The Royals brought the glam at the Diplomatic Corps reception last night, an annual white tie event to thank those working in diplomacy in the UK. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a new style of evening gown from McQueen, and had some new jewellery on show!
Kate wore a new navy velvet gown from Alexander McQueen. With ruched sleeves and a sweeping v-neck, the dress is fitted in the bodice that flares out a little at the bottom. It is made from a deep navy velvet, with the colour only apparent in certain lights. We loved seeing something so different from the Duchess!
It also seemed serendipitous that she wore it the same day it was announced Diana’s Victor Edelstein dress (the ‘Travolta’ dress) had been bought by Historic Royal Palaces, so would be returning to Kensington Palace.
The Duchess teamed the glam gown with the Lovers’ knot tiara, her most frequently worn piece. See a close up of the piece at another event below. With a band of brilliant diamonds above the hairband, pearl drops are suspended – and free to swing – from lovers’ knots. Between the pearls and knots are undulating lines of diamonds, which peak with large brilliants.
The earrings were new on the Duchess, but have been worn by other royals before. Nine diamonds, arranged into a square and set on an angle form the stud, while a chandelier of diamonds moves into a cluster, then finally a large brilliant acts as a pendant of sorts They are from The Queen. View a better close up of The Queen wearing them here.
It is part of a set, that includes a necklace, which you can see The Countess of Wessex seems to have worn these earrings (and the necklace) at the American state banquet earlier this year.
We also saw the return of the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, first worn by Catherine in 2014. This was a wedding gift to The Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) in 1947, from the Nizam of Hyderabad in India, hence the piece’s name.
Of course, Kate wore her Royal Family Order – a painted cameo of The Queen surrounded by diamonds, topped with a Tudor crown on a yellow ribbon. A view of the order from the American State Banquet earlier this year, and last year’s reception.
We did spot a ring on Kate’s right hand, but pictures have been blurry and unhelpful.
Finally, the blue sash with red and white border was across the right shoulder to the left hip, plus a star on the left waist. This denotes The Duchess of Cambridge is a Grand Dame Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. This is also a personal gift from the Monarch for service.
As is often the case with gowns, we didn’t see Catherine’s shoes, but she has never been afraid to mix navy and black. She owns the Jimmy Choo ‘Romy’ heel in black velvet, although navy suede would have worked as they wouldn’t be on show all that much to cause a clash – perhaps her Prada navy heels?
You can get Kate’s evening style with these options:
Thanks to @regalmonarchist for finding the off the rack McQueen dress and to Emma4Royals for pointing out Sophie had worn the earrings and necklace.
