The next five weeks will be a marathon of party dates as we hurtle towards Christmas. And attending the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall last night, the Princess of Wales confirmed that the festive season has officially begun, choosing a velvet dress and sparkling accessories for the event.
She and the Prince of Wales were matching in velvet, as they arrived for the annual event which benefits those in the entertainment industry with grants. The event began way back in 1912, and this was the fifth version that the Princess has attended, though the first in two years, after she missed the 2025 edition due to her cancer diagnosis.
In a departure from her recent muted tailored looks, she chose an emerald-green, off-the-shoulder gown with a mermaid-style train thought to be by Munich-based designer Talbot Runhof. It’s the first time she has worn the label, having previously opted for looks from her tried and tested favourites, such a Jenny Packham and Alexander McQueen to attend the black tie event.

To up the festive factor on her look, Kate wore platinum and diamond chandelier earrings from the royal collection, which she paired with a teeny sparkling clutch. She wore her hair in tumbling curls, matched with a smoky eye and pink lip.
The earrings are early 20th century and were originally owned by Dame Margaret Greville, before being gifted to Queen Elizabeth II.
While most events don’t call for priceless heirlooms, the Princess has confirmed that dramatic drops are the perfect way to up the ante on your party looks this season.
From Bucherer’s exquisite diamonds to Marks & Spencer’s affordable option, here are five of our favourite chandelier earrings to make your outfit glitter.

Marks & Spencer Embellished chandelier drop earrings, £18.50, marksandspencer.com

The White Company Ox deco waterfall drop earrings, £55, thewhitecompany.com

Bucherer Inner fire earrings, price on application, bucherer.com

Swarovski Imber drop earrings, £154, swarovski.com

Isabel Marant Freya embellished clip-on drop earrings, £275, mytheresa.com