Skip to Content

The Duchess Shines in Jenny Packham & Queen’s Emeralds at Black Tie Dinner

The Duchess chose Jenny Packham for a formal dinner this evening hosted by Jamaica’s Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen.

Below, the Cambridges are welcomed by Sir Patrick and his wife, Lady Patricia Allen.

A video of the couple arriving. 

The Duchess and Sir Patrick. 

More from The Mirror’s story

As they arrived and were greeted by the Governor General Patrick Allen, William told them they had a “brilliant day” in Jamaica.

Kate added that she also had a “fantastic day” and said “thank you for having us back again”.

The Duchess and Lady Allen as they arrived for a reception before dinner.

The event was at King’s House, the Governor General’s official residence.

Here is a quick video. 

Prince William with the Governor General and Prime Minister.

About ninety guests were invited to the dinner. 

The Mirror reports the menu included roasted pumpkin and potato soup, pimento-smoked sea bass, and Suzette fanned crepes.

There were also formal photographs taken at this evening’s function.

Tonight is the couple’s last night in Jamaica; tomorrow, they head for the Bahamas.

Now for our look at what Kate wore for tonight’s party. 

She was in a dress by one of her go-to designers for both tour looks and formal engagements, Jenny Packham. The gown incorporates elements of the Ruffle Off-the-Shoulder Illusion Gown seen on the left (sold out) and the Wonder Glitter Tulle Gown ($5025). 

A closer look at dress details.

A side view. 

The piece features an oversized tulle ruffle at the neckline, a fitted bodice, a full, sweeping skirt, and an invisible back zipper.

Thank you to Laura and Regal Fille for their work on IDing the piece.  

UPDATE APRIL 3: It looks like the Duchess wore her green velvet Manolo Blahnik BB pumps ($695) first seen with the Vampire’s Wife dress worn in March 2020 to a reception in Dublin

The Duchess wore stunning jewelry on loan from the Queen, pieces from HM’s Emerald Tassel Parure.

From the Queen’s Jewel Vault. 

The set includes earrings, a necklace, a bracelet, and at least one ring…. The necklace and earrings incorporate diamonds and emeralds set in gold in a design of knots and tassels with emerald ends.

Below, HM wearing pieces from the set in May 2011 when hosting the Obamas for dinner.

And from The Court Jeweller

First worn in 1989 during a state visit from the United Arab Emirates, this modern suite of diamond and emerald jewelry includes a necklace, a bracelet, and coordinating earrings. The necklace and earrings are especially easy to identify, thanks to their elaborate tassel motifs.

Thoughts on the loan from The Court Jeweller’s Lauren Kiehna, via this story in The Telegraph

“Loans like this one shouldn’t be seen in terms of grandmotherly sentiment, but instead as a sign of institutional trust,” she says. “The Queen trusts the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to represent the Monarchy abroad, and jewellery loans like this one are part of that trust, given to help Kate wear the appropriate ‘uniform’ for the occasion. The Queen has also lent important jewels to other royals representing her on tours and visits, including the Countess of Wessex.”

Thank you to Royal Wikipedia for information about the jewelry. 

The Duchess wore her royal orders, special honors conferred by HM. On the left, her Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II, with its portrait of the monarch. In the center, her Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, a Maltese cross with a medallion depicting the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria on a red background, surrounded by a blue ring bearing the order’s motto, with a Tudor crown at the top. 

Her hair was in an elaborate updo. 

One more photo from tonight.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The initial quote from The Court Jeweller referenced rubies, obviously not at all relevant to last night! Thanks to those who pointed it out. 

 

Pin It

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Shirley

Monday 16th of May 2022

Beyond stunning - this is so regal and royal. Her hair - gorgeous. Jewels - perfect.

Stacey

Monday 28th of March 2022

Well said.

Constance Farrah

Sunday 27th of March 2022

Prince William stunned in his Perfect Tux while Duchess Kate wore her gorgeous Green gown with perfectly matching Jewels from Her Magesty, Queen Elizabeth ll Elegance is in style!

Zell

Saturday 26th of March 2022

Adore! Adore! Adore! What more can I say? This lovely gown is what Dreams are made of! Kate is giving us all something to dream about! Something to take us away from the drab humdrum if life. She's participating in a beautiful Fairy Tale for our benefit. And yes, of course she is a real woman with a real life and problems and challenges, which are not to be downplayed - but when it comes to donning a dreamy, sparkly gown for an important occasion, Kate transforms into a true Fairy Tale Princess, of immense elegance and beauty. This gown is Gorgeous on her, as are the Queen's jewels. Kate is dressing as beautifully as Diana once did. I think Diana, in Heaven, is happy that Kate looks so lovely and that she appears to very much enjoy dressing up beautiful, unapologetically romantic gowns that sparkle under the lights and inspire glitter-spun daydreams that drive out the doldrums of those who admire Kate.

Ava+Pittman

Friday 25th of March 2022

The Duchess looks splendid, the ballgown suits her beautifully. Hair and makeup perfect. Her jewels are stunning.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.