LONDON, United Kingdom – September 11, 2025 – Just 15 minutes ago, Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, captivated onlookers at a glittering charity gala at Buckingham Palace, stepping into the spotlight in a breathtaking off-shoulder gown and a dazzling necklace inherited from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. The radiant moment, which left Prince William visibly speechless, marked a triumphant return for Catherine, who has gracefully resumed public duties following her cancer treatment in 2024. The event, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, drew a star-studded crowd, but it was Catherine’s elegance and poignant tribute to Diana that stole the evening, igniting social media and earning admiration worldwide.
The gala, held in the grand State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, was a high-profile affair attended by dignitaries, celebrities, and philanthropists, all gathered to honor Diana’s legacy of compassion and advocacy. The Memorial Fund, established after Diana’s tragic death in 1997, supports causes close to her heart, including youth empowerment, mental health, and humanitarian aid. Catherine, 43, who has long championed similar causes, used the occasion to unveil a £2 million grant for mental health initiatives, echoing Diana’s trailblazing work. Yet, it was her appearance—described as a perfect blend of modern glamour and royal tradition—that left the room in awe and sparked a frenzy of admiration online.
Catherine arrived arm-in-arm with Prince William, 43, at 7:45 PM, descending the palace’s grand staircase in a show-stopping off-shoulder gown designed by Alexander McQueen, a designer she has favored for landmark occasions, including her 2011 wedding. The gown, a deep emerald green with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt, featured delicate crystal embellishments that caught the light, evoking the bold yet elegant style Diana was known for. The off-shoulder neckline, a nod to Diana’s iconic fashion choices, framed Catherine’s poised silhouette, while her sleek updo accentuated the evening’s pièce de résistance: a stunning emerald and diamond choker, once a favorite of Princess Diana.
The necklace, valued at an estimated $20 million, is a historic piece from the Delhi Durbar Parure, originally gifted to Queen Mary in 1911 by the Maharani of Patiala to commemorate the coronation of an emperor during British rule in India. Crafted by Garrard, the choker features a cascade of diamonds and emeralds, with a central cabochon emerald drop that gleams with regal splendor. Diana famously wore it as both a necklace and a headband, most memorably during a 1985 gala in Melbourne, Australia, where she paired it with an off-shoulder gown, cementing its place in fashion history. Catherine, who inherited the piece from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection after Diana’s death, last wore it at the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston, but tonight’s appearance marked its first outing at a Buckingham Palace event, a fitting tribute to Diana’s legacy.
As Catherine entered the ballroom, a hush fell over the crowd, and all eyes turned to her. Prince William, dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, appeared momentarily stunned, his expression softening into a proud smile as he leaned in to whisper something to his wife, prompting a warm laugh from Catherine. Guests later reported that William seemed “speechless,” his gaze fixed on Catherine as she moved through the room, greeting attendees with her signature warmth. One guest, a long-time supporter of the Memorial Fund, remarked, “She looked like a vision from another era, yet entirely herself. William couldn’t take his eyes off her—it was as if Diana’s spirit was in the room.”
The choice of jewelry was deeply symbolic. Catherine has often honored Diana by wearing her pieces, including the iconic sapphire engagement ring and South Sea pearl earrings, but the emerald choker carried particular weight tonight. Diana wore it during some of her most memorable appearances, including a 1986 gala in Vienna and a 1991 state visit to Canada, often pairing it with vibrant gowns that reflected her bold personality. Catherine’s decision to wear it for an event celebrating Diana’s charitable legacy was seen as a deliberate nod to her mother-in-law’s enduring influence. Royal historian Tessa Dunlop noted, “Catherine’s choice was a masterstroke—honoring Diana’s style while reinforcing her own role as a modern royal carrying forward that legacy.”
The gala itself was a blend of elegance and emotion. Catherine delivered a heartfelt speech, standing beneath a portrait of Diana in the palace’s Picture Gallery, where she announced the new grant and shared personal reflections on Diana’s impact. “Her compassion knew no bounds,” Catherine said, her voice steady but emotional. “She taught us that love and kindness can change lives, and tonight, we carry that forward in her name.” The room erupted in applause, with many guests visibly moved. William, seated beside her, reached for her hand, a rare public gesture that underscored their shared commitment to Diana’s causes.
The evening featured performances by artists Diana admired, including a string quartet playing Elgar’s “Nimrod,” a piece performed at her funeral, and a surprise appearance by Elton John, who sang a stripped-down version of “Candle in the Wind,” rewritten in 1997 as a tribute to Diana. Guests, including actresses Emma Thompson and Carey Mulligan, mingled with beneficiaries of the Memorial Fund, such as young leaders from disadvantaged communities. The menu, inspired by Diana’s love of simple yet elegant fare, included smoked salmon canapés and a raspberry pavlova, her reported favorite dessert.
Social media exploded with praise for Catherine’s appearance and the event’s significance. A photo of her descending the staircase, the emerald choker glinting under chandeliers, went viral, amassing over 15 million views within minutes. Fans posted, “Kate is channeling Diana’s grace and glamour—absolutely stunning,” and “That necklace is a piece of history. She’s honoring Diana perfectly.” The hashtag #PrincessCatherine trended globally, with users comparing her gown to Diana’s iconic off-shoulder looks, like the 1985 Victor Edelstein “Travolta dress.” Some even speculated that the gown’s green hue was a subtle nod to the emerald choker, creating a cohesive tribute.
The event also highlighted Catherine’s resilience. After completing cancer treatment in 2024, she has gradually returned to public life, focusing on causes like early childhood development and mental health. Tonight’s appearance, radiant and confident, silenced any lingering concerns about her health, with observers noting her strength and poise. “She’s not just back—she’s shining,” wrote one commentator on X. The presence of George, Charlotte, and Louis earlier that day at a private tribute to Queen Elizabeth II added a familial warmth to the week’s events, reinforcing the Wales family’s role as the monarchy’s future.
William’s reaction was a talking point in itself. Known for his reserved demeanor, his visible awe at Catherine’s entrance was a rare glimpse into their personal dynamic. Aides later shared that William had been involved in planning the gala, ensuring it reflected Diana’s passions, but Catherine’s choice of the choker was a surprise even to him. “He was completely taken aback,” one aide said. “It was a moment of pride and love, but also a reminder of his mother.” The couple’s unity, especially amid ongoing tensions with Prince Harry, underscored their strength as a team.
The absence of Harry and Meghan, who sent a written message of support for the Memorial Fund, was felt but not dwelt upon. Harry’s own tribute to Diana earlier that week, a private wreath-laying at Windsor Castle, suggested a parallel commitment to her legacy, but the brothers’ estrangement remained a quiet undercurrent. Catherine’s focus, however, was unwavering, her presence a bridge between Diana’s past and the monarchy’s future.
As the evening drew to a close, Catherine and William mingled with guests, with Catherine’s choker drawing admiring glances. She shared a light moment with Elton John, who reportedly joked, “Diana would’ve loved that you’re wearing her sparkle.” The night ended with a toast to Diana’s memory, led by William, who said, “To my mother, whose light continues to guide us.” The room raised glasses, and Catherine’s smile, framed by the emerald choker, was a beacon of hope and continuity.
This unforgettable moment—Catherine in Diana’s necklace, William’s speechless admiration, and a celebration of a beloved princess—has cemented Catherine’s place as a modern royal icon. The image of her in the emerald choker, a piece that once adorned Diana’s neck and forehead, will linger in history, a testament to the enduring power of style, legacy, and love. As the world watches, Catherine has proven that she can steal not just eyes but hearts, carrying Diana’s spirit into a new era.
