The Duchess of Cambridge look stunning at the BAFTAs on Sunday evening in a floor length dark green Jenny Packham gown, which she accesorised with diamond and emerald jewellery. Kate wasn't just making an excellent style decision with her choice of statement earrings and necklace – she was also continuing a long royal tradition by opting for the striking green precious stone. The Queen, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana were all big fans of emerald jewellery too, and it seems the Duchess may have been inspired by them.
Kate's stunning jewellery complimented her green gown
This art deco emerald choker - which Diana wore multiple times, including to this banquet at Claridges - is known as the Cambridge Emerald Choker and originally belonged to Queen Mary. It was passed to the Queen in 1953, who in turn loaned it to Diana. It soon became one of the Princess's signature pieces.
This choker originally belonged to Queen Mary
The Queen is no stranger to emeralds herself either, and is often spotted in necklaces, earrings and brooches featuring the pretty gem. She wore this drop-pendant necklace and earrings while attending a gala at the Wales Millennium Centre in 2004.
The Queen's jewellery collection features a number of emerald pieces
Another famous fan of emerald jewellery was Elizabeth Taylor. The Hollywood legend owned one of the most valuable private jewellery collections in history, with some of the most recognisable pieces belonging to the Bulgari Emerald Suite. These matching earrings, necklace and bracelet were gifted to her by husband Richard Burton, and she was regularly spotted wearing them. After her death in 2011, her entire collection was auctioned for $115.9 million, setting a new world record.
Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari emerald necklace was one of the stars of her jewellery collection
Unlike the majority of attendees at the 2018 BAFTAs, Kate chose not to wear black to the event. Other female stars on the red carpet event showed their support for the Time’s Up movement by opting to wear black gowns - and the Duchess has been subject to some criticism for not following suit. However, it seems the pregnant royal was simply following protocol, which dictates that members of the royal family remain neutral on political campaigns and do not make overtly political statements.
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Kate was joined by her husband Prince William at the glittering awards on Sunday night. William, who is president of BAFTA, was given the honour of presenting the Fellowship Award to Sir Ridley Scott. The royals had the best seats at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and were welcomed by BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry. This is the second time Kate has attended the film awards; the first was last year, when she wore a black floral, off-the-shoulder gown.