Kate Middleton stepped out in rarely seen royal jewels for her first red carpet appearance in months.
The Princess of Wales, 44, joined husband Prince William, 43, at the London premiere of “Digger” on Tuesday, where she wore the Queen Mother’s Amethyst Sautoir Necklace, a piece that has spent most of its century-long history locked away from public view.
The necklace, a wedding gift from Queen Alexandra to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923, features pearls, diamonds and amethyst surrounding a heart-shaped gemstone pendant. It surfaced publicly just once in recent memory, when Queen Camilla, 77, wore it to the 2012 “Skyfall” premiere paired with a violet velvet dress.
Middleton matched the purple stones with a custom long-sleeved Jenny Packham gown in a similar royal hue. The design featured sheer, voluminous sleeves, and she styled her hair in an elegant half-updo with cascading waves.
She also wore her beloved Collingwood pearl drop earrings, a familiar favorite in her jewelry rotation.
William accompanied her in a black velvet jacket and bowtie. The couple mingled on the red carpet with the film’s cast, including Tom Cruise, Jesse Plemons and Emma D’Arcy.
Other attendees included Salma Hayek, Jodie Turner-Smith and Hannah Waddingham.
The outing marked Middleton’s return to the red carpet after several months away from high-profile events. Her previous major premiere appearance came in February at the BAFTA Awards, where she wore a blush Gucci gown.
The amethyst necklace carries particular significance as one of the royal family’s more secluded treasures. Unlike pieces that rotate regularly through state occasions and diplomatic events, this sautoir has remained largely out of sight since the Queen Mother’s era.
The “Digger” premiere also drew several other notable figures beyond the royal couple and the starring cast. The gathering brought together British royalty and Hollywood stars on a single red carpet, with Middleton’s jewelry choice providing the evening’s most direct link to royal history.
Middleton has developed a pattern of selecting meaningful jewelry for major appearances, often incorporating pieces with historical resonance or personal significance. The Queen Mother’s necklace extended that approach to one of the family’s most rarely displayed heirlooms.