Tuesday 5 December 2023

The Princess Repeats Glittering Look from Jordan Royal Wedding for Diplomatic Reception

Do you all remember the days when we looked forward to the Diplomatic Reception knowing we would see only a mere glimpse of car arrival/departure photos? Thankfully, it all changed in 2018, when the King (then Prince of Wales) reportedly decided it was time to open up the event and permit a photographer to cover it. It is one of only two white-tie events where we see the royal ladies don their tiara and full regalia (the other being State Banquets) so it's certainly one to watch (perhaps even the one to watch) for royal watchers. 

Ahead of the event, a new official portrait of King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales was released. Taken by Chris Jackson in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, it echoes an image released from the event in 2016 of the four royals with the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (included later in the post). Queen Camilla styled a white gown with the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, the Queen Mother's stomacher brooch and diamond earrings. 

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The glittering event got underway shortly after 8.30 p.m. It's quite a late one and most likely scheduled to allow for the varying schedules of those in attendance.

There are over 170 foreign missions accredited to the court of St James's in London (St James's Palace is still the senior palace and official residence of the sovereign). 

Each year, the monarch throws a reception in their honour and members of the Royal family in attendance make a point of meeting with each one.

Guests were welcomed to the palace ballroom, which at 36.6m long, 18m wide and 13.5m high, is the largest multi-purpose room in Buckingham Palace. It was opened in 1856 with a ball to celebrate the end of the Crimean War. The majestic room is used for State banquets (most recently hosting the South Korean banquet last month).

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The Princess meeting guests.

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A quick refresher of Kate's Diplomatic appearances over the years. For her first Diplomatic Reception outing in 2013, Kate wore a bespoke McQueen gown and the late Queen Mother's Lotus Flower tiara. It was a very memorable event as it marked the first white-tie reception the couple had attended and Kate's first tiara appearance since her wedding.

We saw a glimpse of the McQueen gown in 2015 when a brief piece of video was included in the documentary Our Queen at 90. It was a significant night for royal watchers as Kate debuted the much adored Lovers' Knot tiara.

With a finger on the pulse of transition, Buckingham Palace shared a rare portrait from the 2016 event with Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Cambridges. Kate donned her sweeping red Jenny Packham gown. Six years later, and with the passing of the family matriarch and patriarch, there's an added poignancy to seeing it again.

In 2017, Kate chose a beautiful white embellished gown complemented by Diana's earrings and the Queen's stunning diamond collet necklace.

In 2018, it was a princess moment for Kate in a Jenny Packham gown with delicate beading, sheer overlay and a full skirt with the Lovers Knot tiara.

And in 2019, it was velvet Alexander McQueen, the Lovers' Knot, the Queen's commanding Nizam of Hyderabad necklace and the Queen's Diamond Chandelier Drop Demi-Parure earrings.

Last year, following a break due to the pandemic, Kate dazzled in a festive red Jenny Packham gown. Similarly to tonight, Kate wore her hair down and sported the Lotus Flower.

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Tonight, many of us did a double take when we saw Kate's look.

The Princess repeated all elements of the look she wore for the Jordan royal wedding in June beginning with the shimmering pink Jenny Packham gown. 

In the image below, you can see the embellishment on the neckline and tailored silhouette.

After the debut of the Strathmore Rose tiara last month (I do hope we see it again), Kate returned to the Lover's Knot tonight. 

The tiara features elements of the Gothic Revival style. The circle of the Cambridge Lover's Knot is made up of a lower semi-circular band, set with a row of brilliant cut diamonds. Where two adjacent arches meet, a pillar-like structure is formed that rises up and ends in a round diamond, forming a diamond spike. There are nineteen diamond spikes of this nature and the size gradually decreases from the centre towards both ends. We've previously discussed just how heavy Diana found it, sometimes opting to borrow the Spencer family tiara, as she found it headache inducing. It is a substantial piece.

