Kate was in Jenny Packham 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 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.
It turns out Kate was in serious glitter mode herself, wearing the Queen’s Nizam of Hyderabad diamond necklace.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many will remember the inky blue dress by Jenny Packham. We show Kate wearing it last October and again tonight.
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.
The frock remains available at Stylebop in very limited sizes; it retails for $5400.
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.
More information on the necklace may be found at Artemisia’s Royal Jewels and the 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.
Sydney Diamond Jewellers
Thursday 29th of January 2015
Kate looks beautiful and elegant in the inky blue gown. The diamond necklace she wore is stunning and compliments her. She looks amazing in the pictures. She is known for her simple dressing and she can carry off any look.
Suzanne
Monday 17th of February 2014
Are you sure that short, dark red dress with the black sash is the Sophia Rae from Whistles? It looks an awful lot like the Claret Red Silk Chffon maternity cocktail dress from Seraphine. We know she shops there and wasn't she pregnant at the time she wore it? http://www.seraphinematernity.com/v-neck-chiffon-cocktail-dress.html
AVERILL
Monday 17th of February 2014
Please, please leave Kate alone. There is nothing wrong with her long hair or her clothes. Some people are just jealous of her, and therefore the comments. She is a beautiful lady, Camilla must keep her nose out of Kate's business I would think.
AshleyOlivia
Friday 14th of February 2014
Bah, this is exactly what I was afraid of when I read the Daily Mail piece trumpeting more jewels from the Queen's collection for the Duchess. I know the general response was "hurray! bring out the bling!", but I for one really enjoyed the Duchess's signature, understated style. I love her minimalist jewelry (maybe the minimalist description isn't entirely apt, but almost every piece she wore previously is minimalist in comparison to this necklace). Perhaps this is a foolish thought of mine, since I always knew that eventually the palace would push her to start wearing more formal jewelry. However, I simply wished it wouldn't be quite so soon (though I've read reports that Wills and Kate are being asked to up their game as Prince Charles takes on more responsibilities). This necklace just doesn't look like the Kate we all know and love. Sigh.
The dress is lovely, but I agree with other commenters: pull the sleeves off the shoulder!
ElizaMo
Saturday 15th of February 2014
AshleyOlivia -- how lovely to hear from you! I'd been missing your calming presence... I agree seeing this kind of jewellery on Kate is a bit of a step change. I also suspect since it's so unlike her usual choices it must feel a bit alien to her as well and she has yet to work out how to show it off.
I've always assumed there's a bit of an obligation on the part of royalty to bring on the bling on certain occasions, visiting dignitaries especially might feel cheated at state banquets and the like unless there's all that going on. Royalty generates funds at events like the NPG, doesn't it? and I suppose it must help bring the big names along if a visiting royal puts on a bit of a show.
And as the Queen is stepping back, other ladies have to start stepping forward to dress up like Christmas trees! Kate gets the option on the whole caboodle one day, so I imagine it pays for her to start test driving items to see which she can live with.
Suzanne
Thursday 13th of February 2014
The necklace is beautiful but I have to agree with other posters that it does not really suit Kate. Perhaps with a different dress or an updo it would be an improvement but I really think it's just too heavy for her. I loved it on the Queen in the photo with the strapless dress. I don't love this dress either. The top of it just does not appeal to me. I'm so excited that she is wearing the Queen's jewels and am looking forward to more to come!