Kate Middleton just wore a rare royal necklace that's over 100 years old

The Prince and Princess of Wales attended the London world premiere of Tom Cruise's film Digger. The royal couple walked the red carpet in elegant ensembles but Kate Middleton's century-old heirloom piece stole the spotlight.

Kate Middleton never disappoints when it comes to fashion. She brings the right amalgamation of contemporary silhouettes, royal elegance and historic heirloom pieces. More often than not, her accessories have a story to tell, and her latest look was no exception. This time, her ensemble came with a century-old royal reference.

The Princess of Wales stepped out in London with her husband, Prince William, for the world premiere of Tom Cruise’s latest film, 'Digger'. The couple attended the premiere at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, on September 22. The British royals have also attended the London premiere of Cruise's 'Top Gun: Maverick' in 2022.

For the occasion, the Princess turned to a very Hollywood mood and wore a purple, flowy gown by British fashion designer Jenny Packham. The dress featured a plunging neckline, ruched details gathered around the waist, billowing sleeves and an elegant train sweeping the floor. Quite the red-carpet moment.

The Princess kept the rest of her beauty look polished yet unfussy. Her hair was styled in soft waves and pulled into a half-up style. For the glam quotient, she kept it minimal with light smoky eyes and glossy pink lips that struck the right balance with grace.

While the gown sat perfectly with the Hollywood glamour vibe, it was the jewellery with its regal sparkle that simply stole the spotlight. The Princess of Wales, wore a piece from the royal vault that dates back more than a century.

A century-old royal jewel

Middleton accessorised the gown with the Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace, a spectacular piece that is rarely seen in public. The necklace combines pearls, diamonds and amethysts and carries quite the royal family history. It was presented to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the Queen Mother) by Queen Alexandra as a wedding gift in 1923.

In fact, this piece from the royal jewellery vault has become something of a movie jewel. Not only does it make rare public appearances, but the necklace has also had its share of red carpet moments over the years. Queen Camilla, when she was still the Duchess of Cornwall, wore the historic piece to the premiere of 'Skyfall' in 2012.

The necklace wasn't the only piece of royal history that the princess carried onto the red carpet.

According to People's magazine, she also wore pearl drop earrings that once belonged to Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana, giving the look another subtle connection to the family’s jewellery archives. And this will not be the first time the Princess of Wales has elevated her style with Princess Diana’s jewellery pieces.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales looked dapper in his black velvet double-breasted jacket and bow tie. It definitely completed his wife's full-glamour gown.

The premiere supported the Film and TV Charity, which works with people across the film, television and cinema industries, focusing on wellbeing and creating more supportive workplaces.

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