The Princess wore the fabulous Greville Chandelier earrings again. The stunning earrings were a wedding gift to the then Princess Elizabeth from her parents in 1947 (originating from Mrs Greville's bequest). According to the Royal Collection Trust: "Their design incorporates a lexicon of modern diamond cuts, including half-moon, trapeze, square, baguette, baton and emerald."

Below, Queen Elizabeth II wearing the earrings at the White House whilst dancing with President Gerald Ford in 1976.

The ribbon on Kate's Royal Family Order has been folded (you'll notice same with Camilla). I suspect it's in preparation for Charles distributing his order and in an effort to ensure both will look neat together moving forward. Below, a before and after shot of Kate's RFO. 

Once again, Kate used her divine diamond Bentley & Skinner brooch to secure the sash. The piece is described as: "An Art Deco diamond set brooch, of rectangular shape with corners cut away, with an openwork pattern comprising of a central, round brilliant-cut diamond with an estimated weight of 0.35 carat, with a baguette-cut diamond to the top and bottom of the rectangle, total estimated diamond weight 4.5 carats, all mounted in platinum, circa 1920." I have long suspected it may have been a gift from the King.

The Princess donned her GCVO regalia. In April 2019, to coincide with William and Kate's eighth wedding anniversary, the Queen appointed her granddaughter-in-law Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order for services to the Sovereign. The Royal Victorian Order was established in 1896 by Queen Victoria to recognize personal service to the monarch. Like the Royal Family Order, the blue sash with red and white trim and the star of the order will be worn at white-tie occasions throughout Kate's life.

Kate completed the look with her pink satin Prada clutch.

On that note, I'll see you Friday evening for Kate's annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

70 comments:

  1. Very regal and a very successful rewear from the Princess. She looked amazing. That dress is stunning on her. I love to see her wearing the Cambridge tiara. It really looks like it was made for her. The earrings are simply a work of art in diamond's. If I could change anything tonight, it would be worn with Queen Victoria's pearl earrings and the Cambridge pearl brooch. All in good time I suppose. Thanks Charlotte, looking forward to the carol service already. It's lovely to watch on Christmas eve. S.🙂.

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  2. Wowza, what a dress. I love getting a better look at it in these photos! It’s a work of art, truly. She looks stunning.

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  3. Thank you for the trip down memory lane. I love the necklace she wore in 2017 and hope she wears it again. My overall favourite appearance was the dramatic black dress in 2019. Today's look was unexpected. I think she should have changed up something; in this case, wearing her hair up would have been good. However, I think she's having a tough time at the moment and carrying on anyway so, hats off to her. Charlotte, there's a mistake in your post. When you were describing last year's appearance, you got the name of the tiara wrong. I hope you're recovered now.

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    1. ABCD, I Have to agree with most of your points. The Queens collet necklace was stunning on her in 2017. I would love to see it worn with a pendant. Diana's Saudi sapphire or Cambridge pearl. Hair up would of definitely changed the same look for the better and would of been a more formal look for the white tie. I really don't think that she is having a tough time at the moment. She is well able to rise above negative headlines. She is after all the future Queen and was trained for the job by the best in the world. I thought about that myself last night and I was reminded of the comparisons made about her with the Queen Mother. I think it was " iron fist in a velvet glove". She is a very strong woman and even if upset we will never know unless there is a court case. I'm just speaking for myself now but I really find it boring reading or going over old news. I like to think of the late Queen smiling down on them saying that's how it is done. Keep smiling and get on with the job. When the Royals entered the Royal Albert hall last week, everyone in attendance took to their feet to applaud them. I have no doubt that was the British public saying we love you and are with you to their future Queen. She is very much loved and respected. I'm just hoping that she takes to the piano again at the carol service. She is flawless and I would think gets great strength and comfort from the support of the British people. S.🙂.

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    2. I agree, S. Kate is a strong woman, and she carries on. I think she also gets confort from her family.

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    3. I believe the 2019 dress was a midnight blue, not black.

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    4. I like your pendant idea, with the right stone it would look amazing!

