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Duchess Kate stuns in Princess Diana's signature tiara

It was the second time Kate has donned the pearl-and-diamond tiara, which once belonged to her mother-in-law.
/ Source: TODAY

It was a glamorous night for the British royal family, where everyone got to dress the part of their regal titles by donning gowns, sashes and tiaras.

All eyes were especially drawn to Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, as she arrived Thursday evening for the annual diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace in a royally red Jenny Packham dress, the same one she wore to an equally formal banquet last year.

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But this time, it wasn’t her gown or even her hair that drew attention, it was what she wore on top of her head: the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara, the signature headpiece that belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrives for the diplomatic dinner at Buckingham Palace.Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock

Queen Elizabeth gave the pearl-and-diamond tiara as a wedding gift to Diana in 1981. The princess was known to complain, however, that the tiara’s weight often gave her headaches.

Princess Diana
Princess Diana wearing her signature Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara.Tim Graham / Getty Images

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The diplomatic reception is one of the most anticipated events to take place each year at Buckingham Palace.

In addition to Duchess Kate, Queen Elizabeth also donned a tiara, one with sapphire and diamonds, and a blue sash.

The Annual Diplomatic Corps Reception At Buckingham Palace
Queen Elizabeth and other members of the British royal family upon arrival Thursday night at Buckingham Palace for the annual diplomatic reception.Getty Images

Prince Charles, the second in line to the thrown, also attended the event with his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, along with his father, Prince Phillip, and son, Prince William.