Kate Middleton upcycles her Jenny Packham evening gown with the Queen's wedding diamonds

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Kate wore the dress to gala last night at National Portrait Gallery
Paired it with diamond necklace on loan from Queen Elizabeth
Previously wore dress in October to dinner at Kensington Palace
Gown by Jenny Packham, one of Duchess's favorite designers

PUBLISHED: 11:04 EST, 12 February 2014 | UPDATED: 13:05 EST, 12 February 2014

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are beloved by the nation for bringing a modern touch to the ancient institution of the British monarchy.

Notoriously sensitive to the economic climate Kate has managed to remain a fashion icon while embracing the high street and often recycling her expensive gowns.

And true to form last night the Duchess stepped out in a stunning gown which she previously debuted back in October.

Kate wore the Jenny Packham gown first in October (right) and then again last night (left)

The dress features a low sweeping heart shaped neckline and chiffon off the shoulder sleeves. The waist is accentuated with a contrasting black velvet belt and the skirt falls to the floor in soft pleats

The 32-year-old last night wowed in the floor length ink blue gown at a black tie gala at the National Portrait Gallery - after having first worn it in October at a Kensington Palace dinner in aid of people with addictions.

Part of one of the Duchess’s favourite designers, Jenny Packham’s Autumn/Winter collection, the dress features a low, sweeping, heart-shaped neckline and chiffon off-the-shoulder sleeves.

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The waist is accentuated with a contrasting black velvet belt and the skirt falls to the floor in soft pleats.

At a cost of £2,000 it is little wonder the frugal Duchess was keen to get another event out of the dress.

Catherine added some serious sparkle to the dress last night at the Portrait Gala with the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace, on loan from the Queen

The Duchess kept her neckline unadorned when she first wore the dress to the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Fundraising gala held for charity Action on Addiction in October

ACCESSORIES MAKE THE DRESS: PRICELESS NECKLACE THE QUEEN LOANED TO KATE

The Nizam of Hyderabad asked the Queen to choose two pieces from Cartier to mark her wedding in 1947 - and the then Princess Elizabeth chose a tiara and a necklace based on an English rose.

The tiara was subsequently broken up to create other pieces but the necklace remains intact. The Queen wears it occasionally still today.

Queen Elizabeth II pictured in 1953 wearing the necklace, a wedding present from the Nizam of Hyderabad

The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace was originally created by Cartier in 1930s.

It consists of a long chain of 38 diamonds (reduced from the original 46) with a diamond-encrusted snap. The centre of the necklace is pave-set with detachable double-drop pendant, 13 emerald-cut diamonds and a pear-shaped drop.

The original necklace consisted of eight double-drop and three triple-drop pendants.

However, nine of the pendants (all eight double-drop and the larger of the triple-drop pendants) were later removed and sold separately.

The necklace itself found its first owner in 1936 but Cartier repurchased it a year later.

Blending her thrifty sensibilities with a respect for the royal institution, Kate caused a stir last night by pairing the dress with a priceless diamond necklace on loan from the Queen. The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace was given to Her Majesty as a gift when she married in November 1947.

Perfectly displayed against the neckline of the dress, Kate’s jewels stole the show at the black tie Portrait Gala 2014 at The National Portrait Gallery.

The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace was originally created by Cartier in 1930s. It consists of a long chain of 38 diamonds (reduced from the original 46) with a diamond-encrusted snap. The centre of the necklace is pave-set with detachable double-drop pendant 13 emerald-cut diamonds and a pear-shaped drop.

However the Duchess has demonstrated the versatility of the gown when she wore it to more subtle effect just three months ago with minimal accessories.

Attending the dinner for one of her charities Action for Addiction days after Prince George’s christening she left her décolletage bare and wore just a single bracelet and simple diamond earrings.

She wore her hair down, with heavy eyeliner, blusher and nude lips to complete the elegant look.

The 100 Women in Hedge Funds (100WHF) philanthropic initiatives dinner raised money for the charity Action on Addiction, of which she is patron.

The Duchess has been slowly easing back into her royal duties, in particular supporting her personal charities, since the birth of Prince George last summer and will soon embark on an official visit to Australia with Prince William.

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Zi Zi, Matira Beach, French Polynesia, 3 hours ago

She could have used tax money and buy her own diamond necklace.

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CampbellNZ, Christchurch, New Zealand, 4 hours ago

I'm excited to one day see a constructive intelligent comment - would you all do far far better in her position? You must all be very amazing people.

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jazz2012, llanelli, United Kingdom, 7 hours ago

she could take a good look at some of the other royal ladies, seems she wants to be a royal and a model celebrity. doesn't work!

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Lisa Maria, London, United Kingdom, 14 hours ago

stolen from India. Give it back to them.

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CampbellNZ, Christchurch, New Zealand, 4 hours ago

hahahahaha - really? How do you steal a gift?

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Canadian Abroad, Dublin, Ireland, 15 hours ago

Notoriously sensitive to the economic climate Kate has managed to remain a fashion icon ..." Notoriously sensitive? Do you realise notorious means being famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed? Eg, "The Duchess of Cambridge is notorious for being afraid of work.

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Commander Keen, Disney, United Kingdom, 16 hours ago

BREAKING NEWS!!!! DRESSS!!!!!!! WOWZERS STOP DA PRESS YO!

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Melia, London, United Kingdom, 16 hours ago

Stunning gown? Can't see it. Bland and boring. Why do people think we would want to by anything she wears? Seriously, no one is that sad. There are plenty of women who wear inexpensive clothes and look stunning. Though I wouldn't mind some of Princess Mary's outfits.

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dandylion, Raleigh, United States, 12 hours ago

Agreed! One could put Princess Mary in a paper sack and she would make it the most glamorous paper sack on the planet. Her sense of style is truly amazing.

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swissmiss, geneva, Switzerland, 16 hours ago

wait until Cressida comes on the scene!

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Boismum, London , U.K., 16 hours ago

Fix the hair. Doesn't she read our comments for goodness sake?!?

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2 of 4 repliesSee all replies

Selliria, Oxford, United Kingdom, 12 hours ago

I actually really hope she DOESN'T read our comments. Half of them are so mean-spirited and over the top that it would break just about anybody's heart if it was being said about them. I completely understand that we reserve the right to be critical. Some of us don't like the institution she married into and we feel like we pay her bills. That being said, many of these comments cross the line from critical to downright rude. Nobody should have to read that kind of thing about themselves.