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    5. I disagree, S. Yes, of course Kate looks beautiful. But character and integrity are just as important as beauty, especially for a senior member of the royal family. Yes, the British public may reflexively come to her defense, but this doesn't absolve her of the serious allegations. They need to be addressed or they will be a dark mark on the history of the monarchy, and certainly will not play well with people of color in Britain and the Commonwealth.

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    6. I'm attempting to reply to Anon who posted 06/12 at 16.07. I agree with you that serious allegations should be a major concern. But in this case, no serious allegations have been made in enough detail that they can be investigated. I believe innocent until guilty is an important principle. Prince Harry's reluctance to engage with this is notable, (he accused the press of massively exaggerating the issue). Regardless of which 'side' anybody is on, I think all parties will have had a difficult week. It can't possibly be enjoyable to have this kind of thing in the papers, etc.

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    7. 16.07. When I made reference to the Princess of Wales beauty, I was talking about her natural beauty. The kind that comes from inside. It is shown when she interacts with people and the kindness and empathy she shows. The Princess of Wales doesn't need to absole herself from anything. She is one of the best assets that the Royal family has. She is very much loved by most of the people. Her people when she becomes their Queen. She is a very classy Lady who has been very well brought up. A credit to her parents. S.🙂.

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    8. She has shown time and again she has both caracter and integrity. There are no serious allegations, only an unfounded rumor, that legally should qualify as libel. The author managed by clever manipulation to avoid responsibility which doesn't say much about his own integrity.

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    9. Natacha, you have brilliantly articulated, in just a few sentences, the entire issue, of Kate being unfairly targeted. The "author" is a sleazy gossip writer...and not one with credibility or integrity.

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    10. I am here to agree with Anon 16.07. There have been rumours of racism from a number of different sources, and given the King is head of a very multi cultural Commonwealth, I think failing to address the issues is naive and will not reflect well over time. I don’t know anyone who has any interest in the royal family - and that is from a wide ranging age group of friends, colleagues, my grown children and more. The ardent royalists continue to enjoy the pomp etc, which is absolutely fine, but to move on to the next generation I think they need to show more change. And ‘never complain, never explain’ just doesn’t work for me. Charles has talked a lot for years about a smaller, fresher monarchy, and William also is beginning to say he wants yet more change. For me, that means in the current age, they need to take more direct responsibility and answer their critics rather than ignore them. This is perhaps not a popular opinion on this blog, but I believe my argument is reasoned and not intended to be personally disrespectful to any individual. I just want the institution, the ‘men in grey’ as Diana called them, and the British media to modernise their ways. LRB

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    11. I find the latest allegation to pale by all that has occurred over the past years frankly. I lay the blame on Charles. The siblings of the others (of Anne, Edward, and Andrew) are very close and kind to each other. It could have been that way with W and H.

      I don't think Kate or Charles is racist. Nonetheless, there is a hugely influential palace machine behind the working royals, run by people with their own agenda, and Kate has really all the support anyone needs. I think what is in Obie's book will not make any difference in people's opinions.

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    12. The allegations are just that, allegations. It is quite possible they were discussing physical characteristics as nearly everyone does prior to a baby's birth. Harry even joked about the ginger gene sneaking through on national TV. Its very possible that H&M took a normal conversation as "racist" based on their frustration with the media. None of this adds up, KC and Catherine work with diverse populations and are always positive. The only "mark" left is a negative reflection of the public wishing the worst of every situation. We've all been in family situations where one person heard something in a completely different light. Thank goodness no one captures everything that happens in my life!!!!

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    13. Agree with your 23:48 comment ABCD! Factual and to the point.

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    14. Hello all, I'd like to weigh in on the conversation if I may. Harry overheard two senior royals expressing concern about what Archie's potential skin color would look like in family photos. Not musing or wondering. But expressing concern. I suppose interpretations of that vary as well, but I hope we can agree that Harry didn't take it positively.

