Kate Middleton channels Diana with touching detail at royal event

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talks to guests at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace
Kate was a vision in Diana's tiara. Photo: Getty Images

The holidays are in full swing and just like us, the royal family is busy celebrating.

At this year’s Diplomatic Corps Reception, which took place last night in London, senior members of the family including The Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge gathered at Buckingham Palace to host more than 1,000 guests and dignitaries from around the world.

To celebrate the evening, the Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning in a floor-length velvet Alexander McQueen gown, which she accessorized with a sentimental touch.

L0NDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talks to guests at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace on December 11, 2019 in London, England.(Photo by Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Kate greeted guests at the event. Photo: Getty Images

Kate’s pearl and diamond headpiece (the Lover’s Knot Tiara) once belonged to Princess Diana, and has become one of her favourites pieces to wear to official engagements since she first received it as a wedding gift.

In addition to being perfectly on-trend with a regal velvet finish, the 37-year-old royal’s McQueen gown featured a dramatic neckline that perfectly highlighted the diamond Nizam of Hyderabad necklace Kate was wearing, which was loaned to her by the Queen.

 Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace on December 11, 2019 in London, England.(Photo by Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Kate paired the Lover's Knot with a black gown. Photo: Getty Images

The gorgeous ensemble had a very Diana feel to it, from the tiara to the black velvet.

Diana famously wore a slightly more risqué take on the black dress after her divorce from Prince Charles to the Serpentine Gallery in 1994.

Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing the famous Christina Stambolian dress. Photo: Getty Images
Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing the famous Christina Stambolian dress. Photo: Getty Images

While we may not all be able to afford custom ballgowns and heritage diamond jewellery, we can still take plenty of inspiration from Kate’s fashion choices for our own holiday engagements.

Scroll through for a selection of affordable velvet looks that will have you feeling like the belle of the ball at your next holiday get-together.

The Iconic: Ada Off-Shoulder Lace Dress $72

Calli dress from the Iconic
Calli dress from the Iconic

ASOS: Curve velvet dress, $100

ASOS Design velvet dress. Photo: Asos
ASOS Design velvet dress. Photo: Asos

ASOS DESIGN one shoulder pleated crop top maxi dress, $96.00

Photo: ASOS
Photo: ASOS

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