Velveteen queen! Catherine is stunning in navy floor-length gown and Diana’s tiara

The Duchess of Cambridge is no stranger to official royal events, having been a senior ranking member of the British royal family for more than eight years since marrying Prince William in 2011. And over the years Catherine has perfected her sense of style when it comes to carrying out her duties, particularly when it comes to sophisticated white tie looks.

The mother-of-three put on a dazzling display on Wednesday evening as she joined the Duke of Cambridge, along with Her Majesty the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, for a swanky reception at Buckingham Palace.

The annual Diplomatic Reception was attended by more than 1,000 guests, predominantly members of the Diplomatic Corps who are a collective group of foreign diplomats who represent their home nations in the UK.

Kate stole the spotlight on the night though as she stepped out in a stunning navy velvet gown by Alexander McQueen which fell to the floor and featured statement shoulder pads. The long-sleeved gown also featured an eye-catching sweetheart neckline, which perfectly framed the diamond necklace that the duchess had loaned from the Queen for the evening.

Catherine completed the effortlessly elegant look with a matching pair of drop diamond earrings and gave a sweet nod to her late mother-in-law by wearing the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara, which is synonymous with Princess Diana, having been gifted to her on her wedding day to Prince Charles in 1981.

The elaborate headpiece is a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge’s and she has worn it on many occasions in the past.

The duchess also donned the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order on a blue sash, after being given the honour by Queen Elizabeth II back in April in recognition of her services to the sovereign. Kate also wore the Queen’s Royal Order on her left shoulder, which features a jewel encased image of the Queen pinned on a yellow ribbon.

Also in attendance at the event was the Duchess of Cornwall who looked equally as resplendent in an ivory A-line gown which featured subtle embroidery across the skirt and up the sleevs. As is the custom, Camilla also completed her outfit for the white tie event with a stunning tiara.

Camilla’s choice of headwear was the Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara for the event, which previously belonged to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, while she also wore the Queen’s Royal Order on the left shoulder of her gown.

Meanwhile Her Majesty the Queen was dressed in a white floor-length gown adorned with lace, with a matching pair of white evening gloves. The monarch added the wow factor though by opting to wear the bold Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara, which is heavily adorned with diamonds and green emerald drops.

She paired the tiara with a matching emerald necklace and drop earrings featuring the same stone.

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A statement on the Royal Family’s official Instagram page following the event read: “Tonight The Queen and Members of The Royal Family welcomed the world’s ambassadors to #BuckinghamPalace at the annual Diplomatic Reception.

“The reception, attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps based in London, supports the work of the Royal Family in representing the UK at home and abroad. This work includes the hosting of State Visits and The Queen’s regular audiences with Ambassadors and High Commissioners.”