The Duchess of Gloucester’s Glittering Versailles Diamonds

On December 6, 2004, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester traveled to the Palace of Versailles, where they attended a fundraising gala dedicated to causes working to stop child abuse. Birgitte wore diamonds with a ruby-red velvet gown for the occasion. (The Gloucesters are pictured here with Anne-Aymone Giscard d’Estaing, who was France’s first lady from 1974 until 1981.)

Here’s a look at the back of the Duchess’s dramatic gown. I love that she chose a red velvet gown that flashes slightly green in bright light (like photographers’ flashes)—it feels very appropriate for December and the season of holiday celebrations.

She continued the red-and-green theme by carrying a lovely green embroidered clutch bag. She also brought a velvet wrap that matched her gown.

Red velvet pretty much requires diamonds and rubies, and the Duchess wore both for the gala. Her necklace, which features a large diamond ornament with diamond drop pendants, belonged to her mother-in-law, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. The pendant can also be worn as a brooch. It was a wedding gift to Alice from her parents-in-law, King George V and Queen Mary.

She also wore diamond and ruby earrings for the occasion.

She finished off the look with diamonds at both of her wrists. Overall, a really lovely look that still looks chic and occasion-appropriate more than 15 years later!