Kate was in for tonight’s black tie function at the National Portrait Gallery, the annual Portrait Gala.
Royal photographer Mark Stewart predicted it would be a glittering evening and he was correct. The Daily Mirror’s Victoria Murphy shared this photo of the the stairs heading into the gala event, it set the tone for the night.
Victoria Murphy/The Mirror
The Duchess wore the inky blue Jenny Packham gown first seen at October’s 100 Women in Hedge Funds dinner. It was Kate’s jewelry that created the most chatter however. More specifically, the shining, shimmering diamond necklace loaned to her by the Queen.
Weir Photos / Splash News
It turns out Kate was in serious glitter mode herself, wearing the Queen’s Nizam of Hyderabad diamond necklace.
TPG/SplashNews.com
The necklace was a wedding gift for the then-Princess Elizabeth. More from the Artemisia’s Royal Jewels blog.
One of the most beautiful gifts came from the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nizam was the owner of one of the most celebrated and largest private jewellery collections in the world, and his gift was suitably impressive – a demi-parure of a tiara and necklace.The necklace was purchased from Cartier.
Actually, in a way it was acquired by Elizabeth herself: the Nizam wasn’t in London at the time and left Cartier instructions that the Princess will personally choose her present.
Below you see HM wearing the necklace in a photo used for the cover of Elizabeth: Reigning in Style, a study of the Queen’s wardrobe over the decades.
Anova Books
Written by Jane Eastoe and published in 2012, the book remains available from the publisher. Our thanks to Trisha for the tip on what looks like an outstanding book. Below, another look inside, with different lighting.
Alastair Grant/WPA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris
The Royal Collection has a good photo of the necklace.
The Royal Collection
From the Royal Collection description:
The double drop pendant, which incorporates 13 emerald-cut diamonds, is detachable from the chain of 38 brilliant-cut open-back collets.
Alastair Grant/WPA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris
This is the most valuable piece of the Queen’s jewelry we have seen Kate wear. As others have noted, this type of statement jewelry is in sync with the recent Daily Mail story discussed in this post.
Stephen Lock / i-Images / Polaris
As you may have noted in the photographs, Kate was wearing the diamond earrings believed to be a gift from Prince Charles. They are becoming a favorite for Kate.
Splash News
Many will remember the inky blue dress by Jenny Packham. We show Kate wearing it last October and again tonight.
PA Wire/Splash News
The silk gown was from last fall’s collection. It featured sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder, a deep vee neckline both front and back, and a black velvet sash at the waist.
Stylebop
The frock remains available at Stylebop in very limited sizes; it retails for $5400.
Today also happened to be the day Jenny Packham showed her fall 2014 collection in New York, there are some stunning dresses. We’ll have more on that collection in the next few days.
Jenny Packham Facebook
Kate also made brief remarks at the gala; more from the Mirror‘s live blog of the event:
“I just wanted to say how delighted I am to be here this evening to celebrate the fantastic work of The National Portrait Gallery.
“The Gallery’s achievements are exceptional.
“They hold the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, and their unique and brilliant exhibitions never fail to inspire us all.
Since becoming the organization’s Patron Kate has visited the Gallery several times. Below we see her wearing dresses from Emilia Wickstead (a bespoke piece), Stella McCartney (the Ridley Stretch dress), and Whistles (the Sophie Rae dress).
Splash News/John Stillwell-PA Wire/Splash News
More information on the necklace may be found at Artemisia’s Royal Jewels, Royal Order of Splendor.
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Also today, congratulations to Catherine Elizabeth, she won our giveaway for a gift basket filled with chocolate and books from author Megan Mulry. The reason Catherine is fond of Kate’s style?
I think she has remained true to herself. She just seems comfortable in whatever she has on. Her natural beauty is her biggest accessory. Classic and elegant, whether in jeans or an evening gown.
Catherine, if you haven’t already done so, please get in touch so we can get your gift basket on its way. (Email: Susan@WhatKateWore.com)
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We’ll see you Friday Kate officially opens The ICAP Art Room at Northolt High School, Ealing, London.