This dress is not new. Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, rewore the Jenny Packham navy evening dress that she wore last October. She wore it to last night's National Portrait Gallery fundraising gala, as she is patron of the museum. She looked lovely of course.

But, while the dress isn't new, there are several key point of difference in her look last night. These include that her hair was not curled. Waved, yes. But thankfully and blissfully she has at last realised that the ringlet curls are completely out-dated. The loose waves that have replaced the curls are lovely and more natural and will do for now. I would still have preferred her hair up.

Another new variation is the heavy diamond necklace, borrowed from HRH the Queen. Now Kate has erred on the side of fashion for her accessories up until now. Even with an evening dress she has been known to throw on a cheap and cheerful neck piece from the high street. So this necklace is a massive departure.

Kate is a simple, ordinary girl. She likes very pared back style. Nothing too fussy, nothing too ostentatious. She always keeps things neat and tidy. So that she chose to go so dramatic with the necklace last night may be a bold statement from her.

Actually, I think she is making a point. This is after all, one of the Queen's flashiest pieces, gifted by Nizam of Hyderabad from Cartier, for her wedding. It was designed and made in the 1930s. I don't think that Kate is going to easily be bullied into changing her style. Even if the order does come from the Queen. Good girl.