Here’s Why Kate Middleton Was Wearing a Blue Sash at Last Night’s Royal Reception

Published Dec 12, 2019

•

3:43pm

The royal family broke out the sashes and tiaras for at last night’s reception at Buckingham Palace.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Diplomatic Corps reception, an annual event for 1,000 guests including ambassadors, high commissioners and government officials, on Wednesday evening. The event was hosted by Queen Elizabeth.

For the occasion, Middleton opted for a navy velvet gown with long sleeves by Alexander McQueen paired with a Nizam of Hyderabad necklace and her go-to headpiece—the Lover’s Knot or Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara. She topped off her look with a sash and medals signifying honors bestowed to her by Her Majesty.

WPA Pool / Pool/ Getty Images

The sash reflects her position as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, which was bestowed to her on April 29 (also Kate and Prince William’‘s eighth wedding anniversary) by Queen Elizabeth.

This is the second time we’ve seen the duchess sporting the sash—she debuted it earlier this year during a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

If you didn’t know, the Royal Victorian Order was created by Queen Victoria in 1896 to allow her to recognize people who helped her or represented her. The ruling monarch personally selects who is given the honor. So, it’s kind of a big deal.

Sashes, tiaras, medals and rings? There's a lot going on here (and we are loving it).

Alexandra Hough

read full bio