Duchess Catherine chose an outfit and accessories rich in royal history, making a memorable statement while supporting the East Anglia Children's Care Foundation, which she passionately supports as a patron. She chose a blue dress that Jenny Packham treasured, first wearing five years ago. The vintage-inspired dress sparkled beautifully under the chandeliers and was paired with LK Bennett's soft tan heels from 2017, adding an elegant touch to her look.
She also carried a silk Prada clutch, which she balanced delicately while enjoying a glass of wine, showing effortless sophistication. The gala attracted around 80 notable guests, including supporters from the United States, all gathered to promote fundraising efforts for the East Anglia Children's Hospice. Catherine's regal look was enhanced by her choice of jewellery. She wore the iconic Queen Mary's Diamond Bar necklace as a bracelet, a striking Art Deco piece steeped in rich royal history.
Originally designed as a necklace, the bracelet features stunning diamond bars arranged in a geometric 1920s style. It was part of Queen Mary's extensive jewellery collection, which she treasured. After her death in 1953, it was hidden away for decades until the Queen Mother wore it as a bracelet in a 1975 portrait commemorating her 75th birthday. In 2002, after the Queen Mother’s death, the bracelet was given to Queen Elizabeth II, who kept it in her private collection for many years.
Catherine first wore the bracelet to a state banquet in 2015, pairing it with a lotus tiara and another of Queen Elizabeth’s bracelets. At the banquet, the Diamond Bar necklace sparkled alongside the chandelier diamond earrings she wore to her first state banquet in 2015. The earrings have become a key part of her royal journey. Under Catherine’s patronage, the charity has raised £2.5 million, with the aim of opening a new hospice the following year.
Her dedication to the charity, along with her meaningful outfits, highlighted her commitment to both her royal legacy and her charitable work. The Diamond Bar necklace, which represents nearly a century of history, was the perfect choice for such an important occasion. It was last seen in public in 2019 when Catherine wore it with a custom Alexander McQueen dress at the BAFTA Awards, making it one of her go-to pieces for high-profile events.
The bracelet not only reflects Catherine’s unique style, but also her connection to the lineage of royal women who came before her. Catherine’s presence at the gala was more than just attendance; it demonstrated her continued dedication to upholding royal traditions while supporting important causes. This thoughtful blend of modernity and heritage resonated deeply with fans around the world, demonstrating the timeless appeal of royal heritage.