      I'm not surprised and neither should anyone else, really. The British aristocracy is not known for its left leaning ways, and it's quite well known the queen mother and Margaret held racist views. Kate wanted the life, it doesn't surprise me a bit that she would feel that way. She is no fan of meghan either and, yes, I think she either said or agreed with the "concern" being expressed. I'm just not sure if the other party was Charles, or whether it was William.

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    15. I would also like to add. The late Queen made harry and his wife The President and vice president of The Queen's Commonwealth trust. Now just for a second think about this. How diverse and multi cultural Britain is. Then you have the Commonwealth. Would it not make very good optics to have mixed race children in the family. Regardless of the colour of their skin. Step back from all the noise and what you have is a very sad situation. A broken family with hurt on all sides, and remember hurt people,hurt people. Unfortunately there's 5 beautiful innocent Children in the middle of all this. Not having a relationship with each other and those prescious childhood memories. Two Grandfather's not seeing their grandchildren, two uncles not seeing their only nieces and nephews. Princess Diana would be devastated to see how this has played out. My wish is for a line to be drawn and hopefully let time do what it does best, bring healing. Very sad, especially at this time of the year and with all that is going on in the world. Looking forward to your post later Charlotte. S.🙂.

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    16. I agree, Bluhare (and other PPs). I honestly don't know how you can express 'concern' about skin colour and not be racist. But I'm conscious of the fact that Meghan wasn't present when this conversation took place and that Harry has since said he knows it wasn't racist but 'unconscious bias'. There was some confusion about whether this was a conversation that took place early in their relationship before marriage or when Meghan was pregnant. My view is that we don't know enough to draw any conclusion and that the royals can't defend themselves when no specific allegation has been made. It's a complicated and difficult situation all round.

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    17. ABCD, I have to agree with you view I think the very same myself. Yes there does seem to be a lot of confusion here and no facts. S.🙂.

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    18. I want to thank those in this conversation for being thoughtful.

      Agree, none if us were there so we don't know what was said, but I don't think Harry would pull something out of thin air either. Something was said, and Kate was involved in the conversation.

      And now the Kate redemption pr is in full swing.

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    19. @Anonymous Your words are so apt, articulate and an empathic look at the sad situation. "ep back from all the noise and what you have is a very sad situation. A broken family with hurt on all sides" Certainly not what anyone who grew up watching Diana's boys envisioned for them. May peace be found and restored.

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    20. I think there is a lot of projection and amalgam in you reasoning, Bluehare. The only thing we know for sure is that Harry said the conversation wasn't racist, not knowing his family. That's enough for me, as he was the one present and has never minced words when speaking about them. Meghan was the one who used the word concern. She wasn't present and she is not always accurate. Anyway, the worst of this last episode is that there is no clear accusation, no one takes responsibility, they don't mention names, it happened unbeknownst , by accident. A cowardly way to start a rumor and one that it is impossible to fight.

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    21. Bluehare, I forgot to reply sooner. Glad I didn't because I only read your first sentence. The redemption of The Princess of Wales has started. what exactly for? I'm not sure if you see things like most people but I see the rise of the Princess of Wales and the future Queen of the United Kingdom. Very slowly with the love and support of the people. I can't believe I'm responding to a second hand news story with abously no source. I'm all about facts and the truth. I suggest you Google the sales of that book.S.🙂.

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    22. bluhare, my feeling is that while one can debate whether the conversation over what Archie and Lili would look like is racist or merely curious, the way Harry was raised and the way Meghan was sacrificed are more appalling. I don't understand how Charles could and can allow that treatment. And they continue to ignore Archie and Lili. It's just crazy to push "family" while half are treated so badly.

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  4. She seems to love that tiara, and it suits her so well. I wonder if it's been altered somehow, so as not to induce headaches anymore.

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    1. I would imagine the headaches would be from the weight of the tiara, so some gems would have to be taken away to make it weigh less. To my eye, this tiara looks exactly the same as it was when Diana wore it. Perhaps Kate just has more tolerance to pain.

