Catherine Stole The Spotlight In A Daring Low-Cut Pink Gown And The Greville Ruby Necklace

The Princess of Wales has dipped into the late Queen's jewellery box again for State Banquet, and she has chosen a piece that hasn't been seen in public for decades. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, made a stunning appearance at a glittering State Banquet held in honour of the King and Queen of Spain. Dressed in a breathtaking dusty pink Marchesa gown, she radiated elegance alongside Prince William and other senior royals at Buckingham Palace. The sheer overlay added a touch of mystery, leaving just enough to the imagination. Once again, Catherine chose to wear the iconic Wales Lover's Knot tiara, a timeless piece she often dons for diplomatic receptions. Her favourite diamond and pearl earrings completed the ensemble, showcasing her refined taste in jewellery. However, the highlight of the night was Catherine borrowing the late Queen's bandeau necklace. This lavish diamond and ruby necklace, originally purchased from jeweller Boutron, held a rich history. It was a cherished gift from Lady Grieville to the Queen Mother and later passed on to Princess Elizabeth as a wedding present. Featuring intricate diamond flowers and single rubies, the necklace formed a deep V-shape, perfectly accentuating her pretty pink Marchesa gown. Catherine's choice of a plunging V-neckline in scalloped lace showcased her daring side, deviating from her usual conservative cuts. Despite the attention she commanded, she gracefully stayed in the background, allowing Queen Letizia to take centre stage. The sheer bell sleeves of her gown added an extra touch of drama, beautifully juxtaposed with its soft colour and delicate lace fabric. As tradition dictated, Catherine wore a tiara for the state dinner, the diamond and pearl Wales Lover's Knot tiara, beloved by Diana, Princess of Wales. Completing her ensemble were her cherished diamond and pearl drop earrings, adding a touch of sophistication. It appeared that Catherine wanted to raise the style stakes as she stood face to face with Queen Letizia, often compared on best-dressed lists. Letizia, never one to shy away from making a statement, donned an off-the-shoulder red gown paired with a glittering tiara inherited from her mother-in-law, Queen Sophia. Queen Camilla's outfit was equally striking, featuring the magnificent Gris Ville tiara on loan from the Queen, a treasured heirloom from her late mother. Guests at the Spanish state banquet indulged in a sumptuous menu, including medallion of Scottish beef and truffles in a Madeira sauce. The opulent Buckingham Palace ballroom provided the perfect backdrop, with the enchanting melodies of the Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra filling the air. This white-tie diplomatic reception serves as the social highlight of the year for London's diplomatic community, underscoring the Queen's pivotal role in the UK's international relations. Overall, Catherine's appearance was a true testament to her impeccable style and grace, honouring both tradition and her own unique flair, making the state banquet an evening to remember. Throughout the collection of bequeathed jewellery we have explored, characterised by its Art Deco aesthetic, there is one exquisite diamond and ruby necklace that stands out. Unlike the others, this necklace represents the swirling, floral and romantic style that gained popularity during Maggie Anderson's marriage to Ronnie Grisville in 1891. While many of Maggie's earlier jewellery pieces underwent modern transformations, this particular necklace remained untouched, retaining its distinct V-shaped form and large pendant drop. It was bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 1942, a time when she cherished floral and romantic jewels. Surprisingly, the Queen Mother never wore this piece, choosing to pass it along to her eldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth. In November 1947, Princess Elizabeth received the necklace as a wedding gift from her mother, and it was prominently displayed in newsreel footage showcasing the public exhibition of her wedding gifts. Following a popular style of the late forties and early fifties, the Queen had the diamond and ruby necklace shortened to rest closer to her throat, creating an elegant look. During the early years of her marriage, Princess Elizabeth adorned the necklace frequently for gala functions. In September 1951, just before embarking on an extensive visit to Canada and the United States, she wore the necklace for a film premiere in London, radiating regal elegance. Over the course of her seven-decade reign, the Queen has continued to occasionally wear this remarkable necklace. In a formal portrait captured in the spring of 1987, she paired it with the King George IV diamond diadem and Queen Mary's ruby cluster earrings, showcasing the timeless beauty and significance of this treasured jewel. Throughout generations, the diamond and ruby necklace has transcended time, leaving a lasting mark on the Queen's regal wardrobe and the history of the British monarchy. Its enduring beauty serves as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the era in which it was created.