The Duchess of Cambridge shows the royal way to do Christmas party dressing in a new Jenny Packham gown

The Duchess of Cambridge hasn’t had a major glamour moment in a few months, but attending the Royal Variety performance at the London Palladium last night, she offered a  reminder of her ability to dial up the regal glitz when the occasion calls for it.

While many pregnant women might struggle with what to wear for a black tie do with a burgeoning bump, Kate turned to one of her most trusted designers, Jenny Packham, for a solution in the form of a bespoke, embellished design similar to a look in her AW17 collection.

On the catwalk, the dress came in cream with only a mini-length slip beneath the tulle. The Duchess’s version was, naturally, more demure  with a full length icy blue silk slip dress with a lace trim underneath a sheer layer with long sleeves embellished with clusters of crystal and sequins.

Kate amped up the twinkly effect further still by adding sparkly Oscar de la Renta heels and a pair of chandelier diamond earrings which she has on long term loan from The Queen and has worn several times before. 

Amongst the Duchess's online fans, comparisons were made with the pale blue, glittering look of Frozen's Elsa, a style reference of which Prince George and Princess Charlotte would surely have approved.

For two other evening engagements in recent weeks, Kate has worn a black lace Diane von Furstenberg dress which she first wore in 2014. The decision to wear a new dress last night- one of the highlights of the royal calendar- evidences the careful balance of frugality and opulence which royal women seek to strike through their style choices. 

Last night's gown is the latest addition to the Duchess's collection of  timeless evening looks from Packham. In Paris earlier this year, Kate debuted a new silver column dress with botanical-themed embellishments for a reception to celebrate British-French relations. Other Packham-designed highlights include a lace-backed turquoise gown which Kate wore for an Olympics dinner in 2012 and a similar red style which offered a diplomatic nod to the guests of honour at the Chinese State Banquet held at Buckingham Palace in 2015.

Another niche in the Duchess's wardrobe which Packham has come to 'own' is the coming-home-from-hospital look. She was responsible for both the spotted blue tea dress and the yellow and white floral shift which Kate wore to bring home George and Charlotte respectively. So it seems likely that she will win the commission again when the Cambridges' third child is born in April. 

 Jenny Packham also counts Angelina Jolie, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Kim Murray amongst her well-known clients who turn to her for glamorous red carpet failsafes. The designer's other expertise is in romantic bridal dresses, a speciality which may pique the interest of Meghan Markle if rumours of an engagement to Prince Harry are confirmed.  

For now though, it is Kate setting the royal standard for Christmas party dressing.