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Duchess of Cambridge wows in Diana's tiara and Jenny Packham gown for Diplomatic Reception

The Duchess of Cambridge talks to guests at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace in London (PA)
The Duchess of Cambridge talks to guests at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace in London (PA)

The Duchess of Cambridge wore the late Princess Diana’s pearl and diamond tiara and earrings for the Queen’s annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night.

Kate wowed in a pale floor-length Jenny Packham gown with subtle sequin embellishments and organza short sleeves, as she arrived at the white-tie bash with husband William.

This is the sixth time Kate has donned the glittering headpiece, which is sometimes referred to as the Cambridge Lover’s Knot. However it is actually a replica of the original commissioned by Queen Mary in 1914 and was made by Garrard.

It was passed down to her granddaughter, the Queen, who then gave it to Diana as a wedding present in 1981.

The Duchess of Cambridge wows in Lover’s Knot tiara at the Queen’s annual Diplomatic Corps Reception (PA)
The Duchess of Cambridge wows in Lover’s Knot tiara at the Queen’s annual Diplomatic Corps Reception (PA)

Kate teamed the tiara with another tribute to Diana – her Collingwood diamond and pearl drop earrings. They were given to the late Princess of Wales as a wedding present from Collingwood jewellers.

The Duchess wore the jewels back in October for the Netherlands State Banquet, with an ice blue Alexander McQueen gown.

The Duchess wore the Royal Family Order for a third time – a personal gift from the Queen. The badge features an image of the Queen and Kate’s one is made of glass, not the traditional ivory – paying homage to her husband Prince William’s continuous conservation campaigning.

The Duchess wore the Royal Family Order (PA)
The Duchess wore the Royal Family Order (PA)

Earlier today, Kate and William hosted a Christmas party for partners and kids of deployed personnel from RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham serving in Cyprus. The pair made crackers and decorations with the children and even got involved in a fake snowball fight.

The Duchess, wearing a festive black Brora cardigan and tartan Emilia Wickstead skirt, also gave a heartfelt speech in which she recognised how hard it is to be away from family members at this time of the year.

William and Kate giggle as they’re covered in fake snow (Getty)
William and Kate giggle as they’re covered in fake snow (Getty)

She said: “As someone whose husband has served, I know how hard it feels when someone leaves home for the job they have trained for.

“But I can’t imagine how it feels when your loved ones are away on active service over Christmas or at special family moments.

“The absence of people we love must be especially hard at this time of year.”

Tomorrow the Duke and Duchess will fly to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to meet with serving personnel, families living on the base and members of the local community. They will deliver presents and cards to them from their families from today’s Christmas party.



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