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DARING DUCHESS

Kate Middleton takes the plunge in one of her most daring dresses yet as she attends Buckingham Palace banquet wearing Princess Diana’s dazzling tiara

The banquet was held in honour of Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia during their three-day state visit

THE Duchess of Cambridge took the plunge in one of her most daring outfits to date as she dressed up for a special banquet at Buckingham Palace last night.

Kate, 35, showed off a stunning jewelled diamond necklace as she opted for a rather low-cut neckline on her lacy floor-length dusty pink gown.

The Duchess wore a dusty pink Marchesa dress with a plunging neckline for the state banquet
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The Duchess wore a dusty pink Marchesa dress with a plunging neckline for the state banquetCredit: Sourced
Kate showed off a stunning jewelled diamond necklace with her risque dress
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Kate showed off a stunning jewelled diamond necklace with her risque dressCredit: Sourced

It was a surprisingly risqué choice for the Duchess, who often favours more conservative outfits.

Kate was joined by husband Prince William, The Queen and Prince Philip, Prince Harry and Prince Charles and Camilla for the banquet to welcome Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia for a three-day visit.

She teamed her stunning lace Marchesa gown with a diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara - once loved by Princess Diana.

The tiara was made by Royal jewellers Garrard in 1914 to a personal design by Queen Mary.

It was a copy of one owned by her grandmother, and was left to the Queen who wore it regularly.

Diana received it as a wedding present from the Queen, and it is reportedly so heavy it gave her headaches when she wore it.

The Duchess of Cambridge looked beautiful in a tiara loved by Prince William's mother Diana
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The Duchess of Cambridge looked beautiful in a tiara loved by Prince William's mother DianaCredit: Max Mumby

 

Guests at the Spanish state banquet gathered in the Buckingham Palace ballroom before dining on medallion of Scottish beef and truffles in a Madeira sauce.

To start, they also enjoyed poached salmon trout and fennel in a white whine veloute sauce - while a dark chocolate and raspberry was served for dessert.

The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra provided unusual background music which included Coldplay and Adele's theme song from James Bond film Skyfall.

THE VERDICT

KATE needed to play an ace to trump Queen ­Letizia last night and took the plunge in a daring dress.

The duchess opted for a dusty pink lace frock with ­risqué neckline accentuated by a huge statement necklace.
The gown was given the perfect princess touch with the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara.
Other than the unnecessary drop earrings, that took the accessorising a little too far, Kate’s look was both elegant and glamorous.

  • By Joely Chilcott

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All senior members of the British monarchy were among the guests, along with Theresa May and prominent members of the Cabinet.

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn could not make it due to 'diary commitments', represented instead by Emily Thornberry.

Princess Diana often wore the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara which now belongs to Kate
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Princess Diana often wore the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara which now belongs to KateCredit: Getty Images
Spain's Queen Letizia also stunned in an off-the-shoulder vivid red gown
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Spain's Queen Letizia also stunned in an off-the-shoulder vivid red gownCredit: Getty Images

The banquet is thought to be Prince Philip's last - but it was Prince Harry's first as he moves into a more full-time position.

Meanwhile the Queen appeared to acknowledge the issue of Gibraltar in a speech - saying Spain and Britain did not always see "eye to eye".

The Queen shares a moment with Spain's King Felipe VI during the banquet
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The Queen shares a moment with Spain's King Felipe VI during the banquetCredit: PA:Press Association

On the menu at Buckingham Palace

  • To start: Poached fillet of salmon trout with fennel in a white wine veloute sauce
  • Main course: Medallion of Scottish beef with truffles in Madeira sauce, served with fondant potatoes, yellow and green courgettes, runner beans with sauteed radishes and a celeriac salad
  • Dessert: dark chocolate and raspberry tart

Her comments came after King Felipe VI confidently told Parliament his country and the UK will overcome their "differences'' and find a solution "acceptable to all involved".

She said: "A relationship like ours, founded on such great strengths and common interests, will ensure that both our nations prosper, now and in the future, whatever challenges arise.

Prince Charles and Camilla were also seen arriving at the banquet
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Prince Charles and Camilla were also seen arriving at the banquetCredit: Rex Features
All senior members of the royal family attended, as well as senior politicians including Theresa May
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All senior members of the royal family attended, as well as senior politicians including Theresa MayCredit: PA:Press Association

"With such a remarkable shared history, it is inevitable that there are matters on which we have not always seen eye to eye. But the strength of our friendship has bred a resilient spirit of cooperation and goodwill."

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