Diplomatic Reception Gown

One of Lady Diana Spencer's wedding gifts from the Queen was the loan of Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara. This impressive piece of royal jewelry became closely associated with the Princess of Wales, even though she would say it was so heavy it gave her a headache. After her death it reverted to the royal vaults, and wasn't seen again until December of 2015, when her daughter-in-law Kate was seen wearing it as she and William were chauffered to the Queen's Diplomatic Reception, a glittering white tie affair and the largest function of the year at Buckingham Palace. (above left). This, combined with the fact that Kate has worn royal tiaras on only a very few occasions, sent royal watchers abuzz. As no photos of the event are published, the only tantalizing glimpse of her gown was a lace covered neckline and short sleeves. Fashionistas were left guessing until the spring of 2016, when a documentary released for the Queen's 90th birthday showed some brief footage of the event, and most of the gown was revealed (right)>

It is believed to be a custom design by Alexander McQueen, in ice blue satin with a lace overlay on the bodice, short sleeves, and a flowing skirt. There is also what appears to be a matching belt. It has been speculated this may be the same gown she wore to the same event in 2013 (below left), worn with the same earrings. In the 2015 wearing, diamond bracelets are visible, believed to have been lent by the Queen.


This recreation for the Franklin Mint vinyl Kate Middleton doll is in pale blue satin and lace. It features the solid sweetheart neckline of the original and, again as with the orignal, a boatneck pale blue lace overlay on the bodice. The sleeves have a pleated cap and also are satin with the lace overlay. It has a full skirt and matching belt. The bodice and sleeves are lined in white, the skirt is unlined. Comes with 'diamond' earrings and bracelets. The tiara is from the Franklin Mint Diana Princess of Wales porcelain doll (the one in the 'Elvis' gown), and the shoes are from the Franklin Mint Princess of Grandeur doll.

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