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  5. Good golly how many carats are in those earrings!

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  6. Kate looks stunning. I am more thrilled about Q. Camilla wearing the tassel and Girls of great Britain n Ireland. Tiara. My favourite tiara. I think we will get to see glimpses of royal jewellery with Camilla.. cant wait.

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  7. She looks so much better in the Lotus tiara.

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  8. Kudos for her for a rewear! It is not my favorite evening gown, but it is very pretty and I suspect she feels gorgeous in it. I love the earrings! She looks gorgeous and her hair is lovely. If I have a tiny "wish I could change" item it would be different shoes. Ali

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  9. I loved this look at the Jordanian wedding and I love it here. I do hope we start to see some different tiaras in the new year. I hope all of the ladies (Kate, Sophie, Anne and Camilla) dip into the vault and bring some different jewels out.

    I also loved what Kate and Charlotte wore for Charles’s coronation - I don’t think they’ll be an opportunity for a headwear rewear but I’d love to see them again.

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    1. I hope for Sophie especially she gets to borrow some new jewels! She only ever gets the one tiara and it's not a great one!

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  10. I do love those earrings -- I think they are prettier when not worn, so you can appreciate the various shapes.

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  11. is these she wear at the Jordan royal wedding Wow what a lovely gown. I love getting a better look at it in these photos!

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  12. is these she wear at the Jordan royal wedding Wow what a lovely gown. I love getting a better look at it in these photos!

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  13. The princess of wales looks elegant again BTW is thee gown she wore at Jordan royal wedding Wow, what a dress. I love the gown look at it in these photos!

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  14. Is the woman in the black and gold dress standing slightly behind Catherine in several of the photos her aide at these events? If yes, who is she and does she work full time for Catherine? Ali

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    1. I really like that black and gold gown, with the black gloves. Stunning!

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    2. I agree, she had a very understated, but elegant look! Love the gloves!

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  15. Its splendid to see a rewear of this gorgeous gown, one of my favorites. The color and embellishments are stunning. Love the earrings and brooch. The tiara looks lovely, with her hair down. The blush clutch is beautiful. A wonderful presentation.

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  16. I finally got a chance to watch the movie "Barbie" today, so I was very ready to see a pink gown on this occasion. That may not make a lot of sense, but Kate's gown is perfect for this reception and looks very well in the official photo. I did think back when the 2016 photo was taken that it was sort of too bad that Kate was wearing that very bright red in vivid contrast to the queen and Camilla in white. I think pink strikes the right note of difference without shouting "look at me!" I do love the Greville earrings and the Cambridge tiara. But I am in agreement with others who said they'd have liked to see a slight difference between the Jordan wedding appearance and this, by seeing her hair up or in another style than simply down.

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    1. Oh lovely! And what were your thoughts on the Barbie movie, what did you think? Any 3 things that stood out or spoke to you perhaps

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    2. @Michelle 6 Dec 2023 at 21:00--I was pleased to see several philosophical issues raised in the Barbie movie. Equality between the sexes was given a nuanced look, not just a whack on the side of the head. The toxicity of capitalistic culture got a nod. Finally, for all its feel-good conclusions, the movie ended with a weird vibe that nonconforming is still unacceptable.

      I'm so late replying that you may never see this, but oh well! Thanks for asking.

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  17. I am happy that Kate gave us this opportunity to see this outfit again. In Jordan it didn't impress me quite as much. Was it the worse quality of the pictures, or rather the lavishness of the other guests-that emerald belt!, I hadn't noticed how sparkling she looked.
    And those earrings are magnificent, they suit her long and graceful neck so well. The hair down showcases them perfectly. IMO, she is the best wearer, better than the Queen or the Queen Mother.

