Oh my sparkles, am I delighted that Her Royal Highness chose to re-wear that gorgeous, show-stopping Jenny Packham gown we first saw five years ago at the ARK gala.
The setting sun in King’s Lynn, England provided perfect lighting for Catherine’s entire look, which consisted of a chic AF up do, the Queen’s chandelier earrings and those darling L.K. Bennett bow heels.
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Tonight’s engagement was the must-anticipated gala dinner supporting East Anglia Children’s Hospice nook at Houghton Hall, owned by the Cambridge’s friends, the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley.
Even better, it’s a mere 3.5 miles from the Cambridge’s country home/”primary” residence Anmer Hall.
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As patron of EACH, Catherine was the guest of honor, and seats were highly sought-after, if you can imagine.
A similar version of the pearlescent rose sequin gown with Swarovski crystal (from Packham’s Spring 2011 collection, according to What Kate Wore) was originally worn by Leighton Meester’s character, Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl.
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Just a few months later, the newly-titled Duchess of Cambridge wore it to the Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) Gala Dinner on behalf of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry at Kensington Palace.
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I believe Catherine carried the same pink satin Prada clutch from the ARK gala and L.K. Bennett’s Agata bow heels.
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As far as jewelry, the chandelier earrings have been worn to several formal occasions, including the 2011 BAFTA gala in Los Angeles, the October 2015 Chinese State Visit and the 2015 Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.
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@AnnieElizabethN confirms that the bracelet is made from Queen Mary’s choker, which Catherine wore to the the Chinese State Visit as well.
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According to Richard Palmer of the Daily Express, the Duke of Cambridge was delighted to tuck into the evening’s five-course meal prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.
“William has to put up with my cooking most of the time,” Catherine told the chefs outside the hall during a pre-dinner reception.
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“It’s the reason I’m so skinny,” William quipped.
#Treatyoself
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Funds raised from the dinner will go towards building a new hospice in Norfolk for the charity (which is estimated to cost over $14 million). So far, according to Palmer, the charity has been able to raise nearly $4 million.
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We don’t normally see the Duchess of Cambridge with a drink in hand, and though she isn’t big on the sauce, I believe that combined with her jovial mood tonight indicate that she’s becoming more and more comfortable in these public settings.
Embrace the royal lifestyle, Catherine. The rest of us have to use coupons at the grocery store and fly coach.
PHOTOS: Every Single Jenny Packham Gown Catherine Has Ever Worn
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