The Duchess of Cambridge sparkled in a glittering emerald and diamond jewellery set borrowed from the Queen as she joined Prince William for the black tie engagement in Jamaica last night.
Kate, 40, wore the earrings and bracelet from the Emerald Tassel Parure collection, an impressive collection worn by the Queen on a number of previous occasions dating back to 1989.
The origins of the jewels have never been confirmed but they are believed to have been a gift from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, as pieces of the set were worn at a dinner he attended at Claridge’s Hotel.
The Duchess of Cambridge also sported her Royal Family Order – a decoration bestowed by the Queen on her female relatives – and the GCVO Star, which the monarch gifted to her in April 2019 for her eighth wedding anniversary.
Both are worn to black tie occasions such as state dinners and are a symbol of Kate’s seniority within the Royal Family.
All that glitters! The Duchess of Cambridge borrowed the Queen’s emerald and diamond earrings and matching bracelet (both pictured) for last night’s black tie engagement
Treasured: The Queen has worn the set on a number of occasions, including at a reception for the Obamas in 2011 (pictured). There is also a necklace (seen here) which Kate did not wear
The duchess finished off her green gown with matching emerald-and-diamond earrings and a bracelet borrowed from the Queen for a glittering state dinner on Wednesday night
An honour from the Queen: The Royal Family Order worn by the Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess of Cambridge is wearing the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II, pictured, for the first time
The Duchess of Cambridge is wearing the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II.
The honour is bestowed by Her Majesty to female members of the royal family and is worn on white tie occasions such as state banquets and the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.
The order, which is also worn by the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Anne and the Countess of Wessex, features a jewel encased image of the Queen pinned on a chartreuse yellow ribbon and worn on the left shoulder.
The miniature portrait, painted on glass, depicts the Queen as a young woman in evening dress wearing the ribbon and star of the Order of the Garter.
The image is bordered by diamonds and surmounted by a Tudor Crown in diamonds and red enamel. Its reverse, in silver-gilt, is patterned with rays and depicts the royal cypher and St. Edward’s Crown in gold.
The Duchess of Cambridge first wore the Order to a state dinner in honour of the King and Queen of the Netherlands in October 2018.
The diamond and emerald jewels perfectly complemented the Duchess of Cambridge’s bespoke Jenny Packham gown, thought to be a customised version of the designer’s £3,791 ‘Wonder Glitter Tulle Gown’.
The set also features at least one ring, although Kate chose to leave this at home, alongside the necklace.
The necklace and earrings incorporate diamonds and emeralds set in gold in a design of knots and tassels with emerald ends.
Meanwhile, Prince William appeared suave in black tie as they arrived at a dinner thrown in their honour by the Governor General at King’s House, his Kingston residence – the most glamorous event so far of their tour.
Tribute to the Queen: The Duchess of Cambridge opted for jewellery from the Queen’s collection
Black tie jewels: The Queen wearing the same earrings and matching necklace (which Kate chose not to wear) at a Buckingham Palace banquet during the G7 Summit in 1991
He was given a polite round of applause after expressing ‘sorrow’ for slavery in a speech to Jamaica during the event.
The duke delivered his seven minute address to a complete and respectful silence ballroom at the Govenor General’s home caller King’s House.
Ninety invited guests listened to duke’s every words before tucking into a four-course meal.
William and Kate met Jamaican leaders in the mansion’s cocktail room.
Kate bonded with opposition leader Mike Golding – whose party has said it wants Royal Family to further and apologise for slavery and pay millions in reparations.
Both revealed they had studied at St Andrews, although Kate’s alma mater was in Scotland and the politician said his was in the US.
Meanwhile, Prince William appeared suave in black tie as they arrived at a dinner thrown in their honour by the Governor General at King’s House
The Duchess donned an emerald dress believed to be a bespoke version of British fashion designer Jenny Packham’s £3,791 ‘Wonder Glitter Tulle Gown’ for the special occasion
It is not the first time Kate has worn designs by the UK fashion label, which counts Angelina Jolie and Taylor Swift among its A-list fans
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet Holness arrive ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for a dinner
But they chatted amicably and Kate told him: ‘I loved my time there.’
Mixing with VIPs in the room William was told how England ace Raheem Sterling had carried out work to help inner city kids in Kingston.
William smiled and recalled his football kickabout in Trench Town. He said: ‘I have a soft spot for Raheem.’
The couple walked along the veranda at the mansion’s dining room greeting guests.
Kate was heard saying: ‘It was great I wish I could stay longer. We were tempted by the beaches. Amazing scenery.
Prince William was given a polite round of applause after expressing ‘sorrow’ for slavery in a speech to Jamaica during the event
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (centre) talk with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left) and the Governor General of Jamaica Patrick Allen (right) ahead of the dinner
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the dinner hosted by Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica, at King’s House in Kingston, Jamaica
‘Next time we have to come back with the children.’
Speaking to another group of diners before the banquet, she said: ‘The country is beautiful. We just scratched the surface. It’s been so short.’
They also recreated a photograph taken of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on the staircase when they visited in 1954.
The duke took his seat in the ballroom at the top table – just under a EXIT red fire escape sign.
He sat with Kate, Governor General Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and their wives.
They ate a four course meal of creamy roasted pumpkin and potatoes, sea bass, garden salad and suzette fanned crepe plus Jamaican Petit Fours.