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  18. I think everyone knows I am not a fan of the Lover's Knot. Especially when worn as a glittery headband. Maybe I am getting used to it though- With a bit more volume in the front this outing would have been okey-ish. I think Kate looks great in sequins. Some people can't help it but look rather cheap (me inluded) but Kate always looks elegant when she wears them. I massivly dislike the neckline, but what else is new. The vinatge pink is not exactly the best colour for Kate. Like Charlotte I was hoping to see the Strathmore Rose again (-with a different hairstyle though). Such a beautiful piece. The Lover's Knot while impressive, still feels over exposed even though I am too young to have lived through Diana's big presence.

    I love the Girls of Great Britian and Ireland and I do think Camilla can pull off a lot of pieces extremlx well. The Girls didn't work this time though. Maybe this tiara deserved a bit of break away from the public eye? To be brought back for Charlotte maybe
    C.

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    1. I think the hair down is a perfect backdrop for the impressive earrings. And I can't pinpoint it exactly but there is a difference in the hairdo, is it softer, less severe? Somehow it looks better than at the Jordan wedding. I don't think she such a choice of tiaras. I was very happy she was offered the Stratmore but I guess all the big guns will be for Camilla.
      As for the girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, I think it isn't the best tiara for Camilla. Too delicate and her hair doesn’t do it justice.She was stunning in rubies at the state banquet. It is interesting, for the Queen's tiaras look completely different on Camilla.

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    2. Camilla wore 'big guns' when she was married to the Prince of Wales (i.e. before she was Queen). I'm not completely sure that Kate is as interested as some of us are in big jewels though! I do think her delicate build might suit the more lightweight tiaras. I'd be quite happy to see her in her wedding tiara again. I am really hoping she does get the opportunity to mix it up. I think she'd look good in Beatrice's wedding tiara (a diamond fringe).

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    3. @Natacha: I think her hair worked a bit better because it was voluminous and curly in the back. Big tiaras need big hair. Otherwise the balance is way off.

      @ABCDE I agree. Kate most definitely should bring the Cartier Halo back. It is a beautiful piece. If she insists to stay away from up dos with lots if height and volume she should stick to the smaller tiaras. I also agree that I don't think Kate has big interests in wearing the big guns. But honestly, I think that's part of the job. She needs to find a good way to wear them and get used to it. Covering the base in hair properly would be a good start *cough cough*
      Camilla got two very impressive pieces on loan when she married Charles. Especially the Dehli Durbar is quite the significant tiara. Created as crown to be worn in India at the durbar for the coronation of Queen Mary as Emperess of India along side George V. as Emperor. It was a lot of symoblism to loan it to the new Princess of Wales and was a foreshadowing to the fact that she would not only be Queen one day but also finally using the titel she actually holds. The Greville taira was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth and I always thought it was a nice touch to loan it to Camilla, when her husband was so close to his grandmother.
      C.

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    4. As duchess of Cornwall Camilla wore a huge tiara from the Queen Mother and I think another one. She didn't have the possibilities she now has. I don't think she will lend Kate the two tiaras she wore before, but who nows. I would love to see Kate in the diamond fringe worn by Beatrice.
      I get the impression what you wear it is not a personal choice but what you have access to?

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  19. This is a really pretty look, and how nice to show off this dress again! They look great as a couple, too. I love these earrings and the tiara looks pretty with her hair down. Thanks Charlotte! Sue from IL

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    1. I don’t comment often but am an avid follower of this blog. I want to say how much I appreciate your comments, Sue. You are always so kind and positive in your observations. Ro from Chicago

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  20. I wish I could look 1 tenth that good!! How does she manage all these events in heels! simply sublime.

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  21. I really love this gown and how she styled her look tonight even if it was a repeat. Any idea how she wears those heavy earrings without tearing her ear piercings?? Because they are real gems/diamonds I assume they must be incredibly heavy.

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  22. I love the lines of this dress, but I've commented before that I am not a fan of the all-sequin look -- it's just too much glitter -- and I don't think this blush-pink shade really flatters the Princess. She looks much better in richer, more saturated or intense hues.

