Princess of Wales Steps Out for a Rare Red-Carpet Appearance in Vibrant Purple

Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales made a glamorous appearance last night at the world premiere of Tom Cruise’s new film, Digger, in London, joining Tom Cruise, director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and other cast members at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square.

For the occasion, the Princess of Wales turned heads in a stunning evening gown, choosing a long-sleeved silk-chiffon dress in a rich violet shade by British fashion designer Jenny Packham. The Princess looked radiant with her neutral makeup, accessorising the look with the stunning heart-shaped amethyst pendant and pearls, paired with Princess Diana’s iconic teardrop pearl earrings.

Princess of Wales Brings a Century-Old Royal Jewel Out of the Vaults

After 14 years in the royal vaults, the Princess of Wales brought the Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace back into the spotlight. The necklace was last seen in 2012, when the then Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla, brought the historic piece back into view at the London premiere of Skyfall, bringing it back after it had not been seen for nearly 90 years.

The pearl necklace—featuring diamonds and amethysts—originally belonged to Queen Alexandra, the Queen Consort and later Queen Dowager, who was the wife of King Edward VII and grandmother of King George VI. She gifted the necklace to granddaughter-in-law Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the future Queen Mother) upon her wedding day in 1923. 

The necklace was later seen among the Queen Mother’s jewellery at Buckingham Palace and resurfaced in 1925, following Queen Alexandra’s death. The Queen Mother chose to wear the piece during the official period of court mourning as a tribute to her late mother-in-law until Queen Camilla brought it back into public view in 2012.