The Princess of Wales pulled a major jewellery surprise this
week when she chose a century old piece that’s rarely been seen in
recent years for a star studded film premiere.

Kate rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in
Hollywood, including Tom Cruise, at the first showing of
Digger, held at Leicester Square in central London
complete with red carpet and big crowds.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were at the glittering event to
support the Film and TV Charity and Kate made sure she brought all
the sparkle with a stunning necklace that has been hidden behind
palace doors for several years.

For this gala moment, the Princess chose purple, traditionally
the most regal of colours as, for centuries, it was very hard to
create in cloth form. In the 21st century, that’s not a problem and
Kate wore a full length Jenny Packham gown in deep purple that
featured flowing sleeves and a deep, V neckline. That was the
perfect setting for a necklace of pearls, diamonds and
amethysts.

The gem in question dates back to 1923 when it was given by
Queen Alexandra to the bride of one of her grandsons. Lady
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was about to marry the second son of King
George V. Alexandra was grandmother of the groom, Albert, and
presented his bride to be with a striking diamond and pearl
necklace that was completed by a romantic, heart shaped
amethyst.

It was a modern and fashionable piece of jewellery for the young
bride and its stylish design is perhaps no surprise when the
interests of the two women involved in the creation of this royal
jewels are considered. Alexandra had been, for decades, one of the
most fashionable royals around. She had arrived in England in 1863
to marry the future Edward VII. From the moment she set foot in her
new home, her style was followed with deep interest. As Princess of
Wales, she became a fashion leader. Her interest in clothes had
started when she was growing up in Copenhagen when she and her
family made their own outfits. It continued through her life.

Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon was also way ahead of her times with
fashion choices and would cause controversy with an on trend
wedding dress that was very far removed from the traditional royal
look of lace, orange blossom and myrtle. Queen Alexandra, now a
dowager, chose a modern piece of jewellery for this new royal
bride. It was a sweet and understanding gesture and gave a new
duchess a fashionable gem to enjoy amidst a sea of more usual
pieces of jewellery.

The necklace is actually a sautoir and it’s rarely been seen in
public. The bride who received it would go on to become Queen
Elizabeth when her husband unexpectedly took the throne as King
George VI ono the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII. In 2012,
Queen Camilla wore the jewel to the premiere of Skyfall, a rare
outing for the gem.

Now, the Princess of Wales has worn the jewel and its history
mean that it links her to three different queens – Alexandra,
Elizabeth and Camilla. It’s a fitting pick for a princess in line
to become queen herself one day.

All photos by Andrew Parsons/ Kensington Palace