Kate Middleton wears Princess Diana’s tiara as she joins Prince William at Buckingham Palace reception
KATE Middleton proved herself to be every bit the dazzling Duchess as she joined Prince William for the Queen’s Diplomatic Reception this evening.
The Duchess of Cambridge paid tribute to her husband’s late mother by wearing the Lover’s Knot tiara previously owned by Princess Diana.
The headpiece was made in 1914 and given to the Princess of Wales by the Queen as a wedding gift in 1981 and it has gone on to become one of Kate’s favourite pieces.
The Cambridges arrived at Buckingham Palace together to celebrate the annual white tie Diplomatic Corps reception hosted by the Queen.
The glittering event takes place every December and is attended by foreign ambassadors based in the UK, reflecting the importance of the monarch’s international relations.
Kate, 37, was all smiles as she arrived at tonight’s reception dressed in a regal blue velvet ball gown by her wedding dress designer Alexander McQueen, and the tiara wasn’t the only piece she borrowed from the royal jewellery box.
THE LOVER'S KNOT - KATE'S FAVOURITE TIARA
Also known as the Queen Mary Lover's Knot Tiara, the Queen loaned this piece to Diana as a wedding gift.
The piece is a replica of an 1818 design based on one belonging to Queen Mary's grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse.
Despite opting not to wear it on her wedding day, Diana was a big fan of this tiara, though she previously admitted it gave her headaches because it was so weighty.
It went back into the Queen's collection after her death.
The Duchess of Cambridge first wore the tiara in 2016 (left).
It has since become a popular choice for Kate for state dinners and diplomatic occasions.
The mother-of-three was also seen wearing the bejewelled Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, a piece that comes from the Queen’s personal collection.
It has been worn by Kate on previous occasions but was originally gifted to a young princess Elizabeth back in 1947 by Asaf Jah VII, the Nizam of Hyderabad.
She could also be seen wearing the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, which is the highest rank equivalent of a Knight.
Kate was bestowed the honour by the Queen in April, and a similar gesture was given to the Duchess of Cornwall back in 2012.
Kate and her grandmother-in-law are said to share a very close relationship, and the award is thought to highlight Kate's important work as a member of the royal family.
Her chandelier diamond earrings are also thought to be on loan from the Queen but Kate made sure to pay tribute to Princess Diana with her tiara choice.
Queen Mary left the tiara to the Queen, who wore it at a number of events.
She then gave it to Diana as a wedding present, who wore it at a number of times - including on an official visit to Washington with Prince Charles.
KATE'S HONOUR FROM THE QUEEN
Kate could be seen wearing a red and blue sash this evening accompanied by the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
The honour was bestowed upon Kate in April on her and William;s 8th wedding anniversary and is the highest rank equivalent of a Knight.
Her Majesty made a similar gesture to the Duchess of Cornwall in 2012, gifting Camilla the same title on her and Prince Charles' seventh wedding anniversary.
Awards in the Royal Victorian Order are bestowed personally by the Queen for services to the Sovereign.
Kate and her grandmother-in-law are said to share a very close relationship, and the award is thought to highlight Kate's important work as a member of the royal family.
Kate joined the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne, the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Gloucester who also have the title.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, was appointed the order in 2017 while Harry was named a Knight Commander of the order in 2015.
The Dame Grand Cross was founded in April 1896 by Queen Victoria as a way of rewarding services to the monarchy.
Kate was joined by Prince William, 37, who looked typically dapper in a coat and tails, with a white bow tie, following the strict dress code.
Prince Charles and the Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall followed behind.
Meanwhile Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were noticeably absent from the reception this evening.
Meghan and Harry are currently on a six-week break from royal engagements, although the palace has remained tight-lipped on their whereabouts.
The couple were absent from President Trump meeting with the Queen and other Nato world leaders at Buckingham Palace last week.
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