Kate Middleton channels Princess Diana as Prince George makes his Festival of Remembrance debut at the Royal Albert Hall

In a dramatic shift from her traditional all-black Remembrance ensembles, the Princess of Wales opted for the sombre black dress with contrasting prairie collar. The outfit was reminiscent of one worn by Princess Diana at the 25th London Film Festival, although many of the late royal’s looked featured the distinctive oversized collar.

The Princess of Wales and Prince George at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall

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The dress was reminiscent of one worn by Princess Diana at the 25th London Film Festival

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Glittering at Kate’s lobes were the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings, which once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. The Princess of Wales has worn the jewels on a number of previous occasions – and they have a fascinating history. The then Princess Elizabeth created from a cache of seven pearls, which she received as a wedding present in 1947 from the Hakim of Bahrain. The earrings are comprised of round diamond studs, from which are suspended round and baguette-cut diamonds in an Art Deco style, plus two of of the Bahrain pearls.

In the earl years of her marriage, the Queen wore these earrings often for gala occasions and official portraits, including one taken in the 1950s – when she teamed them with two other wedding presents, including the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara and the City of London Fringe Necklace. In 1982, the Queen loaned the earrings to Princess Diana, who appeared to like them just as much, often teaming them with Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, which was another favourite.

It marked Prince George’s first appearance at a Remembrance event and a major moment in his preparation as a King-in-waiting.