace symbolising 'love and connection' as she met the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, in London today. She was joined by Prince William at Lambeth Palace for an introduction to the first woman to hold the role of head of the Church of England. The royal, 44, looked on trend in a custom Edeline Lee textured midi dress, and showcased her engraved Gold Keeper's Heart Trace Chain Necklace, which retails at £1,555 ($2k) for the first time at the engagement. The elegant chain, handcrafted in England using recycled 9-carat gold, is engraved with a handwritten message, although it's not clear what the inscription says. The family-run London-based brand, which uses sustainably sourced materials, credits its inspiration to nature, much like Kate herself.

And it's not her first piece from the brand; Kate donned a Daniella Draper design at Wimbledon last year, with the sentimental piece serving as a tribute to Prince Louis, who, unlike Prince George and Princess Charlotte, didn't attend the sporting event. Kate kept her youngest son close to her heart in his absence, as the gems featured in the piece were the birthstone for April, the month Louis was born. For today's event, Kate completed her ensemble with a longline custom brown coat from Catherine Walker and heels from Gianvito Rossi. She unexpectedly joined William at Lambeth Palace as he held a half-hour meeting with the first female to hold the top role in the Church of England's 1,400-year history.

Separately, they also met with the leader of the Ismaili Muslims, Aga Khan, with the heir to the throne pictured shaking hands with him outside Kensington Palace. In a post on social media, the Prince and Princess of Wales said it was 'a pleasure' to welcome Mr Khan to the palace on Thursday morning. The couple were greeted by Dame Sarah on the steps of her London residence, offering a brief curtsey and shaking both warmly by the hand. While neither are regular churchgoers, it has been reported that the Princess turned more to her faith during her recent cancer battle. The meeting marked a significant moment in the future king and queen's relationship with the Church, with royal sources saying the couple were 'looking forward to spending time with Archbishop Sarah and building a strong working relationship with her'.

William will also attend her formal Installation at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25. In the Archbishop's study, the royal encounter was relaxed. William cracked a self-deprecating joke and asked how she was finding her way around the sprawling palace and grounds. Kate focused on the gardens and their potential as spaces for reflection and calm for clergy and visitors alike. It is understood the visit reflected the importance the royal couple place on faith and their desire to build a strong working relationship with the senior cleric. Lambeth Palace said after the meeting the trio discussed the contribution of churches around the country to their communities, and William and Kate's work through their Royal Foundation. The Archbishop said afterwards: 'It was a privilege to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales to Lambeth Palace today. I know we hold the same hope for a better world and I look forward to working together in the years to come. I will continue to hold them and their family in my prayers.'

As their informal chat began, with an afternoon tea of cakes and fruit salad on a nearby table, the trio discussed Lambeth Palace's garden outside a window. When Dame Sarah commented that in her previous role as the Bishop of London the deanery had a 'small patch of ground', Kate said about central London: 'It's amazing how much green space there is.' William asked Dame Sarah if she knew the layout of Lambeth Palace yet and was told she is 'getting there'. She was confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at St Paul's Cathedral last week, and on Wednesday she made the oath of allegiance to the sovereign in a traditional ceremony dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I.