Catherine Dazzles in Jenny Packham Gowns but Crimson Necklace Sparks Style Storm After Cate Blanchett’s Critique

A Night of Glamour

When Catherine, Princess of Wales, stepped onto the red carpet, all eyes turned. Wearing not one, but two breathtaking Jenny Packham gowns throughout the evening — first a silver, floor-sweeping stunner that shimmered like moonlight, then a deep navy ensemble designed for the banquet itself — she was the epitome of elegance. Every entrance drew gasps, every flashbulb followed her, and even the celebrities on the guest list seemed to fade into the background.

“She looked like she had walked straight out of a fairytale,” one fashion editor sighed. “Even the chandeliers seemed to dim so her gowns could shine.”

The Necklace That Stole the Spotlight

But while the gowns captivated, it was the crimson necklace around Catherine’s throat that truly set the night ablaze. Bold, blood-red stones framed in diamonds, the piece commanded attention the moment she entered the banquet hall. Guests whispered to one another, photographers zoomed their lenses, and within minutes, social media was ablaze with speculation about its origins. Was it a hidden royal heirloom? A modern commission? Or perhaps a symbolic statement in scarlet?

Fans praised the choice as daring, a departure from the softer jewels usually favored by the Princess. “It’s not just jewelry — it’s a declaration,” one admirer posted online.

Cate Blanchett’s Shock Comment

Yet not everyone was convinced. The evening took a sharp turn when Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett, attending as an honored guest, was overheard making a pointed remark. Speaking quietly to a reporter after William’s speech, Blanchett reportedly said the necklace was “too blinding, almost overwhelming — it swallowed her elegance instead of elevating it.”

The comment, intended perhaps as a private observation, spread like wildfire within hours. By midnight, #NecklaceWar was trending on X (formerly Twitter), and the debate raged: had Catherine gone too far with her choice of statement jewelry?

Fans Divided

Royal watchers rushed to Catherine’s defense. “She looked radiant, powerful, and fearless,” one fan argued. “That necklace was the highlight of the night.” Others, however, sided with Blanchett, calling the jewel “distracting” and “too harsh” against the soft elegance of her gowns.

One viral post read: “Cate Blanchett was right — Catherine’s dress was perfection, but the necklace screamed for attention.” Another countered: “Cate is just jealous. Catherine proved she can outshine Hollywood and royalty in one move.”

William’s Moment Overshadowed

Adding to the drama, many noted that Prince William’s carefully crafted speech during the banquet was unintentionally overshadowed. While the future King spoke passionately about diplomacy and unity, much of the chatter in the room and online afterward centered not on his words, but on Catherine’s crimson jewel.

“She didn’t even say a word, yet she stole the entire evening,” one commentator observed. “That’s the kind of influence Diana once had — silent, but undeniable.”

The Symbolism of Red

For some, the necklace was more than a fashion choice. Style historians speculated that the scarlet stones may have been chosen deliberately, symbolizing strength, resilience, and passion. “Red is the color of courage,” one expert explained. “In a room full of glittering silvers and whites, Catherine’s choice was a statement: she is her own woman, unafraid to be bold.”

The Aftermath

By morning, headlines around the world were less about the diplomacy of the banquet and more about the so-called “red necklace storm.” Fashion magazines dissected every angle, television talk shows replayed Cate Blanchett’s remark, and fans flooded online polls about whether the Princess’s choice was inspired or misguided.

Meanwhile, the Palace has remained silent, refusing to comment on Catherine’s jewels or Blanchett’s remark — a silence that only fuels the intrigue.

A Royal Who Commands the World’s Attention

What cannot be denied is that Catherine once again proved her power to dominate global conversation. Whether through her Jenny Packham gowns or a single jewel that divided opinion, she demonstrated the rare ability to make the world argue over a detail of her look.

By the end of the night, it didn’t matter whether people loved the crimson necklace or hated it. What mattered was that everyone was talking about it. And in the world of royalty and fashion, that alone is victory.

As one headline perfectly summed it up: “William gave the speech — but Catherine gave the story.”