It’s Jenny Packham for Paris Black Tie Dinner

The Duchess chose a bespoke Jenny Packham gown for tonight’s black-tie dinner in Paris.

Kate and William greeting their hosts for the evening, HM’s Ambassador to France, Edward Llewellyn, and his wife, Lady Anne Llewellyn.

William and Kate greet British ambassador Ed Llewellyn and his wife Anne. pic.twitter.com/8JdZWoUDYO

— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) March 17, 2017

Both women looked elegant in their evening gowns.

The Ambassador’s official residence, Hôtel Charost, was the location for dinner. 

Speaking with guests attending the function.

Another view of the couple. 

William delivered brief remarks; more via The Telegraph’s coverage:

The Duke used a short address at the  black tie dinner to deliver a message from his grandmother, the Queen.

Recalling her numerous visits to France during her reign, she said: “Although much has changed since my first visit, the ties between our nations have stood the test of time and will, I am sure, continue to prosper.”

It was a sparkling occasion with many notable names in attendance, more from Richard Palmer’s Daily Express story.

the future King…sat at a table of 10 between film stars Kristin Scott Thomas and Audrey Tautou..Kate sat opposite between film star Jean Reno and yachtsman Alex Thomson.

A children’s singing group entertained the guests.

For those wondering what was on the menu, The Telegraph has your answer:

On the menu was sole crown and Dublin Bay prawns, crayfish, braised leg of Welsh lamb with a seasonal vegetable garnish and roast potatoes with thyme, and an iced white and dark chocolate soufflé, butterscotch sauce with a pistachio and almond diamond shortbread for dessert.

Now for a look at what Kate wore this evening. The Duchess was in a bespoke gown by Jenny Packham, another of her ‘go-to’ designers for high profile functions.

From tonight’s column by The Telegraph’s digital fashion editor, Bethan Holt.

For a glittering black tie gala to celebrate the best of British and French relations and attended by Amelie star Audrey Tatou and Dame Kristen Scott-Thomas, Kate opted for a tried-and-tested equation courtesy of Jenny Packham, one of her go-to designers. The silver, delicately embellished design bears all the hallmarks of Packham’s signature dazzling eveningwear.

A closer look at the floral motif created by the beading and sequins.

This view shows the delicacy of the fabric and embellishment.

You can see the rhinestone center in each flower.

We saw the return of the Jenny Packham ‘Casa’ clutch.

And the Queen’s chandelier earrings.

Kate also brought back the diamond bracelet on loan from the Queen’s collection, a piece that is believed to have been re-purposed from a choker-style necklace worn by Queen Mary.

The Duchess wore her Platinum Lamé Cabrina pumps ($690) by Oscar de la Renta.

 Kate’s hair was partially up. 

The day’s earlier posts:

• Our post on the Catherine Walker coat worn for the Irish Guards shamrock ceremony may be read here.
• Our post on the Alexander McQueen dress Kate chose for this evening’s reception at the British Embassy in Paris may be read by clicking here.
• With apologies, our post on Kate & William’s arrival at the Élysée Palace isn’t quite finished and may not be until Saturday.

We will see you tomorrow for these engagements:

• The Duke and Duchess visit Les Invalides (also known as Hôtel National des Invalides), a group of monuments and museums related to the history of the French military. The couple will learn about the contemporary treatment of veterans; they will also meet those affected by the terrorist attacks at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris and the lorry attack in Nice on Bastille Day last year.
• William and Kate attend the France vs. Wales Six Nations Rugby Match at the Stade de France. William is vice-patron of the Welsh Rugby Union. The match begins at 3:45 local time, which is 9:45 am ET/ 6:45 am PT.

LINKAGE:

• Richard Palmer’s story in The Express is here;  Rebecca English’s photo-laden Daily Mail story is here;
• The Telegraph’s fashion story is here; Hello! Canada’s story and gallery may be seen here; the FugGirls brief story (which I know they’ll be supplementing) & gallery are here;