Duchess Of Cambridge Dazzles In Bespoke Dress And Tiara At First State Banquet
Just a casual Tuesday night for the Duchess. [Photo: Getty]
The Duchess of Cambridge made her debut at her very first British state banquet in London last night.
The 33-year-old captured everyone’s attention in a shimmering bright red and cap-sleeved dress, reportedly custom-made for the occasion by Jenny Packham – one of the Kate’s go-to fashion designers.
But it was the Duchess’ tiara that everyone can’t get over. After much debate over which of the royal jewels she would wear, the mum-of-two opted to wear the Lotus Flower tiara – the same one she was spotted wearing at an event in 2013.
Kate looked stunning in a bespoke Jenny Packham gown. [Photo: Getty]
The priceless pearl and diamond piece first appeared in the 1920s, as part of the Queen Mother’s glittering collection. In 1959, the tiara, which is also known as the Papyrus Leaf, was given by the Queen Mother to Princess Margaret, but it passed back into the Royal Collection after her death.
While Kate’s attended all manner of high-profile black-tie events, she’s only donned a tiara twice before – once at her wedding in 2011 and at a white-tie reception almost two years ago. The Duchess wore the breathtaking Cartier Halo tiara when she tied the knot at Westminster Abbey and the Queen’s Papyrus tiara to the Diplomatic Reception in December 2013.
The 33-year-old was seated beside the Chinese president. [Photo: Getty]
Kate certainly suits the tiara-clad look. She made sure the Lotus Flower was as visible as possible by opting to sweep her hair up into an elegant chignon at the base of her neck. The last touches to her glam get-up were a fabulous pair of statement diamond earrings and two dazzling cuffs. Not to mention the Duchess’ giant engagement ring, of course.
It was a big night for the Duchess. Although she attended with Prince William (the occasion marked his first state banquet in Britain, too), it was Kate who was given the second best seat. She was seated to the right of the Chinese president – who the banquet was held in honour of – while the Queen was seated to his left.
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