    I am also not wild about this tiara, as I think I've said before, too. I'm sure it IS heavy, because it looks heavy. If I had to wear a tiara from the royal collection, I'd go for one of the lighter, all-diamond pieces, such as the Lotus Flower or Halo Tiara. Mixing diamonds and pearls in such a heavy-looking and elaborate piece worn with an all-sequin dress strikes me as too much: gilding gold and painting lilies, as it were.

    But, again, the lines of the dress are sleekly elegant and suit the Princess's maturity. The full-skirted, ball-gown-style dresses with cap sleeves were a bit too youthful and unsophisticated even for someone in her 30s.

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  23. The Princess looks beautiful. The dress is so eye catching and the jewels are fantastic. My favorite piece is the brooch. It is such an interesting piece and even more meaningful if it is a gift from the King. I really appreciate that you include the looks from previous years in your posts. My favorite from this event is last year's red Jenny Packham.

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  24. Lovely all round. I wouldn't have minded a tiny tweak just to switch things up a touch - possibly the Strathmore Rose Tiara again? But actually, this look is stellar, so I'm all in with an exact repeat.
    Kudos to Camilla again for looking stunning in another piece from the vaults - she brought out Princess Louie's starburst for the Bond Premiere, and now this gorgeous Stomacher.

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  25. I like this dress. It is pretty for this event!I only wish she wore something else strictly for seeing a different fancy dress! Lol
    I do wish she wore a different tiara just because we see this one so often but I do still like it ☺️ I don’t like her hair slicked back like this, ever, at any event. It just doesn’t look good. The curls in the back look nice and full and not flat which is good! I wish we got a closeup of her sparkly shoes although we have saw them before! I don’t like the shape of these earrings. I think the big pears would be nice reworked and some other diamonds but I know that won’t be done. I just don’t like the shape at all, but I know for these events they take out expensive blingy items! I am glad she has a nice lipstick color on haha. I do like that clutch. I remember when she wore her all pink outfit when she was pregnant with George and she used this clutch, she also had similar matching pink pumps. It would have been nice if she wore those again since it would match nice and break up all the bling!

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    1. LOL, I love this post! It's written like it was thought, kind of like a 'he loves me, he loves me not' vibe.

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    2. Haha yes! This was my post. Lol. There was things I liked and things I didn’t but wanted to word it nicely lol! Glad I gave you a laugh!☺️

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  26. As a minimalist a dress like this gives me a migraine, lol! But I can still appreciate the design, K wears it very well. The only quibble I have is that the look seems very sparkly for a diplomatic reception (though it was perfect for a Jordanian wedding). I’d love to see a more classic evening gown in midnight velvet for this event :) - celticgirl

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    1. Migraine ... perfectly put :-D - and I agree - in Jordan this dress looked hot and suitable. Here, it looks a bit OTT - too many rhinestones together with diamonds and pearls.

      Nor am I a fan of the pulled hair, turning into a puff, followed by curls. I get sleek, which suits this dress perfectly - but her hair is now too long, and with a tiara on top, will be impossible to style differently without producing ... a migraine. Too much of a good thing, is not always wonderful, but simply too much.

      But the earrings are gorgeous (yes, I can be nice) - and suit her really well.

      Heidi

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    2. +1, -celticgirl! Zora from Prague

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  27. The belt or waistband on the dress looks a bit too low. I love her hair and the tiara.

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  28. Elegance, beauty, poise and kindness. What a gal our Princess is. And how lucky that William and Kate found each other.

    Although I generally prefer the pairing of a tiara with a formal updo, it is Kate's prerogative to mix it up. In the case of this gown, I think she chose correctly. The softness of loose curls are a way to offset the straight lines of the beaded column dress. Flawless.

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  29. Gorgeous, Gorgeous, Gorgeous.

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  30. she looks radiant nice repeat thank you Charlotte

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  31. Diane in California7 December 2023 at 04:46

    The look is stunning from head to toe!

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  32. I’m going to say it Kate looks stunning as usual. Camilla not so much. She looks not good and worn out aged badly. Sorry

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  33. Beautiful dress and a nice rewear.

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