A gift from William? Duchess Kate dazzles in £1,900 gold drop earrings

By SADIE WHITELOCKS and REBECCA ENGLISH



The newly-married Duchess opted to wear eye-catching £1,900 18ct gold drop earrings



While the Duchess of Cambridge's regal plum outfit bagged all the headlines in today's papers, it was a more understated element of her gorgeous outfit that has added extra sparkle.

For Kate was wearing a stunning pair of diamond and citrine earrings as she attended church at Sandringham for the first time yesterday.

Along with her made-to-measure Jane Corbett hat, the newlywed also wore an eye-catching pair of 18ct gold drop earrings.



Made by Chelsea-based Kiki McDonough, famed for her use of vibrant semi-precious stones in daring colour combinations, the 18ct gold drop earrings are worth a cool £1,900.

And the favourite theory among royal watchers and gossips is that they were a Christmas present from her husband, Prince William.

Kate is a fan of the brand and has been spotted at various royal outings wearing the bold designs.



Kate has also been spotted wearing a small silver, diamond-studded cross on a chain with matching diamond earrings by Chelsea-based designer Kiki McDonough



Pieces worn this year include a small silver, diamond-studded cross on a chain with matching diamond earrings and a pair of 18 carat gold Citrine Drop earrings valued at £495 to the Epsom Derby.

Intriguingly, Kiki's designs were once worn by William’s mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as the likes of actresses Rosamond Pike and Emilia Fox.

Kiki who's been designing pieces of jewellry for around for 25 years, told Vogue: 'It is wonderful to see such a stylish young person wearing my designs.

'As a 'modern Royal', Catherine is as chic when dressed down as she is at formal engagements - my jewellery is designed to be worn every day, and Catherine does this beautifully.'



The vertiginous £169 black suede heels were by Spanish designer Mascaro, which also produces the Pretty Ballerina range of pumps favoured by the Duchess



She added: 'I once counted Princess Diana as one of my most loyal customers and we always had such fun choosing designs for her to wear - she took great pleasure in wearing my jewellery.

'It is a very special added extra that Catherine now enjoys wearing my designs too.'

All eyes were on the Duchess, who will turn 30 in January, as she attended a community service with her husband, Prince William on Christmas morning.



First Christmas as a married couple: Prince William escorted his stunning wife to the church



Understated princesses: It was only Eugenie's peony that stood out (left) while Beatrice looked smart in a simple coat and hat with a clutch bag



Zara Phillips - who now uses the name Tindall - attended the traditional event with her husband, Mike, wearing a black collared coat topped with a black ruched hat



‘It reminded me of the Diana years – when she introduced Prince William to the crowds when he was about seven or eight. It was touching. Diana used to have her hand on his back.

‘Now you see William with his hand on Kate’s back. It was really nice.’

With his elder brother taken off the market, it was Prince Harry who was the subject of most female attention.

Several shrieking girls in the crowd tried to attract the 27-year-old prince’s attention.

He obliged by giving one a kiss. Inundated with requests from other fans, he blushed and said: ‘I can’t give you a kiss. I’ve already kissed her.’

Also in the royal party, Canadian-born Autumn Phillips – daughter-in-law of Princess Anne – patted her bump protectively. She is expecting her second baby with the princess’s son, Peter, in the spring.



The Duchess of Cornwall wore a colourful ensemble (left) while the Queen Queen opted for a lavender wool boucle coat by Karl Ludwig with a glittering diamond and pearl brooch (right)



Wrapped up warm: Princess Eugenie of York and pregnant Autumn Phillips waited outside the church after the service and prayers for Prince Philip



source: dailymail